Sun Devils offense was nowhere to be found in defeat to rivals at home.
The first time since 2014, #20 Arizona State and #25 Arizona are facing each other both ranked in the top twenty-five. Both schools are 8-3 and fighting for the oldest trophy in college football, the Territory Cup.
Starting the first half of this game the Sun Devils defense was able to stop the Wildcats offense in ASU territory, four possessions in a row. The first was a fumble recovery, second a mis-snap by Arizona center, then a missed field goal attempt and finally a blocked field goal.
Even with the defense stepping up and holding the Wildcat offense, the Sun Devil offense was only able to put up seven points in the first half.
Arizona State had a fair number of miscues as well, throwing an interception and kicker Gomez missing a field goal.
Both teams with missed opportunities, ended the first half with the Sun Devils up on the Wildcats 7-3.
Arizona in the third quarter had seventeen first downs, to Arizona State only having seven.
Arizona state led Arizona in rushing yards 93-21, the Sun Devils only had 41 passing yards to the Wildcats 222.
Mid way through the third quarter the Wildcats had a long drive walking down the field that you could see was draining the energy of the ASU defense. The Sun Devil defense ended up hold Arizona on that long drive to attempting a 49-yard field.
Wildcats made the field goal to extend their lead to 13-7 over the Sun Devils to end the third quarter.
To start the fourth quarter a tired Sun Devil defense found strength to hold the Wildcats for yet another field goal. Arizona extended the lead to 16-7.
Arizona State offense has not been productive since the first quarter. As they build a drive to try and get back in the game, with 8:11 left quarterback Sims fumbles the ball, recovered by the Wildcats.
Arizona than put together a drive that got them down to the ASU two-yard line, looking to extend their lead and put the game away.
The Wildcats crushed the Sun Devils dreams of contending for a BIG12 title by coming away with a 23-7 win in Tempe.