ASU's clash with in-state rival boils down to a "one-game season"

Ahead of each matchup for No.25 Arizona State in 2025, head coach Kenny Dillingham has addressed his outlook on the rest of the season with a “one game at a time” attitude; however, ahead of the 100th meeting between ASU and rivals Arizona, that mantra rings true now more than ever.

The Sun Devils (8-3, 6-2 Big 12) must win on Friday against the Wildcats (8-3, 5-3) if they want any chance of heading back to Arlington for the Big 12 Championship Game. This factor, atop a heated rivalry between the 48th state’s marquee programs, provides Dillingham a one-track mindset. 

“It’s a one-game season,” Dillingham said Monday. “This is a one-game season, and we finished the regular season 8-3, and we get a bonus game right here and then whatever’s after that. But that’s how I view it, and I think our guys are excited.” 

The Territorial Cup game, although smothered in history, hasn’t produced many marquee matchups of late. With both programs sitting at 8-3, it’ll be the first time since 2014 that the programs have met with both sides winning above 70% of their games before the showdown. 

“It’s awesome to have this game be played between two really good football teams,” Dillingham said. “That’s what you want, you want this game to matter, and it’s awesome that it matters.”

After a rough 2-3 start to Big 12 play, the Wildcats looked destined for a season similar to 2024 when they finished just 4-8; however, they’ve reeled off a conference-best four-game winning streak since Nov. 1. 

Arizona’s best traits start on the defensive side of the ball. By a wide margin, it ranks No.1 in the Big 12 in passing defense, allowing just 159.7 yards per game, the sixth-best mark in the nation. Led by former ASU defensive coordinator Danny Gonzales, it also leads the league with 16 interceptions this season. 

“He’s a walking Arizona encyclopedia,” Dillingham noted on Gonzales. “Eventually, he needs to coach at Northern Arizona so he can just be the king of the state. They’ve just done an excellent job as a staff this year.” 

Junior quarterback Noah Fifita has been the starting quarterback for the Wildcats since 2023 after leading the program to a 10-3 record as a redshirt freshman. In 2025, his dynamic play has continued, throwing 25 touchdowns and just five interceptions to chart 2,677 yards. Averaging 243 yards per game over the air, he’s the No.3 gunslinger in the Big 12 as well.

“They’re playing very, very good football if not the top two in our league,” Dillingham admitted. “They’re playing as good football as anybody right now, and the thing about them is they won 10 games two years ago. Their quarterback is the same quarterback, their free safety, who’s the most valuable player on their defense, is the same kid. They have another DB who is the same starter who’s been there forever; the core of that team is still there.”

Dillingham’s comments are centered around Fifta, and defensive backs, senior Dalton Johnson, who leads the team in tackles with 94, and junior Genesis Smith. The three have been key contributors for Arizona since or before the 2023 season, when the Wildcats won ten games. 

“It’s fun to watch guys kind of stick through something and come out of the other end and have an unbelievable season,” Dillingham said of the opposing players.

As a Scottsdale native, the Territorial Cup game comes with fond memories for Dillingham. The game week, which comes near Thanksgiving each year, has given a festive spin to an otherwise passionate frenzy. 

“I think about (Territorial Cup game ) and Thanksgiving kind of go together. Like when I think about Thanksgiving, I also think about the Territorial Cup (game), and they just kind of go together. It’s kind of like the holidays,” Dillingham continued to elaborate.

“This is a game that matters to the state. Your neighbor could’ve gone to either school, and I think that’s what makes this rivalry fun. People are friends with people on both sides of this rivalry, and that’s what makes it so big, the relationships that are within the rivalry, and you always want to beat your brother the best.”

Arizona’s already beaten the Sun Devils in preparation time, with the maroon and gold getting back into Tempe after 2 a.m. Sunday morning after their 42-17 victory against Colorado. With a short week and Thanksgiving occurring, it puts Dillingham’s side at a noticeable disadvantage. 

“We’re probably behind a day on them based on the scheduling already on a short week,” Dillingham said. “So our backs are against the wall.” 

After ASU sold out Mountain America Stadium for its 2025 season opener, the first sold-out home opener since 1998, the program was destined for revived fan turnout. The Arizona matchup completes the season streak of sellouts in Tempe.

“It’s a rivalry game, people are going to get fiery and feisty,” Dillingham said regarding the Territorial Cup atmosphere. “They should be, it’s about doing it respectfully. I’m expecting this place to be rocking, absolutely rocking. Unfortunately, there’s going to be some other colors in there, too.

“This should be one of the best environments in college football this weekend.”