TEMPE, Ariz. — The Kenny Dillingham era kicked off as Arizona State hosted Southern Utah University at Mountain America Stadium. While kickoff was set at 7 p.m., the final play of the game did not come until past 1 a.m. thanks to the unpredictable Arizona weather. The head-spinning week highlighted by the announcement of ASU’s self-imposed bowl ban ended with a sloppy 24-21 win. The bizarre night, which included a nearly three hour weather delay following a haboob and lightning storm, fits Arizona State’s mentality heading into the season: ASU versus the world.
Before ASU could even play its first game of the season, the team received the devastating and demotivating news that they will not participate in postseason bowl play, decision made by ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson and President Michael Crow.