Dillingham Backs Fette as ASU Turns to Colorado

Arizona State finished October with a narrow defeat at BYU, losing 27-20 to the eighth-ranked team. Despite the result, coach Kenny Dillingham said his players showed more energy and played closer to the style he expects from the program.

Dillingham identified freshman Jake Fette as ASU’s starting quarterback for now, saying the freshman earned the role with his second-half performance in a difficult road setting. Quarterback Mikey Keene is working toward a return, he said. Dillingham also praised Fette’s communication and his ability to distribute the ball after BYU focused defensive attention on receiver Reed Harris.

The coach said ASU’s offense lost momentum in the first half after poor down-and-distance situations across several drives. Fette then had to manage two-minute situations on the road, before the offense improved after halftime. Dillingham also commended receiver Omarion Miller’s energy and growing practice habits, and described freshman running back Cardae Mack as unusually patient for his age.

ASU’s next opponent, Colorado, is 3-5 and will play at Tempe on November 7. Dillingham called the Buffaloes dangerous, noting that they have often held leads and have been moving the ball well in recent weeks, though turnovers have hurt them. He declined to compare Colorado quarterbacks Isaac Wilson and Julian Lewis.

The game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Arizona time and will air on ESPN2.