ASU’s Kenny Dillingham credits Clash of Clans for players’ edge in close game moments

When it comes to preparing for close game situations, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has a preference of how his players prepare for those scenarios off the field. Even if it’s just playing video games.

Dillingham went into detail on Monday about how his players playing competitive games, including Clash of Clans, is a better way to prepare for those close game moments rather than passive scrolling on TikTok.

“If you have people who are on TikTok all day, they’re are probably not used to being in the biggest competitive moment and having to be your best,” Dillingham said.

“When you have people who play these weird Clash of Clans (games) and all this other stuff now, they’re making decisions in real time at the lunch room and I’m like ‘Well it’s better than watching a video.'”

Kenny Dillingham on the competitiveness of his players. pic.twitter.com/hn5l5JVNEj

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 30, 2025

The Sun Devils (4-1, 2-0) are coming off a close 27-24 win against TCU on Friday. Close games have been a trend for ASU as of late as eight of the Sun Devils’ last 18 games have been decided by seven points or fewer. The Sun Devils are 7-1 in those games.

Dillingham said having players that are competitive off the field and in high pressure scenarios makes it an easier transition to come up clutch in big game moments.

“Competitive people are used to competing and when you’re used to competing, you’re used to being in pressure scenarios,” Dillingham said.

ASU will be on a bye this week before traveling to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Utes on Oct. 11. Kickoff is at 7:15 p.m. MST and can be seen on ESPN2.

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