Each year, as a new season approaches, college football teams begin with high expectations, hoping that the immense work put in during training camp will lead to a winning season.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan, and one team had to exercise the mercy rule in their season opener.
After three quarters, Morgan State found themselves down 70-7 against Arizona State University at Mount America Stadium.
With virtually no chance of a comeback in sight, both teams agreed to shorten the fourth quarter to 10 minutes to spare Morgan State from further embarrassment.
ASU Coach Reacts to Mercy Rule
"I've never been a part of a game like that," Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham told reporters after the game, via Bailey Leasure of ArizonaSports.com. "I didn't even know that was legal. I learned something today. When he asked to shorten it, I said, 'Whatever he wants, we'll do.'"
Arizona State University wasted little time jumping out to a massive lead. The Sun Devils scored 28 points in the opening frame, and followed it up with a 21-point effort in the second and third quarters.
Arizona State amassed 681 yards of total offense, led by quarterback Cutter Boley's 387 yards and six touchdowns. Three different Sun Devil receivers posted 100-yard games.
Facing a 63-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, the Morgan State head coach waved the white flag early.
College Football Games Have Been Shortened Before
College football blowouts aren't uncommon. Especially early in the season when small programs face schools from the "Power 4" conferences.
Still, shrinking the fourth quarter in a blowout loss isn't something you see very often.
Under NCAA rulebook guidelines, the playing time of any remaining period can be shortened at any time during the game by the mutual agreement of both opposing head coaches and the referee.
In 2021, Oklahoma defeated Western Carolina 76-0, with the fourth quarter reduced to 12 minutes.
More recently, the third and fourth quarters were shortened in Arkansas' 70-0 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2024.
Perhaps Morgan State will fare better in their next game against the Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons.
