Arizona Football: Territorial Cup views and Insight from the Sidelines
It was a tough weekend for the Arizona Football team, but overall it was a great experience to take in the 2017 Territorial Cup.
On a hot, late November game in Tempe, Arizona, the Wildcats entered Sun Devil Stadium to a steady roar of boos, ready to kick off in the annual Territorial Cup game. I stood on the sidelines, camera in hand, anxious to experience the energy of the game.
The Wildcats, unfazed by the taunting and jeering of opposing fans took to the field, focused on the challenge at hand.
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As the sound system blared, and cheers of fans echoed through the stadium, the opening kick from Lucas Havrisik sailed into the end zone for a touchback.
ASU would take the field first, but it was Arizona’s defense that came up big. Creating pressure, and limiting the Sun Devils, ASU was unable to strike first.
The Wildcats electricity carried over as their offense took the field.
Excitedly I watched as the team marched the ball downfield on their opening possession, striking first, and setting the tone early. However, it wouldn’t take long before Arizona would add another touchdown, making it 14-0 early on, completely taking the excitement out of Sun Devil Stadium.
That feeling would quickly dissipate as ASU would score, cutting into Arizona’s lead, stealing back some of the momenta.
Fast forward to just before the half, and Arizona was now just holding on to a 10-point lead after picking off ASU QB, Manny Wilkins. That’s when things would turn south for Arizona.
Chalk it up to head coach Rich Rodriguez being too conservative if you will, as Arizona would let their foot off the gas just before the half. Big mistake!
On the last play of the first half, Khalil Tate would take a rough hit, which would ultimately limit him in the second half.
That’s when things would go downhill. Insert Brandon Dawkins, and the Sun Devils would generate a lot of pressure in the backfield, limiting the Cats’ offense.
The energy on the sidelines shifted. Even when Shun Brown would return a punt for a touchdown that would be called back due to a phantom block in the back call, the momentum just wasn’t there.
Looking down the bench and the body language of the team, they saw defeat was imminent and as the minutes passed, so did Arizona’s chances of coming back in this one.
As time expired, and I made my trek out of Sun Devil Stadium and eventually onto Rural Road, I was surrounded by a sea of yellow shirts, listening to the cheers and taunts of ASU fans.
Disheartening as the loss was, it was still an experience I wouldn’t take back, enjoying the sights and sounds of the game.
Here are a few of the photos I took from the game. Curious if you saw some of the interesting things I captured?
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I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity I was presented as a photo journalist! Even though I hated the result, I enjoyed the experience! Bear Down, Arizona!