The anticipation builds for the 99th Territorial Cup football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils, as key statistics and trends emerge that are likely to influence the outcome. This year’s rivalry, scheduled for Friday night in Tempe, highlights several crucial factors to consider.
One of the standout figures is Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita, who has showcased impressive performance on the road. This season, he has completed 72.6% of his passes in four away games, averaging 8.3 yards per attempt and boasting a significant efficiency rating of 163.0. His ability to thrive under pressure suggests that he is ready to meet the challenges of this high-stakes matchup.
The dynamics of the Sun Devils’ offense have shifted dramatically following the season-ending injury to quarterback Sam Leavitt. Jeff Sims has taken over the starting role, and ASU has adopted a more run-centric approach. In Sims’ four games as the starter, the team has averaged over 42 rushing attempts per game, compared to 37 under Leavitt. Given Arizona’s historical struggles against mobile quarterbacks, the incorporation of Sims’ rushing ability could provide ASU with a tactical advantage.
As part of the game plan, Arizona’s defense will need to focus on containing ASU’s rushing attack, which ranks third in the Big 12 with an impressive 197 yards per game. Star tailback Raleek Brown, who ranks second in the conference with 1,078 rushing yards, presents a significant threat, particularly since Arizona has allowed over 170 rushing yards in five of their last six games.
The fourth quarter has proven pivotal in many matchups, and this game promises to be no exception. Arizona has excelled in late-game situations, surrendering only 36 points in the fourth quarter all season. Conversely, ASU has demonstrated a knack for scoring late, with the highest point total in the fourth period compared to other quarters. Whichever team can carry their momentum into the final segment may secure the win.
When it comes to defending quarterbacks, both teams face challenges; Arizona has allowed the second-most sacks in the Big 12, while ASU ranks just behind. The pass protection dynamics could play a crucial role, especially with the change in quarterbacks for ASU, who is statistically more evasive than Leavitt.
In terms of turnovers, Arizona has been particularly strong, ranking second in the Big 12 with a plus-12 turnover margin, while ASU remains even for the season. The significance of protecting the ball cannot be overstated, as recent territorial cup outcomes have often hinged on who won the turnover battle.
On third downs, both defenses have been effective, with Arizona ranking closely behind ASU in third down defense metrics. However, both teams struggle to convert on offense, emphasizing the importance of executing plays when it counts.
Finally, the red zone effectiveness for both teams has been less than stellar, with Arizona and ASU sitting near the bottom of the league in converting opportunities into touchdowns. The ability to capitalize in the red zone could be decisive, especially in a game with a narrow spread of just 1.5 points.
As game day approaches, it’s clear that the rivalry remains fierce, and the factors outlined could very well determine who takes home the Territorial Cup. With so much at stake, both teams are expected to bring their best as they clash in this storied tradition.