Arizona Dominates Rival ASU, Dashing Sun Devils’ Title Hopes

In a decisive showdown on the night of March 15, 2024, the Arizona Wildcats secured a 23-7 victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils, effectively ending their rivals’ hopes for a repeat in the Big 12 Championship. This win capped off a remarkable turnaround season for Arizona, highlighted by a strong performance from quarterback Noah Fifita and a tenacious defense that forced five turnovers.

Fifita and Defense Shine

Fifita threw for 286 yards and one touchdown, leading the Wildcats to their fifth consecutive victory. Coach Brent Brennan expressed pride in his team, saying, “Nobody thought they could. Check us out now.” The Wildcats, now 9-3 overall and 6-3 in the Big 12, showcased a formidable defense that stifled Arizona State’s offensive efforts, limiting them to just 214 total yards.

The Sun Devils, who entered the game ranked 20th in the College Football Playoff rankings with a record of 8-4 and 6-3 in the Big 12, had a slim chance of reaching the championship game. Their hopes were dashed as Arizona’s defense suffocated their offensive strategies, contributing significantly to the outcome.

Turning Points and Key Plays

Arizona’s Michael Salgado-Medina made two crucial field goals in the second half after struggling initially, showing resilience and determination. A pivotal moment came when running back Kedrick Reescano scored on a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:56 left in the game, solidifying the Wildcats’ commanding lead. Dalton Johnson sealed the victory with an interception near midfield, marking a significant achievement for the Wildcats after finishing last season with a 4-8 record.

In contrast, Sun Devils’ quarterback Jeff Sims, making his fourth start in place of the injured Sam Leavitt, struggled under pressure. He threw three interceptions and lost two fumbles during the match. His misplay at the start of the third quarter led directly to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Fifita to Cameron Barmore, igniting a run of 20 consecutive points for Arizona.

Despite a promising start to the game, Arizona State’s only touchdown came late in the match, following a 90-yard drive that culminated in Sims’ 27-yard run. Earlier, a field goal attempt by Jesus Gomez hit the goal post, further complicating ASU’s efforts to gain momentum.

Following the game, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham expressed empathy for Sims, stating, “I feel for him tonight, I really do. I just have so much respect and love – he’s such a good human being.” The Wildcats’ defensive performance marked a significant improvement from the previous season, where they ranked near the bottom in defensive statistics.

With this victory, Arizona not only claimed bragging rights in the historic Territorial Cup but also demonstrated their growth under Coach Brennan’s leadership. As the Wildcats look to build on this success, they will undoubtedly savor this significant win against their rivals.