TEMPE — The Territorial Cup game is almost here, and like many passionate fans, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham can’t wait for it.
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Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) holds the Territorial Cup at the end of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
The annual rivalry game will mark the first time since 2014 that both Arizona State and Arizona enter the matchup with at least eight wins. While both programs have taken different paths to reach this point in the season, Friday’s meeting will be pivotal for more than just state bragging rights.
The Sun Devils need a win in the Territorial Cup, and help from several other outcomes, to keep their hopes of defending their Big 12 title alive. The Wildcats, meanwhile, would love to play spoiler and keep their rivals out of contention.
Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham talks to his team during a football game against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. © Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dillingham posted on his X account about the excitement surrounding the upcoming game and credited Arizona for its strong play this season.
Man how awesome is it to have 2 good football teams in the Territorial Cup! Both teams should be ranked, hopefully many more years of 2 good teams facing off! @CoachBrennan #SunDevil4LIFE #DontHateAppreciate pic.twitter.com/d2EQNCv7gq
— Coach Dillingham (@KennyDillingham) November 23, 2025
Dillingham’s words were met with appreciation from Arizona fans, with some joking that they “have to like him” despite his coaching their rival school.
Coach Dilly, sir, I do not want to like you yet you continue to things like this. I am conflicted.
— Red Hat Cat (@Scott_Terrell) November 23, 2025
I hate that I like you
— Phillip 🌵 (@phancyphill) November 23, 2025
Not many people realize how annoying it is having a rival head coach that’s like, actually a genuinely good guy who cares about the intangibles that surround CFB
Hope Brennan is the same for them lol https://t.co/IS1Epj8jbR
— Schrödinger’s Wildcat (@WildcatAgenda) November 23, 2025
Friday will be crucial for both teams. On one side, it’s about bragging rights. For the other, it’s about keeping hope alive for another Big 12 championship. While that path is more challenging, the Sun Devils, especially under Dillingham, will undoubtedly aim to play their best football of the season as they attempt to check off one of the steps needed to secure back-to-back titles.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; General view down the line of scrimmage as the Arizona State Sun Devils prepare to snap the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ASU and Arizona go head-to-head in Tempe on Friday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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