Sun Devils Dominate Opener
Arizona State opens the 2026 season with a dominant 70-7 victory over Morgan State.
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Key Points
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Morgan State received a $600,000 payment for the game, while coach Damon Wilson described the cross-country trip as an opportunity for the team to spend time together and grow in a different environment.
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Morgan State has a notable football history despite its FCS status, including four MEAC championships, seven Black College National Championships, 19 CIAA championships and four graduates who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Rosey Brown, Len Ford, Leroy Kelly and Willie Lanier.
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Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham said the team’s wide receiver blocking was a particular source of pride, highlighting the perimeter block by Reed Harris that helped Kyson Brown score on his 46-yard touchdown run.
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Dillingham cautioned that, despite the dominant victory, Arizona State still had areas to improve, while running back Grayson Rigdon summed up the team’s approach by saying, “Just keep stacking days.”
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The mismatch prompted many Arizona State fans to leave Mountain America Stadium at halftime after the Sun Devils had already built their 49-7 lead; the game ultimately lasted only 55 minutes after the shortened fourth quarter.
Arizona State dominated Morgan State 70-7 in its season opener, showcasing a new starting quarterback and dominant defense in front of a second consecutive sellout crowd at Mountain America Stadium. Quarterback Cutter Boley threw for 387 yards and six touchdowns in his debut, while the Sun Devils scored on just their second offensive play and led 49-7 at halftime Cronkite News.
The lopsided victory matched ASU Central's 2020 win over Arizona by the same score. Morgan State received $600,000 for the nearly 2,300-mile trip, and officials shortened the fourth quarter to 10 minutes at the request of both teams—a rare move under NCAA rules Nevada Valley News.
Boley's Explosive Debut Sets Tone Early
Cutter Boley made an immediate impact in his first start as the Sun Devils' quarterback. He threw for 387 yards and six touchdowns, establishing ASU's control from the opening drive Cronkite News. Running back Kyson Brown added a 46-yard rushing touchdown, powered by a key block from receiver Reed Harris that coach Kenny Dillingham specifically praised.
ASU Builds Insurmountable Lead by Halftime
The Sun Devils wasted no time establishing dominance. ASU scored on its second offensive play and recovered a surprise onside kick early on, building a 49-7 halftime lead ASU Central. The quick surge allowed coach Kenny Dillingham to rotate reserves into the game, limiting Morgan State's ability to gain momentum or keep the contest competitive.
Morgan State's Financial Reality and HBCU Legacy
Morgan State received $600,000 for the cross-country trip, money that helps fund the athletic department of the Historically Black University ASU Central. Coach Damon Wilson framed the journey as an opportunity for his team to grow together in a different environment. Despite its FCS status, Morgan State carries significant football history: four MEAC championships, seven Black College National Championships, 19 CIAA championships, and four alumni in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Cronkite News.
Dillingham Tempers Optimism Despite Dominant Score
Arizona State's coach cautioned against reading too much into the 70-7 result. Dillingham identified areas needing improvement despite the blowout win and emphasized the importance of consistency. Running back Grayson Rigdon captured the team's mindset simply: "Just keep stacking days," signaling that ASU views this game as a stepping stone, not validation ASU Central.
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