Arizona State begins season at home against Southern Utah

TEMPE, Ariz. – A new era of Arizona State football officially kicks off Thursday, August 31, as the Sun Devils host the Southern Utah Thunderbirds in their 2023 season opener. The highly anticipated debut of head coach Kenny Dillingham is set for 7 p.m. MST at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe. Fans unable to attend in person can catch the action live on the Pac-12 Network.

The matchup against the FCS Thunderbirds marks a pivotal moment for ASU, signaling the start of a comprehensive rebuilding effort under the 33-year-old Dillingham, who is the youngest head coach in the Power Five. Tasked with overhauling a program significantly impacted by an NCAA investigation, Dillingham’s roster features more than 80 new players, including over 50 transfers, making this arguably one of the most drastic one-season roster transformations in college football history.

Dillingham, an Arizona native and ASU alum, has emphasized establishing a new cultural foundation, focusing on effort, discipline, and a strong local identity. “This is not just about wins and losses on day one,” Dillingham recently stated. “It’s about how we practice, how we compete, and how we represent this university and this state.”

The Sun Devils’ quarterback situation has been closely watched. Freshman Jaden Rashada, a highly touted recruit who competed for the starting job, is currently sidelined with an injury. This development points to former Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne as the likely starter for Thursday night. Pyne brings previous FBS starting experience, a valuable commodity for such a new team. Experienced senior Trenton Bourguet, who started several games last season, remains a viable option and could also see snaps.

Southern Utah, led by head coach DeLane Fitzgerald, enters the game coming off a 5-6 record last season as members of the Western Athletic Conference (now the United Athletic Conference, or UAC). The Thunderbirds will look to veteran quarterback Justin Miller and running back Braedon Wissler to lead their offense. While FBS teams typically hold a significant advantage over FCS opponents, Southern Utah will be aiming to capitalize on ASU’s newness and inexperience playing together.

This contest marks the first-ever meeting between Arizona State and Southern Utah.

Unique circumstances surround this season opener for the Sun Devils. The program self-imposed a bowl ban for the 2023 season in response to an ongoing NCAA investigation into alleged recruiting violations under former head coach Herm Edwards. This ban underscores Dillingham’s long-term vision, shifting the focus from immediate postseason aspirations to cultivating a disciplined, cohesive unit for future success. While a victory is the immediate goal, the broader objective for Dillingham and his staff is to instill a resilient culture that can navigate the challenges and lay the groundwork for a sustained competitive program.