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Arizona State Begins New Era in Big 12 with Season Opener Against Wyoming
Arizona State is kicking off a new chapter as they enter their first season in the Big 12 after two tough back-to-back 3-9 seasons. The Sun Devils are looking to start this fresh journey on a high note as they host Wyoming on Saturday night in Tempe, Arizona.
Arizona State’s Fresh Start Under Dillingham
Head coach Kenny Dillingham, who had a challenging debut season with the Sun Devils, is shifting the focus to steady progress rather than aiming for specific win totals. After a difficult 2023 season, Dillingham’s top priority is to see improvement in every area.
“We want to get better,” Dillingham said. “We want to grow every single day. There’s not a win total. There’s not a goal like that. It’s just to be the very best we can be at everything we do.”
Last season was rough for Arizona State, with several lopsided losses, including a 29-0 defeat to Fresno State and heavy Pac-12 losses to Utah, Oregon, and Arizona. However, the Sun Devils are eager to turn the page and embrace the new opportunities this season brings.
One of the bright spots for the Sun Devils is promising quarterback Jaden Rashada, who started last season before a knee injury limited him to just three games. After undergoing thumb surgery on his throwing hand, Rashada missed spring drills. But the quarterback picture has changed with Sam Leavitt transferring in from Michigan State and winning the starting job over Jeff Sims, a former starter at Georgia Tech and Nebraska.
To ease the pressure on Leavitt, Arizona State will lean on running back Cam Skattebo, who rushed for 788 yards and nine touchdowns last season. On defense, free safety Shamari Simmons, the team’s leading tackler with 73 tackles last season, will be a key player in the Sun Devils’ defense.
Wyoming’s New Leadership and High Hopes
Wyoming is coming off a solid 9-4 season under former coach Craig Bohl, which included a victory over Big 12 opponent Texas Tech. With Bohl now retired, Wyoming has promoted defensive coordinator Jay Sawvel to head coach.
Sawvel knows that facing a team like Arizona State presents a challenge, especially with the unpredictability of early-season games and the added complexity of player transfers.
“Opening games are really hard when you don’t know how people are going to use their players,” Sawvel said. “And that’s in traditional opening games. Now you add all the transfer elements to it.”
The Cowboys will be led by quarterback Evan Svoboda, who started one game last season. Svoboda, a local product from Red Mountain High in Mesa, Arizona, is returning to his home state with high expectations.
“If Evan Svoboda plays the way we hope that he can and that his potential could allow, we could become extremely good,” Sawvel said.
On defense, linebacker Shea Suiaunoa stands out as Wyoming’s top defender, having ranked second on the team with 93 tackles last season.
Series History and Game Outlook
This matchup marks the first meeting between Arizona State and Wyoming since 1977, when both schools were part of the Western Athletic Conference. Arizona State holds a 9-6 edge in the series, which began in 1951.
As Arizona State embarks on its Big 12 journey, the game against Wyoming offers a chance to gauge the progress made under Dillingham’s leadership. For Wyoming, this is an opportunity to showcase their potential under new head coach Jay Sawvel, with Svoboda looking to make a strong impression in his home state.
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, with both teams eager to set the tone for their respective seasons.
