TEMPE — During practice on Tuesday, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham implored and practically begged his team to bring more physicality.
So much so that he employed live tackling in the team’s practice, screaming at his players to bring more urgency the week after being on the receiving end of a thumping 42-10 loss the week prior against the Utah Utes in rainy Salt Lake City.
The physicality remained on display Saturday afternoon against No. 7 Texas Tech, as the defense played a pivotal role in a 26-22 upset over the Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re going live on a Tuesday practice, week seven of the year,” senior linebacker Keyshaun Elliott said. “That’s not common. It’s just a wake-up call for not only him, but us too. We felt his energy, his passion through it; it kept us rolling.”
Following the victory, Dillingham was quick to deflect the credit for the Maroon and Gold’s uptick in physicality.
“I wish I could even take credit for how we change practice,” Dillingham said after the game. “I just listened to other people who have been through this. That’s what every player goes through, too, is you’re just constantly listening to people that can make you better.”
Coming into the matchup against the Sun Devils, Texas Tech had scored 34 points or more in its previous six outings. Additionally, it hadn’t let an opponent score more than 17 points. ASU broke both streaks on Saturday afternoon.
“I don’t know what their every score for a game was, 40-something, but we came out getting three-and-outs,” Elliott said. “We’re excited, we know we’re playing hot, playing together, so it felt good.”
The defense finished the game allowing just 276 yards, an interception and two sacks. Dillingham acknowledged the stark difference from a week ago in Utah, despite reiterating that there are areas to clean up.
“Yeah, that was unbelievable from start to finish,” Dillingham said. “There was absolutely unbelievable what they did out there. Great job. Defense, (has a) lot of things to correct, but, man, great job.”
The lone turnover on the day belonged to sophomore linebacker Martell Hughes. Sophomore nickelback Montana Warren provided the booming thump, which led to a tip with Hughes coming down with it.
The Sun Devils took advantage of the turnover, with the offense scoring its first touchdown of the game.
“They’re both young bucks playing really good football for us,” Dillingham said. “We won the turnover battle. It’s a game changer.”
Sophomore safety Adrian “Boogie” Wilson also made his presence felt, turning in a performance that didn’t go unnoticed by Dillingham.
“He’s been awesome,” Dillingham said. “He’s a ball of energy; a ball of joy. He played his best game today. I’d have to watch the tape, but I don’t think he missed many tackles. Just so proud of him, glad he’s here.”
Wilson shot the praise right back at Dillingham, pointing at him after being asked about the defense performance against a top ten opponent.
“I think it’s huge,” Wilson said. “It shows that we can play the best of the best. That’s just what did it.”
The crowd also made an impact, making it difficult for the Red Raiders’ offense to operate.
“It means a lot to us. It gives us a hard time to communicate, but it also gives them a hard time to communicate,” Elliott said. “It’s big, especially it means a lot to us players for them to sell out that crowd after a game like last week.”
ASU now extends its home winning streak to 10 games after the win over Texas Tech. It will look to make it 11 against the Houston Cougars next weekend on Oct. 25 during family weekend.
“We say, ‘Have more fun working hard than anybody in the country,’” Dillingham said. “You can’t have fun and not work harder than anybody in the country — (it) doesn’t work like that. We’ll never, ever, as long as I’m coaching, not practice to the physical level like we did this week again.”
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