Territorial Cup Staff Predictions: Arizona Football vs ASU
The 2022 Arizona Football season is drawing to a close and our staff breaks down their predictions for the annual Territorial Cup against ASU.
And just like that, the end of the 2022 Arizona Football season is here! After several up-and-down weeks from the Wildcats, Arizona prepares for its final matchup of the season, this one against those guys up north (Arizona State).
Jedd Fisch and Co. lost this game last year, and overall, the team will try and bounce back after their disappointing loss to Washington State last weekend that ended their bowl berth hopes.
Coming in, the Wildcats are the slight favorites; however, this one won’t be an easy one by any means.
With a lot of lingering questions entering this one, our staff makes their predictions ahead of the Arizona Football – Arizona State game.
This one is going to be close. Arizona did not look good against Washington State, and even though Arizona is the slight favorite here, it will be an emotional game for our Wildcats, and more challenging is that even amid their struggles, the Sun Devils have more talent than the Wildcats.
With it being the day after Thanksgiving, look for Arizona Stadium to still be rocking, plus, the home-field advantage should give the Wildcats just enough to earn the win in what will be another classic Territorial Cup matchup!
Arizona 34 ASU 31
Arizona’s defense has improved every week. However, the offense has been hot and then cold, still putting up numbers, but last week was a little too late.
If Jayden de Laura is calm and confident, and he can rise to the occasion, fully communicating with his receivers, and limiting turnovers, I feel this is the game it will all come together.
Just imagining that the Wildcats could end the season 5-7, beating our biggest rival, would be the icing on the cake!
The fans will have to come out in support, no matter what, to keep the players uplifted throughout the game. It’s a Red Out! Arizona has the weapons, the chemistry, and now the experience to win this game. Believe it!
Arizona 41 ASU 31
Jedd Fisch gets his first Territorial Cup signature win in his second season as head coach. Jayden de Laura uses lessons learned from the Washington State game and keeps his emotions in check.
De Laura will spray the ball all over the field, connecting with wide receivers Jacob Cowing, Tetaiora McMillan, Dorian Singer, and tight end Tanner McLachlan.
I expect junior running back Michael Wiley’s leadership to come out by way of explaining the meaning and importance of the Territorial Cup Rivalry to underclassmen playing in their first Duel in the Desert and encouraging his teammates to go the extra mile toward victory.
I also expect Wiley’s leadership to be on display both running the ball and as a receiver gaining yards after the catch.
Senior leaders Christian Young, Jalen Harris, and Hunter Echols will be important contributors for the Wildcats on defense. I expect defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen to call for multiple pressure packages, designed to test the decision-making and abilities against any quarterback ASU uses whether that is Emory Jones or Trenton Bourguet.
The Wildcats sing Bear Down loud and proud post game and that team from the north take a sad bus ride on I-10 back to Tempe.
Arizona 49 ASU 38
Jayden de Laura bounces back on the short week, and the defense continues to grow by the week. Arizona ends the season on a high by taking down ASU.
Arizona 34 ASU 21
light. Related Story. Arizona Football looks to end 2022 Season on a High Note
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