Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham strongly defended quarterback Cutter Boley after Sun Devils fans booed the backup when he entered Saturday’s game against Kansas State following an injury to starter Mikey Keene.
Boley came into the game in the second half after Keene was forced to leave with an injury. But as Boley took the field, boos could be heard from the Arizona State crowd.
After the Sun Devils’ 28-17 win over Kansas State, Dillingham made it clear he wasn’t happy with the reaction from the home fans.
“I’m just always going to defend our players. I don’t care. My players are first,” Dillingham said. “Like don’t boo, my players are first. I protect my players. That’s to my core. It’s me and my team versus everybody who’s against us. Everybody. That’s how I view it … that’s what I believe in.”
Kenny Dillingham Stands Behind Cutter Boley
The reaction from Arizona State fans came after Boley began the season as the Sun Devils’ starting quarterback before eventually losing the job to Keene.
Boley started Arizona State’s first few games of the season, including losses to Texas A&M and Texas Tech. Keene then took over in the middle of last week’s blowout loss to Texas Tech, and received his first starting nod on Saturday vs. K-State.
That made Saturday an awkward situation when Boley was suddenly needed again following Keene’s injury.
But Dillingham clearly didn’t appreciate hearing his own quarterback booed, regardless of how fans felt about the earlier change at the position.
Boley finished 3-of-5 passing for 17 yards as Arizona State was able to close out an important Big 12 victory over Kansas State.
What’s Next for Arizona State?
The bigger question now becomes Keene’s status moving forward. If his injury forces him to miss any additional time, Arizona State could once again turn to Boley as its starting quarterback. Keene was seen walking around the sidelines in a knee brace as the game progressed.
Regardless of who is under center, Dillingham left little doubt Saturday about where he stands when it comes to his players.
Arizona State plays on the road at BYU next Saturday with a 2:30 CT kick off on FOX.
