In the 2025 instalment of the Arizona State versus Arizona rivalry. The Wildcats played a devastating defensive game to win by a margin of 23-7 and ruin the plans of the Sun Devils to appear in two consecutive appearances in the Big 12 championship. The win secured Arizona’s hold on the historic Territorial Cup and highlighted Arizona State’s shortcomings on the offensive side.
Turnovers and Pressure defines the game
Arizona's defense had intercepted five times on the night, three of them and two fumbles, and it was able to disrupt any momentum ASU was generating. Wildcats only allowed the Sun Devils to score 214 total yards, which is among the lowest results in recent history. Several expensive mistakes, such as a handoff failure and flashy snap within the red zone, were the direct cause of scoring drives by the Wildcats.
Jeff Sims, who was the new quarterback (in the absence of an injured Sam Leavitt), failed under pressure. His turnovers and the failure of ASU to trudge forward in attack compromised the rhythm of the Sun Devils and went a long way in the defeat.
Wildcats cash in, Sun Devils crash out
The Wildcats capitalized on all errors. The third-quarter short-field TD and several consecutive field goals helped Arizona get ahead and lead. Their fourth-quarter rush attack and good time management on the clock saw the Wildcats win the game, as ASU could not manage to develop its offense further due to accumulating pressure.
Meanwhile, the offense of Arizona State that had demonstrated signs of success earlier in the season did not turn the red-zone opportunities into. Their response was sabotaged by a missed field goal in the first half and stalled drives in the first half.
Program implication of the season for both shows
The victory makes Arizona Wilcats, 9-3 (6-3 Big 12), and earns the team a bowl game, keeping the team's momentum from a solid defensive performance. In the meantime, Arizona State closes out its season with an 8-4 (6-3 Big 12) record, which eliminates its chances of going back to the conference title game.
The rivalry trophy and the historic Territorial Cup now return to Tucson, as the Wildcats avenge last year’s blowout loss and reassert dominance in one of college football’s oldest rivalries.