Arizona Football: Arizona vs. ASU Roundtable

Arizona Football: On the eve of the duel in the desert for the 89th Annual Territorial Cup, will the Wildcats make it two in a row against the Arizona State Sun Devils?

We got a few of our writers together to get their thoughts on how the Territorial Cup game was going to go down this weekend, here are their answers:

Shereen Rayan:

1) Do you think Arizona Will win this weekend against ASU? If so, why?

I do, I believe it will be a very close game with a lot of offense. Both teams are being pumped up by their coaches; they know a whole season could be in the dumpster as far as what will be remembered if they don’t win this game, and they will carry the shame for an entire year until the two teams meet again. Arizona State does need one more win to be bowl eligible, and their seniors want that cup back. Arizona’s seniors proved last week that they can step up and make things happen, and they know how it feels to have the territorial cup.

Look for this to be a highly contentious yet pretty even game coming down to the wire. If Arizona fans decide now after last week’s win, it is worth it to go to Tempe to cheer on their cats, and they can get a good crowd there, we think Arizona can pull this out and make a losing season in the Pac-12 feel much better.

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2) Who has to step up on the Arizona football team to win this game?

Coach Rich Rodriguez is going to pull out all the stops in this game, I predict both quarterbacks are going to play, but Randall will end up enhancing the running game. Cayleb Jones and Samajie Grant will be targets, so when the ball comes their way they will have to be darn near perfect to grab those receptions. That is, if Anu Solomon can throw the way he was throwing the ball in the game against Utah.

The offensive line will have to continue to protect their quarterback to give him time to throw those huge bombs that Anu is capable of passing.
Will Parks and Davonte Neal will have to be stellar as well as whomever is backing up all the middle line backers who have been injured thus far now including Jeff Matthews.

I saw somewhere that Jason Sweet is has been practicing all week, the first week he has practiced since he tore his ACL, maybe he will get to play in this important game.

And Rich Rod said the entire team was going to Tempe, all the injured and wounded, everyone.
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3) What is your prediction of the final score and why?

It will be very close and come down to a field goal. Arizona will have the edge there as kicker Casey Skowron has been spot on lately, even won player of the week last week.

Arizona 31 Arizona State 28

Brad Malone:

1) Do you think Arizona Will win this weekend against ASU? If so, why?

This game is a tossup because neither ASU or Arizona have shown they are very good, but consider this. If Arizona beats the Sun Devils on Saturday, they would be sitting at 7-5 and would be invited to a very winnable bowl game. If the Cats win that bowl game, it would tie the two best seasons Mike Stoops had in Tucson during his nearly eight year tenure. Not bad for a season that seemed to be circling the drain a few weeks ago.

2) Who has to step up on the Arizona football team to win this game?

Anu Solomon had his best showing of the season last week until he was knocked out of the game in second half. With Solomon questionable this weekend against the Sun Devils it’s now all about Jerrard Randall.Randall has been electric this season in the open field but last week against the Utes, he was unable to break free. Utah knew what was coming and made him look human.Randall bailed himself and the Wildcats out by finding Nate Phillips in the end zone in the second overtime. It was Randall’s only memorable play of the night.

If Randall can play like he did a few weeks ago against Washington State, the Cats should have a chance against ASU.

Against the Cougars, Randall had his best passing day as a Wildcat and added 105 yards rushing.

3) What is your prediction of the final score and why?

These two teams are the worst in the Pac-12, in turnover margin. Arizona has had a terrible time creating turnovers during the conference season. This changed the past two weeks against USC and Utah. My Spidey senses tell me the difference in this heated rivalry game will be a defensive touchdown by someone no one Wildcats fans had heard of a month ago.

Arizona 32

Arizona State 31

Peggy McClain:

1) Do you think Arizona Will win this weekend against ASU? If so, why?

I’m not feeling as confident. I think because I’m not sure about Anu and being at ASU gives them the advantage.

2) Who has to step up on the Arizona football team to win this game?

The receivers are going to have to go get the ball, regardless of who is quarterback. Jump, stretch, reach, glue on their gloves, whatever effort is needed to haul the ball in. I saw that during Utah, but not all year. Defense–make ASU’s QB who can’t say the words Arizona Wildcats eat the turf.

3) What is your prediction of the final score and why?

ASU 31–Arizona 20 Yes, I’ll be Debbie Downer.

Ryan Reyes:

1) Do you think Arizona Will win this weekend against ASU? If so, why?

Both Arizona and Arizona State have proven that they have had there highs and lows throughout the season. However this game could go either way as it could have last season and Arizona came out on top. The result will be the same as last season as Arizona wins and improves their record to 7-5.

2) Who has to step up on the Arizona football team to win this game?

With rumors swirling about Coach Rich Rod last hoorah coaching the Wildcats. In order for the Wildcats to come out on top they have to play defense. Stop the run and force the Sun Devils to throw the ball for a better chance at creating turnovers. Anu Solomon is not out of the woods either. Anu has to take command and come out as he did against Utah. Arizona has a very good chance to win this game if the Cats do not give the ball away.

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3) What is your prediction of the final score and why?

Arizona 28 Arizona State 21– Anu coming off a win against Utah, Arizona pulls it out in Tempe.

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