​Oct 24, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jake Fette (2) celebrates after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesTEMPE – With just under 30 seconds left in the first half of Arizona State’s 28-17 victory over Kansas State on Saturday, sixth-year quarterback Mikey Keene remained on the ground after taking a hard hit.After going 10 for 20 with 160 yards, giving ASU a four-point halftime lead, Keene grabbed his leg.The concern from ASU fans was palpable. Chants of “we want Fette” soon broke out, signaling a desire for freshman Jake Fette.ASU coach Kenny Dillingham opted instead to replace Keene with Cutter Boley, who had started the previous six games for the Sun Devils.The boos grew louder.Three ASU drives later, the Sun Devils trailed 17-14. That’s when Dillingham made the move fans wanted.He put in Fette late in the third quarter.“We wanted some energy,” Dillingham said about the freshman, who had fewer than 10 real reps in practice during the week. “We felt like there was a lull. You could see it with the guys on the sideline. We’re a team that can’t get into those lulls. We can be suffocated by them at times.“Jake’s got that look in his eye. Jake’s got the swagger, the confidence when he moves around. We just wanted the spark there with Jake.”By the time the game at Mountain America Stadium had ended, Fette led two scoring drives to secure an important victory for ASU, which had lost two of its last three games.After Boley started the first six games of the season, a strong performance by Keene the week before in Lubbock against Texas Tech made the Arizona native the starter heading into Saturday.Playing all but four snaps in the first half, Keene put together a strong day, earning praise from his coach.“He was juiced,” Dillingham said. “He was out there, playing football in his hometown, 20 minutes from where he grew up. He scored 14 points early. We’re moving. We feel the vibe. He played really well. His leadership was good.” After Keene left, Boley only saw 14 snaps, 10 of which came in the third quarter.After freshman running back Cardae Mack rushed for 13 yards on the first play of the second half, Boley led ASU to three three-and-outs.Oct 24, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jake Fette (2) celebrates with teammate Cutter Boley (8) after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images“I’m always going to defend our players,” Dillingham said. “I don’t care. My players are first. I protect my players to my core. It’s me and my team first.”None of the three quarterbacks were available for interviews afterward.Despite Dillingham’s disagreement with fans, he eventually gave Fette the keys.After forcing a turnover on downs, the ASU defense ran off the field, ex