TEMPE — The stage is set for the Territorial Cup on Friday as Arizona visits Tempe to face Arizona State in their annual matchup. But this year, the unpredictability of the game is shaping up to make it one of the most compelling yet.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How so? Simply because both teams are good.
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
“Good” can be subjective, but the stories behind each program’s success are what make this year’s game one to watch. Sitting at 8-3, both the Sun Devils and Wildcats will want to end the season with a better record than their rival.
Arizona has been surprisingly strong, ranking seventh in the Big 12 in scoring defense (20.3 points per game) and among the national leaders in yards allowed per game (292.9). The Wildcats’ defensive presence hasn’t happened by accident. Under defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, Arizona has thrived on slowing the game down and getting timely stops.
Arizona State, meanwhile, is still within reach of a second straight Big 12 title.
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
The injury bug has hit the Sun Devils hard. Being without key contributors and losing quarterback Sam Leavitt midway through the season could have slowed the team down. Instead, the opposite has happened. A next-man-up mentality has pushed ASU to develop new strategies and adapt around different personnel.
ASU has won three straight and is 4-1 over its last five games, with the majority played without Leavitt and star wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Noah Fifita (11) against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Rivalry games are always intense and this year’s may be the most intense in recent memory. Both teams are fighting for something and both have the tools to win. It’s unpredictable because of the ways they’ve found to win and the ways they’ve defied expectations after setbacks or preseason projections.
It’s been a while since there wasn’t a clear, cookie-cut favorite in this contest and it may be a while before we see both programs meet at this level again.
Week 1⃣4⃣ TV Times 📺 ⏰#Big12FB | @Venmo pic.twitter.com/LUX6tK6wjh
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) November 23, 2025
The winner will likely be the team that capitalizes on the first mistake, or the team with just a bit more grit left after a long regular season.
Arizona State and Arizona face off 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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