University of Arizona brings Territorial Cup back to Tucson
TEMPE, Ariz. (KYMA) - The 99th Territorial Cup delivered on its reputation Saturday night in Tempe, where postseason stakes, program pride, and year-long bragging rights collided.
Arizona State entered the rivalry matchup ranked and still clinging to hopes of reaching the Big 12 title game, needing both outside help and a win over Arizona to keep that possibility alive.
The Wildcats, ranked for the first time this season, arrived looking to make a statement of their own as they pushed for a premier bowl berth and a return of the Territorial Cup to Tucson.
Both teams came in riding momentum, but early on it was Arizona that found rhythm offensively. Quarterback Noah Fafita opened the game attacking ASU's secondary, connecting with Chris Hudson on a 24-yard gain that helped set the tone as the Wildcats repeatedly moved into Sun Devil territory.
Arizona threatened on several early drives, but ASU's defense held firm, stopping a third-down chance after a low snap forced Fafita to dump the ball off under pressure.
While the Sun Devils stayed afloat defensively, their offense sputtered. Quarterback Jeff Sims floated a pass across the field that Arizona's Michael Dansby read perfectly, jumping the route for an interception.
The Wildcats, however, came up empty on the takeaway, and ASU capitalized moments later. Sims redeemed himself with a rushing touchdown that energized the home crowd and gave the Sun Devils their only lead of the night at 7-0.
From there, Arizona seized full control. Fafita took over in the second half, finishing with more than 280 passing yards and a touchdown as the Wildcats methodically pulled away.
Arizona's defense smothered ASU's offense, and the Wildcats closed out a commanding 23-7 victory to reclaim the Territorial Cup and punctuate a resurgent regular season.
After the game, emotions ran high on both sidelines. ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham spoke candidly about the sting of the loss.
:It sucks. Like this is horrible. Like I have to live in this city, like that sucks. Like I get a year of this game just around. That sucks. That's the best part about this game is you have repercussions for a year, and I get to hear about it."
He also praised his players for what they've built saying, "You guys took a program that was dead…absolutely nobody wanted to be here. And you guys took a team and did something that hasn’t been done in 12 years."
Arizona head coach Brent Brennan emphasized what the win meant to the university, its fans, and the City of Tucson.
"It's more important to our university, to our fans, our community," Brennan shared. "And to come up here and get the win was just incredible, and I'm excited because now the Territorial Cup gets to come back to Tucson, Arizona, where I think all of us Wildcats feel like it belongs."
The Wildcats secured their fifth straight win to finish the regular season 9-3, capping a remarkable turnaround in Brennan's first year at the helm.
Arizona now heads into bowl season with momentum and a strong résumé, while Arizona State looks to regroup after a rivalry game that will linger in Tempe for the next year.
