TUSCON, Ariz. (AP) — This year's Territorial Cup is simply for pride after both teams struggled through their seasons.
Arizona wants to snap a five-game losing streak for the Territorial Cup. Second-year coach Jedd Fisch has led the team to modest improvement in his second season with transfer quarterback Jayden de Laura under center. The Wildcats upset nationally ranked UCLA two weeks ago.
Arizona State interim coach Shaun Aguano is trying to earn his third win since Herm Edwards was fired in September. The Sun Devils have had some good moments, knocking off nationally ranked Washington.
The Sun Devils have won five straight games in the series, cutting into Arizona's overall advantage in the series.
De Laura already ranks fifth in Arizona school history in single-season passing yards with 3,485. He's also sixth in touchdown passes with 25. McMillan broke Arizona's freshman record for yards receiving in a season last week and now has 702.
Arizona State's Aguano has a 2-6 record since taking over for the fired Herm Edwards in September.
Fifth-year senior linebacker Kyle Soelle leads the Sun Devils with 105 tackles this season in 10 games. He also has three tackles for a loss and two interceptions.
KEY MATCHUP
Arizona's receivers vs. Arizona State's pass defense: The Wildcats have two 1,000-yard receivers in Jacob Cowing and Dorian Singer. Tetairoa McMillan has also been productive with more than 700 yards receiving.
The Sun Devils have had a solid pass defense this season, ranking fifth in the Pac-12 in passing yards allowed.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arizona St: RB Xazavian Valladay ranks second in the Pac-12 in rushing, averaging nearly 100 yards per game. He's run for at least 100 yards four times in conference play, including in the team's last two games against Washington State and Oregon State.
Arizona: De Laura. Arizona's success largely depends on their quarterback, who is averaging 342 yards through the air in eight conference games. He's coming off one of his worst games of the season after throwing four interceptions against Washington State in last week's loss.
Kickoff is Friday, Nov. 25 at 1 p.m. local time in Arizona Stadium.
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