Arizona Dominates Rival ASU, Ends Sun Devils’ Big 12 Hopes

In a decisive clash on March 15, 2024, the Arizona Wildcats thwarted the Arizona State Sun Devils’ aspirations for a repeat Big 12 championship by securing a commanding 23-7 victory. This win not only highlighted the Wildcats’ impressive turnaround this season but also marked a significant milestone in the storied rivalry known as the Territorial Cup.

Noah Fifita led Arizona’s offense with a remarkable performance, throwing for 286 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, the Wildcats’ defense was relentless, forcing five turnovers and limiting Arizona State to just 214 total yards. Arizona’s head coach, Brent Brennan, expressed pride in his team, stating, “Nobody thought they could. Check us out now.”

The Sun Devils, who entered the game with an 8-4 record and ranked No. 20 in the College Football Playoff standings, had a narrow chance of reaching the Big 12 title game again. This game, the most anticipated Territorial Cup match in a decade, carried significant implications for both teams.

Arizona, now boasting a 9-3 record and ranked No. 25 in the CFP, capitalized on their defensive prowess. They restricted the Sun Devils to a mere 15 yards in the first quarter, setting the tone for the game. Although Arizona State managed a brief resurgence with a 90-yard drive culminating in a 27-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jeff Sims, their overall performance was marred by turnovers. Sims struggled throughout the night, finishing with 114 yards on 11-of-25 passing, along with three interceptions and two lost fumbles.

The Wildcats built a comfortable lead, scoring 20 unanswered points following a crucial turnover. Sims’ mismanaged handoff early in the third quarter positioned Arizona for a 9-yard touchdown pass from Fifita to Cameron Barmore, further extending their lead.

Despite some missed opportunities—including two missed field goals and a blocked kick—Arizona managed to secure the win with a late touchdown by Kedrick Reescano and an interception by Dalton Johnson to seal the game. Johnson remarked, “We always talk about starting fast, but you’ve also got to finish strong. We did a great job of that.”

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham expressed sympathy for his quarterback, noting, “Jeff is 3-1 as a full-time starter. I feel for him tonight, I really do. I just have so much respect and love – he’s such a good human being.”

Last year’s Territorial Cup saw Arizona State emerge victorious with a score of 49-7, but this season has seen a remarkable turnaround for Arizona under Brennan’s guidance, with the defense ranking among the top 25 nationally in several categories.

As the Wildcats celebrated their fifth consecutive win, the Sun Devils were left to reflect on missed opportunities. Tight end Chamon Metayer acknowledged, “The challenge was us — we just had to get out of our own way. By the time we figured it out, it was too late.”

With this victory, Arizona has established itself as a formidable contender, leaving the Sun Devils to regroup and reassess their future in the Big 12 landscape.