Arizona State (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) and Arizona (8-3, 5-3 Big 12) play the 99th edition of the Territorial Cup on Friday. The Sun Devils will have to excel in the following places to retain the cup.
1. Will redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Sims have a rebound performance?
Sims had an interception and a fumble last week against Colorado. Against a weak team like the Buffaloes, the Sun Devils could afford to give up turnovers and still win. That can not happen against Arizona, which is much better than Colorado.
2. Will the Sun Devil defense slow down Noah Fifita?
Junior quarterback Noah Fifita ranks third in the Big 12 in passing yards per game at 243.4. The Sun Devils have already slowed down the top two passing leaders in the conference, Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson and TCU’s Josh Hoover, to 250 yards and 242 yards, respectively, so they can slow down Fifita.
3. Will Arizona State’s rushing attack continue to be potent?
Redshirt junior running back Raleek Brown put up a monstrous 255 yards on the ground at Colorado. The Wildcats rank in the middle of the conference in stopping the run. Brown and Sims should bring an attack that wears down the Wildcats' defense.
4. Who will be Sims’ top target?
Arizona has the top pass defense in the Big 12. That will be a challenge for Sims to get the ball to redshirt junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Redshirt senior tight end Chamon Metayer could be a presence over the middle, and redshirt sophomore Derek Eusebio could be a factor as he caught a 64-yard touchdown in last year's Territorial Cup.
5. Will the Sun Devils be ready in a short week?
This is both teams' second short week of the season, and both teams won their first Friday night game of the season. That should not affect performance, but with the big game, that could change things for both teams.
This will more than likely be a close game, contrary to recent history, as four of the last five games have been decided by more than 20 points.