Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham has played the role of head football coach but also hype man since he arrived.
His “Activate the Valley” call for fans to give the football program a jolt has been answered through a 4-1 start, and the Sun Devils again have an opportunity on national television to stand out with a 7:30 p.m. MST Friday kickoff against the Utah Utes.
The theme night tone is set, and it’s a dark one.
ASU is asking fans to wear all black, though the team will be wearing a maroon jersey combination.
Into the night π#ForksUp /// #ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/twqkRbAZp3
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 9, 2024
The Sun Devils are coming off a home win against Kansas that saw a strong 54,639 in attendance despite a tied record of 107 degrees at kickoff in Tempe.
“That crowd was a game-changing crowd,” Dillingham told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Thursday. “Even at the end of the game, (former ASU quarterback) Jake Plummer waits 45 minutes to talk to me after my press conference to say, ‘Man, the energy in this place just feels different. That’s what it’s supposed to feel like. I haven’t felt that in years. … I think that just goes to the ‘Activate the Valley’ call. This can be really, really fun to go watch Sun Devil football games.
“Let’s sell this place out, let’s get a crowd. Let’s make it loud. It’s a blackout even though we’re wearing maroon jerseys. It is what it is. I can’t help you, I didn’t know about it either.”
For fans bothered by a tidbit of inconsistency, ASU athletic director Graham Rossini explained the blackout game without black uniforms.
“Apologies for the confusion. I’ll own this one – we prioritized the gold (uniform) strategy uniform this fall and didn’t have enough time to pull off a black one once game themes were set,” Rossini wrote on X. “We could have been more clear when themes were posted. That’s on me.
“But we’re still asking fans to wear black – such a cool scene in the stadium for night games!” he added. “Come join us and pour some more energy into this incredible team of Sun Devils!”
Utah is wearing white uniforms vs. Arizona State
The Utes are leaning into the villain role this week.
They will wear white jerseys, pants and helmets with red lettering and numbering.
ππππ€ π ππ§π’ππ¨π«π¦π¬ ⚪⚪⚪ pic.twitter.com/WVpyInLblH
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 7, 2024
from Arizona Sports https://ift.tt/E2sHS8h
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