TEMPE — After Arizona State’s 42-10 loss to Utah on Saturday, head coach Kenny Dillingham said the team needs to play better as injuries continue to mount and another tough opponent looms this weekend.
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Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) catches a pass against TCU defensive back Channing Canada (7) on his way to a touchdown during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
ASU was without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt on Saturday, with no timeline for his return, and announced that center Ben Coleman will miss the rest of the season. With No. 7 Texas Tech coming to town Saturday, Dillingham’s Sun Devils are being put to the ultimate test.
“The reality is nobody cares,” Dillingham said on Monday, regarding a “next-man-up” mentality. “You’re playing football at Arizona State now. There’s expectations at Arizona State that used to not be here… With that comes handling expectation. It’s nearly impossible to consistently reach expectations … Regardless of who’s playing, nobody cares.”
Arizona State defensive end Justin Wodtly (95) rushes against TCU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Texas Tech’s rise into the AP Top 10 has put the school in a brighter spotlight, with Saturday’s game particularly drawing interest around the country. For ASU fans, they hope their team will make the necessary adjustments and rediscover its identity ahead of a critical game.
Dillingham gave a message to fans ahead of Saturday’s game: Be loud.
Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devil fans during the game against Texas State Bobcats at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
“I don’t know what they’re ranked, but this is a top-five team in the country,” Dillingham said. “We need to be loud, we need to be fiery. This is an absolute game-changing environment we can create.”
Despite the challenges ASU has faced this season, the team holds a 4-2 record and has a chance to overcome adversity in one of its most important games of the year — no matter who plays.
👀 pic.twitter.com/I1KJb86Nr7
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 13, 2025
Arizona State and Texas Tech face off on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
ASU’s AP ranking drop underscores tough road ahead against No. 7 Texas Tech
