Starkville, Mississippi, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham faces backlash after comments about accommodation issues for his team in Starkville. His remarks regarding difficulty finding nearby lodging sparked criticism from Mississippi State fans, who felt it slighted their town. After acknowledging the town’s hospitality, Dillingham continued to address challenges faced during road trips. As both teams prepare for their upcoming match, the game is highly anticipated due to the strong performances of both squads in their season openers.
Starkville, Mississippi – Controversy has erupted surrounding Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham following comments he made regarding accommodation challenges for his team during their upcoming game against Mississippi State. Speaking earlier this week during media availability, Dillingham referenced the difficulties faced by Arizona State in securing nearby lodging near Davis Wade Stadium, leading to their stay more than an hour away from the game site. His remarks were interpreted as potentially derogatory toward Starkville and its available amenities.
Fans from Mississippi State responded strongly to Dillingham’s assertions, with some taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Brandon Walker from Barstool Sports criticized the coach on his program, claiming Dillingham was not well-informed about hotel options within Starkville. In light of this backlash, Dillingham later acknowledged the town’s hospitality and the enthusiasm displayed by fans that resulted in many hotels being fully booked. He also noted that when other teams visit Starkville, some opt to stay at a casino for accommodations.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dillingham touched on difficulties related to food during road trips, which further attracted criticism from Mississippi State followers online. However, he balanced these observations with a positive mention of the strength of Mississippi State’s football team, recognizing the challenging atmosphere created by the fan-favorite cowbells associated with their home games.
The Arizona State versus Mississippi State game is scheduled for September 6, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. MST in Starkville. Both teams currently share a record of 1-0; Arizona State recently celebrated a 38-19 victory over Northern Arizona, while Mississippi State secured a win against Southern Miss with a score of 34-17.
Betting lines place Mississippi State as a 6.5-point underdog for the forthcoming match, with an over/under set at 58.5. In their opening games, Mississippi State’s quarterback Blake Shapen showcased impressive performance stats by completing 26 of 34 passes for 270 yards and one touchdown, whereas Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt completed 25 of 39 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns.
Arizona State is contending with the loss of key players from the previous season, such as running back Cam Skattebo, but has found emerging talent in Jordan Tyson, who rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Arizona.
This upcoming game promises to pose a significant challenge for Arizona State as they prepare to face a talented Mississippi State team in a setting noteworthy for its dedicated fan base and spirited game day atmosphere.
FAQ
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What did Kenny Dillingham say that caused controversy?
Kenny Dillingham made comments about accommodation difficulties near the stadium, which some fans interpreted as a slight against Starkville.
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When is the Arizona State vs. Mississippi State game scheduled?
The game is set for September 6, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. MST.
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What are the current records of the two teams?
Both Arizona State and Mississippi State currently hold records of 1-0 after winning their respective season openers.
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Who is favored to win the game according to betting odds?
Mississippi State is currently favored as a 6.5-point underdog for the game against Arizona State.
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What can we expect from both teams based on their recent performances?
Both quarterbacks displayed strong performances in their opening games, and Arizona State has shown potential with new talent emerging from their roster.
Key Features of Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | September 6, 2025 |
| Venue | Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Mississippi |
| Kickoff Time | 4:30 p.m. MST |
| Current Team Records | Both teams are 1-0 |
| Betting Odds | Mississippi State – 6.5 point underdog |
| Top Quarterbacks | Blake Shapen (Mississippi State), Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Kenny Dillingham Comments Backlash
- Sports Chat Place: Mississippi State vs. Arizona State Prediction
- Arizona Sports: Arizona State Football News
- Kentucky.com: Mark Story on Ole Miss Football Matchup
- Google Search: Arizona State Football
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