The ASU Sun Devils are heading into a crucial week two matchup against top-10 Texas A&M with something to celebrate.
First-year starting quarterback Cutter Boley is the Big 12’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week, sharing the honor with West Virginia RB Cam Cook.
This is a well-earned award for Boley, who set the program’s single-game passing yards record for a debut in the first half (325). He is also the first Sun Devil to throw for six touchdowns in a game since Andrew Walter in 2004.
Read more below about the work put into Boley’s debut, as well as future challenges.
How Boley’s First ASU Start Was so Effective
ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke on his expectations heading into game one, and he held up his end of the bargain in game-planning for Boley.
The Kentucky transfer was put in positions to make rapid fire decisions, and the running game excelled as well. The game script was crisp and continually positioning ASU’s playmakers on the perimeter to create space.
Boley held up his end of the bargain as well. Save for a small handful of plays, the 6’5″ gunslinger did a quality job of executing on quick decisions, extending plays, and finding Reed Harris/Omarion Miller in open pockets downfield. The 387-yard, six touchdown performance did justice to the work Boley put in.
While Boley did flash multiple positive traits and a big arm, there were areas to nitpick. Boley’s across-the-body throw to Harris in the first quarter was nearly intercepted. There were times where Boley was seemingly tense in the pocket. He had a small handful of plays that could have been subject to play extension.
All in all, Boley had a great first start for ASU. The real tests ultimately lie ahead, and there are numerous.
Week Two Challenge Will Push Boley to Limits
Boley’s position as Arizona State’s “point guard” will come into test on Saturday against #10 Texas A&M.
ASU is heading into the contest with promise on the blocking front, but A&M’s d-line is a different level. This will be a test for Dillingham to figure out a balancing act in the game script. While the running back group is diverse and explosive, this is a test unlike many in the room have ever encountered. This only raises the stakes for Boley to be an effective steward in running ASU’s offense, as this high-stakes SEC matchup is the perfect litmus test for the 2026 Sun Devils.
Boley will need to be decisive, confident, and utilize his legs to extend plays. ASU’s quarterback will need to trust playmakers outside of Harris and Miller as well, all while taking care of the ball in the proces.
The Sun Devils have a path towards securing a victory, but much of this prospect rests in the hands of Boley.
ASU is taking on Texas A&M at 9:00 A.M. AZT on Saturday morning. After this, the team is traveling to take on Kansas in London on Sept. 19.
Historic Day: ASU QB Cutter Boley Wins Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week