TEMPE- The Arizona State Sun Devils are leading 7-3 over the Arizona Wildcats at halftime, as their defense is getting the job done.
In the first quarter, the Sun Devils made two huge defensive stops despite the Wildcats' successful attempts to score in the red zone.
At the same time, Arizona State has a hard time getting their hot start to the offensive end and it was the first time they have not scored a touchdown in the opening quarter since week 1.
At the beginning of the second quarter, quarterback Jeff Sims' pass was intended for wide receiver Malik McClain was instead intercepted by Arizona cornerback Michael Dansby.
However, running back Raleek Brown rushes for 28 yards, which leads to Sims scoring a rushing touchdown to hand the Sun Devils their first lead of the game.
Just a few moments later, cornerback Keith Abney II blocks Arizona's 42-yard field goal attempt, which leads to Arizona State getting the ball back before halftime.
Kicker Jesus Gomez attempted a 49-yard field goal, and it came up short, keeping the Sun Devils' points to just seven. On the other hand, the Wildcats got themselves on the board with a field goal made from 47 yards, cutting their lead down to just four points.
In the first half, Arizona has the advantage in total yards, 164-123, and passing yards, 146-41, over Arizona State. Kenny Dillingham will need to make something happen in order for the Sun Devils to take the Territorial Cup back home to Tempe for second consecutive year.
Sims has one rushing touchdown, a total of 41 yards, went 6-for-12, a rating of 62, and an interception.
Earlier on Friday, the No. 21 Utah Utes won over the Kansas Jayhawks with a score of 31-21. Could Arizona State have a chance to clinch a berth in this year's Big 12 Championship game in Arlington? Texas Tech and BYU plays on Saturday, so we'll find out.