The clichΓ© of rivalry games is this: Throw away the records, what happened the previous season, or whoβs considered the better team. On rivalry night, that goes out the window.
Thatβs Arizonaβs best hope this year, certainly. The Wildcats have a 2-9 record heading into Friday night, their worst entering the Territorial Cup since 2011. ASU isnβt having a great year, and itβs still one win from bowl eligibility at 5-6.
Of course, Arizona won that game in 2011.
Hereβs a look back at five times the lesser team won the game.
1982
Records: No. 6 ASU (9-1), Arizona (5-4-1)
Where: Tucson
Who won: UA 28-18.
The hero: QB Tom Tunnicliffe (Arizona), who avoided a blitz in his own end zone to complete a 92-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, helping UA upset ASU and keep the Sun Devils out of the Rose Bowl.
1992
Records: No. 16 Arizona (6-3-1), ASU (6-4)
Where: Tempe
Who won: ASU 7-6
The hero: Kevin Galbreath (ASU), who ran for a 51-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure ASU coach Bruce Snyderβs first Cup win.
2004
Records: No. 18 ASU (8-2), Arizona (2-8)
Where: Tucson
Who won: UA 34-27
The hero: QB Richard Kovalcheck (Arizona) who threw for three touchdowns in the upset, even though he was just a redshirt freshman.
2010
Records: Arizona (7-4), ASU (5-6)
Where: Tucson
Who won: ASU 30-29 (2OT)
The hero: DL James Brooks (ASU), a mammoth lineman who blocked two Alex Zendejas extra points to secure the double overtime victory for ASU.
2011
Records: ASU (6-4), Arizona (2-8)
Where: Tempe
Who won: UA 31-27
The hero: QB Bryson Beirne (Arizona). After star Nick Foles left with an injury, Beirne came in and threw the game-winning touchdown to Juron Criner.
