Kenny Dillingham joined Mike Golic Jr. and Mike Golic Sr. on Friday’s edition of GoJo and Golic to reflect on the Peach Bowl and the Sun Devils’ Big 12 title run.
Although last night’s Orange Bowl semifinal matchup between Penn State and Notre Dame lived up to the hype, it is hard to forget how the Peach Bowl quarterfinal matchup between Arizona State and Texas ended in double overtime with us on the edge of our seats. With the game ending in heartbreak for Arizona State, Dillingham said he doesn’t think he will ever fully put that game away. He added that anytime you play in a game of that magnitude it will haunt you, a feeling that he’s sure both GoJo and Senior could relate to being former athletes. On the bright side, Dillingham shared that he has moved on to the next chapter and believes those moments should not distract his team from where they want to be.
“Have you been able to put that [Peach Bowl] game away and move on to the next phase, or is there still the ‘what ifs’ that cloud your dreams?” @golic
“I don’t think I’ll ever put it away. Any time you play a game of that magnitude, it’s going to haunt you. Have I moved on to… pic.twitter.com/5vhREJXqD8
— GoJo and Golic (@GoJoandGolic) January 10, 2025
Dillingham took this mindset a step further in his strategy to lure the best talent to play for him by sharing that the program has answered past doubts about its potential, proving it’s possible to win championships, draw sold-out crowds and build a strong fan base in a city like Tempe. As a bonus, he threw in the unique appeal of living in a warm, desirable location. He mentioned players like Jordan Tyson, a Biletnikoff contender, and running back Cam Skattebo, who finished fifth in Heisman voting. Dillingham ended his proverbial recruiting pitch in true Dillingham fashion with a rhetorical question: “Why not ASU?”
Returning to the Peach Bowl, Dillingham shared his final message with the team after their loss to Texas to get a sense of what the locker room was like post-game, which was one of perspective and reflection. He acknowledged the disappointment but encouraged the team to step back and appreciate their achievements. He expressed to the Golics that while they hadn’t reflected much during the season, that was the time to look back and realize how far they’d come from being big underdogs to win the Big 12 title to actually becoming Big 12 champions and pushing Texas to double overtime. He reminded them that they would gladly take the opportunity to be in this position at the start of the season, even if it meant sitting in the moment’s misery. Dillingham urged his players to leave the locker room with their heads held high.
What was Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham’s final message to his team after their tough loss to Texas?
“The message was it’s over, let’s reflect. And if we could all sit here, in misery right now, and say that we would have the opportunity to sit here in misery, being Big 12… pic.twitter.com/np7LhiCSeT
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) January 10, 2025
Looking ahead to tonight’s action in the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas, The Buckeyes are a 6-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook; Dillingham shared what makes Texas stand out in this matchup is their physicality and composure. He explained that Texas stands out because its best players are also its most physical. Unlike some teams with highly recruited athletes who shy away from physicality, Texas’ defensive backs consistently make tackles and deliver big plays on the perimeter. He pointed to a specific goal-line stand against Arizona State where cornerback Jahdae Barron made a crucial tackle and helped stop a touchdown. On offense, he praised Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers for his calm demeanor and ability to make wise decisions consistently. He emphasized how Texas handles critical moments, such as the 4th-and-12 conversion that was pivotal in their Peach Bowl performance. Dillingham believes the matchup with Ohio State will come down to Texas’ defensive perimeter play.
When asked how he would defend Ohio State’s passing attack led by freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith, Dillingham laughingly told the guys that their guess was as good as his. He noted that Smith is an incredible talent, and with Jim Thorpe award winner Barron on the opposite side of him, he has to be pivotal in one-on-one matchups. However, that is going to be difficult against the Buckeyes, who have a literal war chest of offensive weapons. He stressed that the Texas defense will have its work cut out as far as disguising coverages to move Will Howard’s focus away from Smith, especially when he’s in single coverage. Being able to manipulate Howard’s eyes will be a true test that will determine how the game will play out.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
AUDIO
Hour 1 : Notre Dame Football Advances to The National Championship + Jessica Smetana on Marcus Freeman, Riley Leonard & her Orange Bowl Experience
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
