Arizona State Coach’s Remarks Spark Controversy in Starkville

Starkville, Mississippi, September 3, 2025

News Summary

A controversy has erupted over Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham’s comments regarding travel logistics for the upcoming football game against Mississippi State. Dillingham’s remarks about hotel accommodations in Starkville, described as a ‘smaller town,’ have drawn criticism from local fans who feel his comments were dismissive. The Arizona State Sun Devils, currently ranked No. 10, are set to compete against the Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 6, with Arizona State favored to win.

Starkville, Mississippi – Controversy has erupted ahead of the upcoming football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, as Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham’s recent remarks about travel logistics have drawn criticism from fans and commentators alike.

In a media session on September 1, Dillingham discussed the challenges of arranging accommodations for road games, particularly in smaller towns like Starkville, which has a population of approximately 25,000. He noted that his team will be staying about 1 hour and 20 minutes away from the stadium due to limited hotel availability. Dillingham pointed out the difficulty of finding non-casino hotels for his team’s stay, addressing that some visiting teams typically stay at casinos when available. He indicated that this is simply a logistical consideration, not an attempt at humor.

Food options on road trips emerged as another topic of concern for Dillingham, who acknowledged that catering to the dietary preferences of nearly 160 players is challenging. He described past incidents related to food quality, specifically recalling a game against Texas Tech where several players became ill from hotel food, necessitating medical attention on gameday.

Notably, Dillingham’s characterization of Starkville as a “smaller town” and his comments regarding hotel accommodations have offended many local fans, who feel that he overlooked the community’s hospitality and resources. Although Dillingham was referring to the logistics of hotel availability, some perceived his comments as dismissive of the town.

The Arizona State Sun Devils, currently ranked No. 10, are set to compete against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 6. Arizona State is favored to win with a 7-point advantage and a moneyline set at -250, while Mississippi State stands at +200. The over/under for the game is projected at 58.5 points. Last season, Arizona State emerged victorious against Mississippi State, winning 30-23 in Tempe. Predictions for the upcoming match suggest Arizona State has a 62% chance of winning, with Mississippi State having a 38% probability.

The Week 2 matchup has drawn increased attention not only due to the competitive stakes but also because of the discourse surrounding Dillingham’s remarks, making it a focal point for fans and analysts alike. In response to the fallout from his comments, both teams are expected to face heightened scrutiny leading into the game.

With the date of the match approaching, both the Sun Devils and Bulldogs prepare for what promises to be an intriguing game, made more compelling by the backdrop of these comments and the rivalry between the teams.

FAQ Section

Key Features

• Controversy: Dillingham’s remarks on logistics and food sparked debate.
• Logistics: Staying 1 hour and 20 minutes away due to hotel limitations.
• Predictions: Arizona State favored to win with 62% probability.
• Previous Encounter: Arizona State defeated Mississippi State in their last meeting.
• Game Date: September 6 at Davis Wade Stadium.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for Home Opener Against Arizona State
Mississippi State University Football Team Triumphs
Mississippi State Football Gears Up for Home Opener
Starkville Prepares for Week 2 College Football Clash
Davis Wade Stadium Undergoing Major Renovations
Mississippi State Football Team Prepares for New Season
Mississippi State Baseball Continues to Impact MLB
Adidas Unveils All-Black Football Uniform for Mississippi State
Mississippi State Bulldogs Prepare for Season Opener

Additional Resources

• AZ Central: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State Picks & Predictions
• AZ Central: Kenny Dillingham Angers Mississippi State Fans
• 247 Sports: Arizona State vs. Mississippi State College Football Preview
• Clarion Ledger: Kenny Dillingham’s Starkville Comments
• Wikipedia: College Football

Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER

The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.