ASU dropped its first game of the season last weekend against Mississippi State 24-20, following a performance which many described as outright “sloppy.”

Throughout their first two matchups of the season, the Sun Devils conceded 20 penalties, accounting for 142 yards and 71 yards per game. 

Despite the struggles, ASU has a massive chance to “get right” at home before going on the road to begin conference play. 

This chance to bounce back comes against Texas State, who, despite having a somewhat underwhelming season last year, gave the Sun Devils some problems before ultimately falling 31-28.

Despite the Bobcats' “Group of Five” status, they are not to be taken lightly by any means.

The Texas State offense opened the season on fire, averaging 47.5 points per game and 530 offensive yards per game throughout its two non-conference victories. 

The Bobcats have mauled teams with their ground game in 2025, rushing for 560 yards and seven touchdowns on 6.6 yards per carry.

Redshirt senior running back Lincoln Pare leads Texas State's rushing attack, carrying the ball for 238 yards with a pair of touchdowns.

However, the Bobcats' success has come with its flaws, as the defense conceded 27 and 36 points against Eastern Michigan and the University of Texas-San Antonio.

ASU aims to use these defensive issues to its advantage, as the offense has struggled to get its passing offense going outside of redshirt junior receiver Jordyn Tyson. 

Non-Tyson receivers and tight-ends have combined for four catches through two games, with Tyson accounting for 18 receptions on his own. 

Whether this is an issue with receivers creating separation or redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt simply lacking trust in his receivers outside of Tyson, ASU will likely have opportunities to correct course against a struggling Texas State defense. 

Dillingham took accountability for the current lack of targets among non-Tyson receivers.  

“We got to get more guys involved,” Dillingham said. 

Last year's game against the Bobcats was a breakout performance for Leavitt and the Sun Devil passing attack as the quarterback accounted for 246 yards and a touchdown through the air while rushing for 40 yards and another touchdown. 

While ASU’s passing attack may have lacked in its most recent performance, the same cannot be said about the ground game. 

The Sun Devils pounded the rock in the second half against MSU, rushing for 4.9 yards per carry, a trend Dillingham hopes to continue into this week's matchup and beyond.

“I’m excited to build on the second half of last week,” Dillingham said. “We played really good football there at the end.” 

Getting the run game going will be huge for ASU’s chances of victory, as Texas State’s defense has allowed 194 rushing yards per game through the first two games.  

With junior running back Kyson Brown likely to miss this week's matchup following a lower leg injury, redshirt junior running back Raleek Brown and junior running back Kanye Udoh are tasked with heading up the Sun Devils rushing attack. 

Running the ball effectively will be key for ASU to improve its struggles on third down. 

Currently, the Sun Devils are 4-24 on third down this season. 

Dillingham pins most of these struggles on ASU’s lack of success on first and second down, which puts the offense at disadvantageous positions on third and fourth down. 

“We got to get into third and better manageables,” Dillingham said. “Once we get to third down, get one conversion, and I think we’ll get rolling.” 

Dillingham also expressed confidence in his defense, despite the lapses of the previous week.

“Last week they played a really good game,” Dillingham said. “I like where our defense is at; we’ve just got to clean up a few communication issues.” 

Redshirt junior cornerback Javan Robinson has also been in the spotlight recently, following a performance against Mississippi State that saw him give up multiple chunk plays through the air. 

However, Dillingham is not concerned with Robinson's performance.

“Javan is a phenomenal corner,” Dillingham said. “I’ll put him on anybody in man coverage, and I’ll sleep really good at night.” 

The Sun Devils have their work cut out for them Saturday against a Texas State squad seeking its first win vs. a “power five” opponent since 2023.

ASU aims to continue its win streak inside Mountain America Stadium in what can only be described as a “must-win” matchup against the Bobcats Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7:30 p.m. MST.