Nov 27, 2024 - News

Stakes are high for ASU in this year's Territorial Cup game

Jeremy Duda

A decorative pewter jug with two long handles on the sides. — If the Sun Devils beat the Wildcats in the Territorial Cup match up this year, they'll most likely earn a spot in the Big 12 championship game. Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

There's a lot more on the line than bragging rights as ASU and UofA play for the Territorial Cup over Thanksgiving weekend.

Why it matters: After last weekend's big win over BYU, the Sun Devils are on track for an appearance in the Big 12 championship game, but a loss to the Wildcats could derail those plans.

ASU is tied with BYU, Colorado and Iowa State for the Big 12 lead, but has the tiebreaker against all three.
That means if all four teams win, the Sun Devils will play for the conference title.

Catch up quick: The Sun Devils were projected to finish last among the conference's 16 teams in their first season in the Big 12.

Instead, they're one of college football's biggest surprises, going 9-2, with statement wins against BYU and Kansas State.

The other side: The Wildcats' season had the opposite trajectory.

UofA had high preseason hopes and was ranked No. 21 nationally, but are 4-7 (2-6 in conference).
Arizona's loss to TCU last weekend knocked them out of bowl game contention, but they can still play spoiler to the Sun Devils if they beat ASU.

The intrigue: ASU will most likely go to the conference championship if it beats UofA, but there is a scenario where they win and still miss out on the Big 12 title game.

That scenario only comes to bear if BYU loses to Houston while ASU, Colorado and Iowa State win.
In that case, ASU would be knocked out of the conference championship if Texas Tech defeats West Virginia, Baylor beats Kansas and Cincinnati beats TCU, per the Big 12.

The bottom line: ASU fans need to root for BYU this weekend, as well as the Sun Devils.

Who to watch: Perhaps no one is more responsible for ASU's surprising success this year than running back Cam Skattebo, who has plowed through defenders en route to 14 touchdowns and more than 1,200 yards on the ground.

UofA may have fallen short of expectations, but the Cats still have one of college football's best wide receivers in Tetairoa McMillan, whose 1,251 yards make him third-best in the country.

1 big bet: Since Jeremy and Jessica have to represent their schools, they made a bet on the big game.

If the Sun Devils win, Jeremy has to buy Jessica a Skatteburger at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers.
If the Wildcats win, Jessica has to buy Jeremy a bottle of the UofA wine from Callaghan Vineyards.

What's next: ASU and UofA play in Tucson at 1:30pm on Saturday.

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Stakes are high for ASU in this year's Territorial Cup game

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