Arizona State Stuns Utah in Thrilling Upset: Coach Dillingham's Passionate Postgame Interview Steals the Show
The atmosphere at Mountain America Stadium was electric after Arizona State's thrilling 27-19 upset over No. 16 Utah on Friday night, and at the center of it all was ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham. His postgame interview has already gone viral, with some calling it the "greatest postgame interview of all time." Dillingham’s raw emotion was evident as he praised his team's relentless fight and competitiveness. "This team fights, and they fight and they fight. That’s who you need to talk to right now! Not me!" Dillingham passionately exclaimed, directing the attention away from himself and toward his players.
ASU’s victory over Utah wasn’t just a regular win—it was monumental, especially considering the backdrop of the season. ASU was picked to finish last in the Big 12 this year, while Utah was expected to contend for the top spot. With this victory, Arizona State improved to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, defying all preseason predictions. Utah, meanwhile, dropped to 4-2 and 1-2 in the Big 12.
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The Sun Devils’ defense was nothing short of stellar. Redshirt senior linebacker Caleb McCullough seized his moment, stepping up in the absence of Keyshaun Elliott, who was suspended for the first half. McCullough intercepted two passes, including one that sealed the game late in the fourth quarter, while also leading the team with 12 tackles. His performance embodied the resilience that has come to define this ASU squad under Dillingham’s leadership.
Offensively, Arizona State leaned heavily on senior running back Cam Skattebo, who racked up 158 yards on 22 carries and scored two touchdowns. Skattebo’s relentless ground game wore down Utah's defense and played a pivotal role in the victory. On the other side, Utah's Micah Bernard had an impressive night with 129 rushing yards and a touchdown, but his efforts couldn’t rescue the Utes from a well-prepared Arizona State defense.
Utah’s veteran quarterback, Cam Rising, struggled in his return, completing just 16 of 37 passes for 209 yards and throwing three costly interceptions. His lingering injury issues continue to raise questions about his performance and long-term health. The Arizona State defense capitalized on his struggles, holding Utah’s offense to well below their season averages.
In a moment that could define the early years of Kenny Dillingham’s tenure, the win over Utah felt like a turning point for the Sun Devils. Not only did Dillingham and his squad topple a ranked opponent, but they did it with a mix of resilience, passion, and strategy that could make Arizona State a force to reckon with moving forward. Dillingham’s postgame words, full of energy and pride, reflected the spirit of a team that refuses to quit—something that fans, players, and even opponents can’t help but notice.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: ASU’s win over Utah will be remembered not just for the upset, but for the undeniable fire and leadership Dillingham displayed both on and off the field. It was a night that cemented his growing legacy and showcased the bright future of Arizona State football.
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