“I Recruit Guys That Want the Smoke”: Kenny Dillingham’s Bold Stand Ahead of ASU vs. Mississippi State
- Jordon Leon
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
As Arizona State prepares to face SEC opponent Mississippi State in Week 2, Head Coach Kenny Dillingham has become the center of attention—not just for his game plan, but for his unapologetically candid remarks that have stirred both controversy and admiration.
The Starkville Comments: A Stirring Start
During his weekly press conference, Dillingham didn’t mince words when discussing the challenges of playing in Starkville, Mississippi. “Playing in a small town is difficult,” he said. “Fans are dedicated, food is not up to the standards of a D1 athlete, hotels are few and far between”. The comment, while seemingly offhand, sparked immediate backlash from Mississippi State fans and media outlets, who viewed it as a slight against their community.
Dillingham later clarified that his team would be staying over an hour away from the stadium due to limited hotel availability. “Some teams stay at the casino. That wasn’t even a joke. It’s just the nearest hotel,” he explained, adding that the issue was logistical, not personal.
Turning Controversy into Opportunity for ASU
Rather than retreat from the criticism, Dillingham leaned into it with a media-savvy response during an interview with Barstool Sports on FS1. When challenged by host Brandon Walker, Dillingham responded with a mix of humility and humor: “I agree with you. There’s tons of hotels in Starkville. Not all the hotels we could stay at were available; they’re booked out because your fan base is really good”.
This moment was widely praised as a “masterclass” in media handling, showcasing Dillingham’s ability to defuse tension while maintaining his authenticity.
“I Recruit Guys That WANT the Smoke”
Perhaps the most memorable quote from the week came when Dillingham declared, “I recruit guys that WANT the smoke.” It’s a phrase that encapsulates his coaching philosophy—one built on grit, confidence, and a willingness to embrace adversity.
This mindset is especially relevant as ASU prepares to enter one of the SEC’s most hostile environments. Starkville’s Davis Wade Stadium is notorious for its deafening cowbell noise, something Dillingham has actively prepared his team for. “We’ve been pumping cowbell noise into practice all week,” he said. “It’s going to be loud, and we need to be ready”.
Fixing Mistakes and Building Momentum
Coming off a win against Northern Arizona University (NAU), Dillingham acknowledged that the team still has work to do. “We had some fixable mistakes—penalties, missed assignments—but the effort was there,” he said in a separate interview. He emphasized that the Mississippi State game would be a true test of ASU’s resilience and discipline.
Injury updates were also shared, with Dillingham noting that several key players were being evaluated but expected to be available for Saturday’s game.
A Clash of Cultures and Conferences
Beyond the Xs and Os, this matchup represents a cultural clash: the fast-paced, media-savvy Sun Devils versus the tradition-rich, SEC-strong Bulldogs. Dillingham’s comments have added fuel to the fire, giving both teams something extra to play for.
For ASU, it’s a chance to prove they can handle the “smoke” in SEC territory. For Mississippi State, it’s an opportunity to defend their turf and show that Starkville is more than just a small town—it’s a fortress.
Final Thoughts: Dillingham’s Leadership in Focus
Coach Kenny Dillingham may have ruffled feathers, but he’s also galvanized his team and captivated fans. In a sport where narratives matter almost as much as stats, Dillingham has positioned ASU as a team that’s not afraid to speak its mind—and back it up on the field.
Whether you see his comments as controversial or courageous, one thing is clear: ASU football under Kenny Dillingham is never boring.
Comments