The revamped Arizona State Sun Devils passed their initial test with impressive results. However, their next challenge will be significantly tougher.

The upcoming opponent is Mississippi State, which is coming off a 5-7 season in 2023 and has since undergone a coaching change. With the SEC’s formidable reputation, the Sun Devils will need to elevate their performance to secure a 2-0 start to the season. Notably, Arizona State has never defeated an SEC team.

Both teams won their opening games decisively: ASU defeated Wyoming 48-7, while Mississippi State triumphed over Eastern Kentucky 56-7.

Coach Kenny Dillingham is aiming to achieve a first for his program.

“We’ve never beaten an SEC school. We’ve never won an SEC game,” Dillingham said. “We have a chance to do something that the school has never done. Two, regardless of people, the same people who are talking about how we played really well, are the same people that picked us dead last. Three, you’re never as good as you think you are and you’re never as bad as you think you are. So, get off your high horse. Success in our program is being the very best at whatever you’re currently doing at the time. Let’s go be successful again this week. And that’s the message, that’s the vision and this is a really good football team.”