When they kick off Saturday in Tempe, Arizona and Arizona State will write the latest chapter in an in-state rivalry that dates to 1899. That’s a lot of history.
The Star, in conjunction with The Arizona Republic, asked former ASU and UA players to tell us their most memorable Territorial Cup experience. Their responses will run every day this week.
Here’s what they said:
ASU OL JUAN ROQUE (1992-96)
“Seeing our fans storm their field and climbing the goal posts in the south end zone trying to tear them down (after a 56-14 ASU victory in 1996). It was comical watching (the fans) sway them in an attempt to knock them over, but they were embedded in concrete, so they weren’t going anywhere! … I give them an A for effort.”
Paola Boivin, The Arizona Republic
ARIZONA COACH
JIM YOUNG (1973-1976)
“Am I allowed two memories? When we came here, ASU was dominating. They’d won eight straight. First year we tied for the championship, but they beat us pretty good. So 1974 would be the best memory, 10-10, a hard-hitting game. The week leading up to it, and we did what you can’t do today — we scrimmaged, full-go scrimmaged. The only way we’d beat them is to out-hit them. I think we hit a field goal with five (minutes) to go and scored another touchdown. The first time in 10 years. Great victory. I never hated Arizona State, because I don’t think that has too much to do with it. We respected them as a great team. They had some great individuals, and certainly their coach (Frank Kush) was outstanding. We respected what they did, but we just wanted to beat them on the playing field.
“Then 1975, the two plays I remember that game, of course the great catch by John Jefferson — ‘The Catch’ — which just before the half got them back in the game. But what’s forgotten is we had a 71-yard touchdown pass held back because the receiver had his headgear over the line of scrimmage. If they’d had instant replay, they may have checked Jefferson’s catch. But it was a catch. It was good.”
Jon Gold
