Territorial Cup 2012: Arizona, ASU Battle For Bragging Rights

Talk about the Territorial Cup, and what gets you the most heated about Arizona State.

Kevin Zimmerman, Arizona Desert Swarm (Arizona): I grew up five miles from ASU's main campus. I now live in the Phoenix area with an ASU grad and an ASU student. They're what I imagine as being the average ASU student; very ‘meh' about the Sun Devils and the school unless they're good at something (this very rarely happens) and generally unaware of any culture that ASU has ... in fact, my only knowledge of culture within ASU is their fans jumping on us Arizona fans when it comes to any Duel in the Desert game. It bothers me that there's little pride in their school -- even outside of sport -- unless they beat Arizona. Guess they've got to look forward to something.

Adam Butler, Pacific Takes and Pac Hoops (Arizona): Are you trying to get me kicked off the internet? If you really want to talk about it, find me @pachoopsab, but for now I'm going to just mention some Territorial Cup numbers. Arizona has won 47 of the 84 meetings and 3 of the last 4 and each of the State Farm Territorial Cup titles, ever. That's not say I get heated about Arizona State losing, the contrary, I just like to mention. Maybe an acceptance of mediocrity gets me heated? Ask The Daily Show About it.

Alec Sills-Trausch, Zona Zealots (Arizona): ASU versus UA. UA versus ASU. This is only a rivalry in one sport: football. I grew up in Glendale, and most of my high school friends who went to a four-year college went to ASU. I have even branched out and become friends with their buddies. In other words, this game is personal. Whoever wins this game gets bragging rights for the next year and there is nothing I want more than to respond to any text or fb post with just the winning Arizona score.

Justin Karp, Bold Saguaros (Arizona State): Let's put it this way - hearing Arizona fans chant "Go! Go! Wildcats Go!" over and over is up there with the day they canceled Double Dare as one of the worst things that has ever happened to me. Here's the thing - I have some great friends that went to the University of Arizona. The campus is terrific. I actually don't mind watching games at Arizona Stadium; it's kind of a fun little joint that rocks a whole lot when it gets loud.

I more disdain the idea of the University of Arizona more than anything else. I'm appalled by the fact that Tucson continues to demand to be recognized as part of the United States. The fact that it's an athletic program that did not recognize that Mike Stoops was actually the 8th dwarf boggles my mind.

What are the matchups that Arizona must find a way to triumph over Arizona State? What are the keys to victory?

Kevin Zimmerman, Arizona Desert Swarm: Las Vegas says the Wildcats are 3-point favorites. How appropriate. We all know the recent history between these two schools. Field goals -- made or missed -- generally are pretty darn important in one team winning. Both schools have questionable kicking games coming in, so I'm siding with history in saying that'll be the key to victory for both teams.

Alec Sills-Trausch, Zona Zealots: Get the running game on track. Against UCLA, Arizona couldn't get more than a few yards and it halted the entire offense. If the Wildcats are able to run the ball, their spread option attack will follow. Secondly is the need for a pass rush. UA does not do a good job pressuring the opposing quarterback so any rushed throws will be looked upon highly. The last point Arizona must do is special teams. If both coaches could, they would abolish all special teams and go from there. I do not think Arizona fans could take more kicking fails in Arizona Stadium, especially if it results in a final like in 2010.

What's your score prediction for the Territorial Cup and why?

Kevin Zimmerman, Arizona Desert Swarm: Complete toss-up. No matter where each team is by the Duel in the Desert, there's a guarantee that it will be physical, sloppy, ugly and nerve-wracking for both sides. I do, however, think that offense will be happenin' this time out. Let's call it a 41-38 Arizona victory.

Adam Butler, Pacific Takes and Pac Hoops: I love this game. These are two teams fighting for almost identical outcomes as re-emerging programs in the midst of roller coaster seasons. Oh, and it's a rivalry game for the oldest trophy in the game. I'll toss in the cliche of discussing campus proximity, 109 miles, but I'll add a twist: that number could be the spread. Put me down for the under, however, as I think this game will be played a little more physically than others. Some additional stops and nerves. Excited to watch Arizona win this one, 37 - 24.

Alec Sills-Trausch, Zona Zealots: I am not a betting man, but even without putting money on this game, I really have no idea how this game will turnout. My gut tells me it will be a shootout because the Arizona offense is so explosive and their defense is so exploitable. I'll say Arizona pulls it out 38-33.