An up-tempo offensive attack poses a challenge for the Sun Devils

It's rare that there is so much at stake in a Territorial Cup matchup, and that's what's in store on Friday for the 99th playing.

Making matters more difficult for the Sun Devils is going up against a vastly improved offense from their rivals. The 2024 season saw some paltry numbers from the neighbors to the South, such as a 96th ranked total offense (354.5 yards per game) and 120th ranked rushing offense (106.6 yards per game). 21.8 points per game ranked towards the bottom of FBS as well. 2025 under first year offensive coordinator Seth Doege has seen a revitalization across the board. Total offense has jumped to 407.6 yards per game (52nd nationally), and rushing offense up to 70th nationally at 156.1 yards per game, scoring at a 33.5 points per game clip.

Front and center in this up-tempo spread offense has been the development of Noah Fifita. Last season there could have been arguments made that Fifita was only as good as the play of leading receiver Tetairoa McMillan, but Fifita has thrived in the new offensive structure in his absence. Returning to his 2023 form. Fifita has compiled 25 passing touchdowns against just 5 interceptions, throwing for 2,677 pards.

Instead of one dominant receiver in the room, McMillan has been recreated in the aggregate in the form of Kris Hutson, Tre Spivey, and Javin Whatley. These top three receivers have combined for 1,391 yards with 14 of Fifita's 25 touchdown catches. What stands out is the additional depth in the receiving corps. 8 players in total have recorded at least 100 receiving yards this season, however the play becomes predictable with the top 6 all lining up at the wide receiver position. Tight ends get little love in this offense with Sam Olson and Cameron Barmore combining for just 203 receiving yards in 11 games.

At the start of the season, Ismail Mahdi was the feature back in the offense, and has performed as such with 738 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns after transferring in from Texas State. Kedrick Reescano has emerged first as a depth piece, but after a 3 touchdown performance last week against Baylor, stands as a bonafide threat in the opposing backfield. Behind a dynamic offensive line that ranks as one of the highest graded lines in FBS, the Sun Devil defense will have a tough task in stopping both backs.

As improved as this offense is, there are still criticisms and areas where Arizona State can get under their skin. The play calling comes off as very predictable, often running in short yardage situations and passing in long yardage. This should allow the Sun Devils to anticipate plays during any given down and distance. Furthermore, for as improved as the offensive line is, holding penalties have been a thorn in the side, limiting the admittedly impressive performance that this team has put up. This unit is prone to allowing sacks, giving up 29 in 11 games, and shows inefficiency in third-down situations, converting 37.9% of their opportunities. Forcing the offense into long yardage situations on third down will be key for the Sun Devil defense to come away with a win.

The 99th Territorial Cup will kick off from Mountain America Stadium at 7pm on Friday night on FOX.