The University of Arizona football team (8-3, 5-3 in Big 12) closes out the regular season on the road against No. 20 ASU (8-3, 6-2 in Big 12) on Friday, Nov. 28, at Mountain America Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.
Friday’s game marks the 99th edition of the Territorial Cup, the nation’s oldest rivalry trophy game. Arizona and Arizona State have faced off 98 times previously, with the Wildcats holding a narrow 51-46-1 edge in the all-time series. This is the first time since 2014 that both programs have entered the rivalry with at least eight wins.
Arizona looks to swing back into the win column after ASU’s 49-7 victory in Tucson last season. The Wildcats won two straight rivalry games in 2022 and 2023, including the most recent matchup in Tempe.
ASU this season
ASU is enjoying one of its best seasons under head coach Kenny Dillingham, entering the Territorial Cup with eight wins and a 6-2 conference mark. The Sun Devils have leaned heavily on a physical rushing attack to control games and shorten possessions.
Quarterback Jeff Sims has been dangerous with his legs since taking over for Sam Leavitt, who is out for the season due to a lower leg injury. Sims most notably rushed for over 200 yards in ASU’s win over Iowa State University. Running back Raleek Brown has emerged as another explosive weapon, ripping off 255 rushing yards in a blowout victory against the University of Colorado.
While the Sun Devils do not score at a high rate against quality defenses, they prefer to keep games in the 20s and win with clock control and discipline. Turnovers have been an issue at times for Sims, but ASU’s defense has consistently kept games close late into the fourth quarter.
Arizona this season
Arizona enters this year’s Territorial Cup playing its best football of the season. Last week, the Wildcats erased a halftime deficit against Baylor University, shutting out the Bears in the second half and scoring 21 unanswered points to earn their fourth consecutive win. The victory secured a winning conference record and marked head coach Brent Brennan’s first eight-win season in Tucson.
Quarterback Noah Fifita continues to etch his name into Arizona football history. The redshirt junior now owns the program records for career passing touchdowns (69) and ranks third all-time in passing yards (8,632). Fifita has also been one of the nation’s most efficient passers, tying a school record with a 92.3% completion rate in a road win at the University of Houston.
Defensively, Arizona has been elite, particularly in the secondary. The Wildcats rank among the nation’s top units in pass efficiency defense (2nd), passing yards allowed (6th), interceptions (6th) and total defense (21st). Defensive back Dalton Johnson was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after recording a career-high 18 tackles against Baylor.
Keys to the game
For Arizona State, establishing the run is critical. Arizona’s pass defense has been among the best in the country, but the Wildcats have struggled at times when opponents consistently win at the line of scrimmage. If ASU can average 5 yards per carry and keep Fifita off the field, it will give the Sun Devils a path to control the tempo. Limiting turnovers from Sims will also be essential against an Arizona defense that thrives on takeaways.
Arizona must continue to play clean, efficient football. The Wildcats are undefeated this season when holding opponents under 31 points. Winning first down, forcing turnovers and preventing explosive runs will be key defensively. Offensively, Fifita must remain poised in a hostile road environment and capitalize on scoring opportunities against an ASU team built to keep games close.
Reporter’s prediction
This game has all the makings of a tight rivalry battle that comes down to the fourth quarter. Arizona’s pass defense and turnover margin keep the Wildcats in position, but Arizona State’s rushing attack and home-field advantage present problems. Expect a physical, low-scoring contest with momentum swings throughout. A late drive or kick is likely to decide the outcome, with ASU holding a slight edge at home.
Follow the Daily Wildcat on Instagram and Twitter/X
