Dillingham Weighed Reducing Fourth-Down Aggression
Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham may alter his strategy due to punter Nick McLarty's precision.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Football
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Should football coaches prioritize punting for field position over aggressively going for it on fourth down?
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham is considering a reduction in fourth-down attempts after observing the impact of punter Nick McLarty. The team has relied heavily on going for it on fourth down, but McLarty's ability to pin opponents deep is changing the calculus.
Why it matters
Consistently pinning opponents inside their own seven-yard line acts as a strategic weapon that could incentivize coaching staffs to choose field position over gambling on fourth-down conversions. This shift highlights a tactical pivot for teams looking to maximize defensive advantages during a grueling nine-game stretch.
Arizona State averages 3.3 fourth-down attempts per game this season. McLarty, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound punter, recently pinned Kansas at the 2-yard line, setting up a 25-yard touchdown pass.
The players
Kenny Dillingham
He serves as the head coach for the Arizona State football team.
Nick McLarty
He is a 6-foot-7, 245-pound punter for Arizona State who previously recorded three punts over two seasons at Ohio State.
The details
Coach Kenny Dillingham is weighing a shift in his aggressive fourth-down strategy as punter Nick McLarty proves his effectiveness in flipping field position. McLarty utilizes Australian rugby experience to avoid potential blocks while reliably pinning opposing offenses deep in their own territory.
Timeline
Arizona State maintained high fourth-down volume throughout 2024.
The team continued its aggressive fourth-down attempts in 2025.
This news regarding strategy shifts was published on September 28, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This strategic pivot could reshape Arizona State's approach during their upcoming nine-game stretch of consecutive football. By leaning on special teams, the Sun Devils may improve their defensive standing in the conference standings rather than risking high-leverage failures.
The potential decrease in fourth-down attempts will alter the Sun Devils' offensive rhythm and drive success rates. Fantasy players and bettors should note that increased punting frequency likely impacts total scoring outputs during upcoming games.
The takeaway
Reliable special teams play can fundamentally alter a coach's risk tolerance in high-leverage situations. Teams that prioritize field position often find more stability during the middle portion of a long conference schedule.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's tactical developments this season, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Sports.
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Should football coaches prioritize punting for field position over aggressively going for it on fourth down?
