Arizona State Football's "Game Environment Simulation" Practice Methods Are Something Else, Kenny Dillingham is Spraying QB Sam Leavitt's Hands With Water Bottle to Prepare For Rain Storm

Arizona State Head Coach Kenny Dillingham is a friend of the Barstool Sports program. I know he's been on at least a couple of our shows. By all accounts he seems like a great guy. But we've now had two videos already this season coming out of Arizona State practices where they're attempting to simulate the environment of an upcoming game. And I must say, their tactics have been questionable at best. 

First example - they had a big non-conference game vs Mississippi State earlier this season. Mississippi State is famous for their fans ringing cowbells. I'm sure that's annoying as hell for visiting offenses. So it makes sense that Arizona State would try to simulate that environment in practice the week leading up to the game. If I were a head coach, I'd use a speaker. Something we can plug in, turn on full volume, and play a deafening cowbell recording that prepares the boys for what they'll be dealing with on Saturday. Or if they really want to take a hands on approach, maybe buy a handful of Mississippi State cowbells and have some staffers ring them relentlessly during practice. 

For reference, this is a standard Mississippi State cowbell.

Butch Dill. Getty Images.

They're big, they're loud, did I mention they're really annoying. But they make for a rowdy environment. Here's what Arizona State did to simulate the hostile cowbell wielding Mississippi State fan base.

God damn it Arizona State. If you're going to do the cowbells thing, at least splurge for some real Mississippi State cowbells. They went on to lose that game 24-20. 

Now this week, Arizona State travels to Salt Lake City to face Utah on Saturday night. It's allegedly supposed to rain in Salt Lake City this weekend. So naturally, to prepare for a potential rain storm, head coach Kenny Dillingham is standing directly behind his staring quarterback spraying his hands with a water bottle. 

You gotta think Arizona State has access to a hose. Find a hose Kenny. A hose with one of those classic nozzles with all the different settings -  Cone, Center, Shower, Jet, Mist, etc. They're remarkably affordable. 

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In their defense, water is scarce in the desert. Kenny Dillingham's water bottle method leaves no water to waste. Every drop in that bottle is going towards the cause. There's no down time with water running between throws. But football guys aren't concerned with the conservation of water. Not more so than winning games. I can't help but think this throwing-in-the-rain simulation method isn't really helping Sam Leavitt all that much. You've gotta be dousing your QB in water. And maybe have him soak his hands in a bucket of ice water for a few minutes between throwing sessions. That's how you prepare for a cold stormy night in Utah. 

Arizona State's gotta get somebody on staff to head up these game environment simulation endeavors. Two instances of them looking kinda silly in the first half of the season is too many. Good luck this weekend, Coach Dillingham. I hope the rain holds off.