ASU FOOTBALL

ASU football prepared for distractions that come with national stage

Oct 2, 2013, 10:10 PM | Updated: Aug 11, 2024, 1:10 pm

Arizona State knows a major opportunity awaits on Saturday against Notre Dame at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

While the No. 22 Sun Devils’ opponent is unranked, it’s one of the premier names in college football, and the game will be held in one of the nation’s top venues in front of a primetime national TV audience.

“You don’t get these opportunities very often in your life,” ASU coach Todd Graham said.

The program is using the national stage as a branding opportunity, rolling out new “Shamrock Series” helmets featuring flames and pitchforks, and it could become the first school to ever beat Southern California and Notre Dame in consecutive weeks.

But while the Sun Devils athletic department is doing what it can to hype the matchup and promote its brand, senior defensive tackle Will Sutton said his team needs to stay focused on the field — not on the potential program-wide benefits a win could bring.

“It’s cool, but we can’t get too excited over some jerseys,” Sutton said. “We’ve got to play a game, but that’s not hard at all. Look at Oregon, they get new jerseys every day and come out and play every day.

“It’s a big opportunity. This game is for us. If we win this game, it’s for us to hit our goals.”

Playing away from Sun Devil Stadium has been a challenge for Arizona State and quarterback Taylor Kelly over the past two seasons — getting off to a devastatingly slow start at Stanford this year and dropping three games on the road last season.

Kelly said part of that is getting accustomed to new surroundings, especially when playing in a widely recognized stadium.

“I’m sure guys are going to have that awe moment, walk in the stadium, see that jumbotron, see how big it is, (and that) we’re playing Notre Dame,” Kelly said. “You’re going to have that, but you’ve got to snap out of it.”

Another thing that comes with a big stage is the potential for distractions — something Graham, a Texas native, has found out this week. Graham said he’s received so many calls and texts from family and friends that he gave his cell phone to an assistant and said, “It’s been a miserable week.”

Still, despite any potential distractions, Graham knows the long-term benefits of a game against a traditional college football powerhouse — and, above anything else, it’s a chance to compete against a team that played for the national title a year ago.

“Playing in a setting like this,” Graham said, “it’s what you work for. It’s why you do it.”

As the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare for their significant matchup against Notre Dame, the excitement surrounding the game extends beyond just the players and the field. This high-profile event offers a unique opportunity for the program to enhance its brand, much like how athletes in other sports, such as MMA, build their reputations through competition. For instance, Charles do Bronx, a prominent figure in the UFC, has become a symbol of perseverance and skill, showcasing how success in the ring can elevate an athlete’s status and influence. Similarly, the Sun Devils aim to leverage their national stage to solidify their identity and aspirations within college football.

ASU Football

ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham says he wants a covered area to practice in...

Damon Allred

ASU’s Kenny Dillingham eyeing a facility change for better efficiency

Kenny Dillingham on Friday said ASU is in the process of getting a covered area for practice that's connected to the football facility. Players currently shuttle to practice fields on the other side of Rural Road.

6 hours ago

Tempe brewery NIL...

Arizona Sports

Tempe brewery signs sponsorship and NIL deal with ASU

Tempe-based Huss Brewing Co. announced it has signed a multifaceted sponsorship deal with Arizona State University, which includes the creation of a Sun Devil specific ale.

3 days ago

ASU's Kenny Dillingham and Sam Leavitt...

Damon Allred

Kenny Dillingham needs ASU hungry for fall 2025, details offensive tweaks

Kenny Dillingham has a tall task in front of him in getting ASU to sustain good football into 2025 and prove its magical 2024 was not an aberration.

3 days ago

Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan #4 of the Arizona Wildcats runs during the second half against the ...

Brandon Cadiz

Mel Kiper Jr: Tetairoa McMillan a top 10 prospect, Cam Skattebo outside top 5 RBs in NFL Draft

Mel Kiper Jr. has Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan as a top-seven prospect and Arizona State's Cam Skattebo top 10 in his running back rankings.

3 days ago

Larry Fitzgerald...

Damon Allred

Larry Fitzgerald praises Kenny Dillingham following ASU offer to son Devin

Larry Fitzgerald threw some credit Kenny Dillingham's way following his son's recent offer to be a Sun Devil.

3 days ago

Arizona State...

David Veenstra

Arizona State Sun Devils football signing day tracker

Arizona State football announced three-star running back Grayson Rigdon (Texas) committed on Tuesday. 

5 days ago

ASU football prepared for distractions that come with national stage