The final week of the college football season is here and there is still plenty left to play for with conference play in full swing. One of the most important games of the weekend took place in Tucson, Arizona as the Arizona Wildcats hosted the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Arizona State is fresh off a big win over BYU at home while Arizona is coming off a disappointing loss to TCU on the road. While these schools may be new to the Big 12, their rivalry dates all the way back to 1899. There is no love lost between these two in the battle for the Territorial Cup. Last year the Wildcats won in Tempe but this year it was all about the Sun Devils as they blew out Arizona 49-7. Here are my three takeaways from the game.
Arizona State Dominated
From start to finish, the Sun Devils put their foot on the gas pedal and completely just ran over anyone or anything that got in their way on Saturday. Arizona State scored on a touchdown on their first four drives of the game and by halftime, had a 35-0 lead. Star running back Cam Skattebo had another incredible performance with 177 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Sam Leavitt had a big day as well tossing three scores.
As good as their offense was, their defense completely shut down Arizona. They didn’t let the Wildcats get comfortable at all. Arizona State got pressure on Noah Fifita and completely eliminated any threat of a run game early on. What impresses me the most with this team is the trenches. They simply get after it and control the line of scrimmage. There was never any doubt in this game as Arizona State dominated on both sides of the ball. The Territorial Cup is heading back to Tempe for the first time in three years.
Disappointing End to a Disappointing Season
This game summed up the entire season for Arizona. Their offense couldn’t get anything going and their defense couldn’t stop anyone. Noah Fifita was running around avoiding defenders and the run game was non-existent due to the score. The Wildcats had just 210 yards of offense and just never could get into a rhythm.
Meanwhile, the defense was somehow even worse. They let Cam Skattebo run all over them and had no answer for Jordyn Tyson. Arizona State did whatever they wanted on both sides of the ball and there was nothing Arizona could do about it. This team got completely embarrassed at home against their in-state rival. Now their season ends with a 4-8 record, and it feels like Brent Brennan’s seat got a lot warmer heading into 2025.
One Step Closer to Arlington
While the Sun Devils may not have officially clinched a Big 12 title berth after the game, there would have to be a lot to happen for them to be left out. Either way, I would like to step back and take a look at Arizona State’s season here. They came into the year picked to finish dead last and here we are talking about them potentially playing for a Big 12 championship and a spot in the college football playoff.
What Kenny Dillingham has done with this program is nothing short of remarkable. At just 34 years old, he is quickly becoming one of the best coaches not just in the Big 12 but in all of college football. This team is a reflection of their head coach. They are tough, gritty and they simply aren’t afraid of anyone. They play smash mouth football and it’s refreshing to see in today’s world. Whether or not this team ends up in Arlington, there is no doubt that it was a successful season in Tempe. With the win, Arizona State has won ten games for the first time since 2014.
