Full Breakdown
Arizona State’s 70-7 Season Opener Over Morgan State Features Unusual Quarter Shortening
9/7/2026, 2:02:47 AM
Core Event: Blowout and Quarter Adjustment
Arizona State (ASU) opened its 2026 season by routing FCS opponent Morgan State 70–7. The Sun Devils built a 70-7 lead by the end of the third quarter. Before the fourth quarter began, officials announced that both head coaches had agreed to reduce the period to ten minutes. No points were scored in the shortened quarter, leaving the 70-7 margin as the final result.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Arizona State 70, Morgan State 7.
- Scoring by quarter: 28-7, 49-7, 70-7, 70-7 (final quarter 10 min).
- Touchdowns: eight different ASU players; six thrown by quarterback Cutter Boley.
- Passing yards: reported between 387 and 432 yards.
- Total offense: reported totals range from 681 to 688 yards.
- Receiving leaders: Reed Harris – 6 catches, 137 yards, 2 TDs; Omarion Miller – 8 catches, 102 yards, 1 TD.
- Rushing: Kyson Brown – 80 yards on 6 carries.
- Defensive performance: Morgan State limited to 188 total yards; only one touchdown allowed.
- Financial note: The Arizona Republic reported that ASU paid Morgan State $600,000 for the game.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham said the decision to shorten the final quarter was made at the request of Morgan State coach Damon Wilson. Dillingham explained that he was unaware such a reduction was permissible under college-football rules and agreed to the change out of sportsmanship.
Quarterback Cutter Boley praised the fan turnout and the offensive game plan, noting the team “executed on all cylinders.”
Morgan State coach Damon Wilson highlighted the experience for his players and the financial benefit of the matchup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Coach (Wilson) asked the referees to bring it over to me, and he asked me if I wouldn’t mind cutting it down, and I said, ‘Yeah, whatever you want.” — Kenny Dillingham
- “It was awesome how the fan base showed out,” — Cutter Boley
Why It Matters
The mutual agreement to truncate the fourth quarter underscores a rare instance of sportsmanship in a high-profile FBS-FCS matchup and raises questions about how such decisions might affect wagering markets that assume a standard 60-minute game. The lopsided result also fuels debate about the competitive value of scheduling FCS opponents, especially when substantial payouts are involved.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Total yardage: Sources differ, citing 681 yards, 688 yards, and a 432-yard passing total.
- Financial details: The $600,000 payment figure is attributed to the Arizona Republic; other outlets do not confirm the amount.
These discrepancies illustrate limited transparency around game-by-game financial arrangements and statistical reporting for early-season contests.
