In the aftermath of Arizona State’s 39-31 double-overtime loss to Texas in the Peach Bowl, head coach Kenny Dillingham took full responsibility for the defeat. He stated, “Our guys played good enough to win. Our guys battled good enough to win. This game’s 100% on me.”
Dillingham acknowledged the need for better strategic decisions, particularly concerning offensive formations and leveraging player strengths. He remarked, “I gotta do a much better job with formations and leverages” to position the team for success.
A pivotal moment in the game involved a controversial non-call on a potential targeting penalty against Texas. When questioned, Dillingham expressed uncertainty: “I’m going to be honest. I just don’t know what targeting is. I don’t want to comment on something that I have to get a better grasp on what it is.”
Despite the emotional loss, Dillingham emphasized sportsmanship by ensuring his players remained on the field to shake hands with the Longhorns. This gesture was highlighted by FOX College Football, showcasing Dillingham’s commitment to character and respect in competition.
The coach also praised his players’ resilience and effort throughout the season, urging them to reflect on their journey and the progress made. He noted, “Now that this is over, I’m really going to challenge my guys to reflect on where this all started because it really is remarkable.”
Looking ahead, Dillingham is focused on building upon the experiences of this season, aiming to address the shortcomings and enhance the team’s performance in future campaigns.
For a more in-depth understanding of Coach Dillingham’s perspective, you can watch his post-game press conference below: