TEMPE — Arizona State wasn’t able to break through Arizona’s defense and couldn’t avoid offensive miscues, falling to the Wildcats 23-7 on Friday night in the Territorial Cup.
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Arizona State wide receiver Malik McClain (12) laughs with the wide receiver group prior to a game against Arizona at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 28, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a year marked by ups and downs, ASU remained in contention to defend its conference title until late in the season. The Sun Devils finish their 2025 campaign 8-4 and will not defend their Big 12 crown.
The offense stalled at the worst time, as Arizona State managed only one touchdown in the second quarter. That result was not surprising, given the Wildcats’ standing as one of the nation’s top defenses. It was always going to be a challenge for ASU, just one it couldn’t overcome.
Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims (2) runs into the end zone during a game against Arizona at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 28, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Sun Devils committed five turnovers, one more than their total against Colorado on Nov. 22, but this time they were on the losing end.
A season defined by injuries and constant lineup shuffling still produced meaningful football into the final week, something the program will remember. However, losing to a rival at home will undoubtedly sting and there will be many “what ifs” as the season comes to a close.
Arizona wide receiver Gio Richardson (5) catches a pass against Arizona State during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, on Nov. 28, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
While preseason expectations weren’t met, Arizona State didn’t let its midseason problems derail the team from reaching the position it found itself in at the end of the year.
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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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