The Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils both had coaches on hot seats when the season began. They have both done a solid job of exceeding expectations, and the winner of their “Territorial Cup” rivalry game in Week 14 will likely cement the return of their coach in 2018, while the losing coach could be getting nervous.
Arizona has looked impressive since quarterback Khalil Tate took over under center and he is a big reason why the Wildcats are expected to be right in this matchup. Both teams are 5-3 in Pac-12 play and six conference wins would be a nice accomplishment after both started the season shaky.
This contest in Week 14 of the regular season will go down Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Sun Devil Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona PK
Arizona State PK
Over/Under
Odds Analysis
This game has been listed as a pick ‘em. The Wildcats have been slightly more impressive on the year but are coming off a blowout loss to Oregon. Arizona State has four of its past six games and has the home field advantage, so the oddsmakers think this one could go either way. Arizona is getting the majority of the action early on, with more than 65 percent of the money heading the Wildcats’ way to win.
The scoring total hasn’t yet been unveiled, but both teams have shown the ability to put up a boatload of points, so don’t be surprised if it is pretty high.
Key Stat
22. That’s how many turnovers Arizona’s defense has forced so far this season. Included in that number is 17 interceptions and five fumble recoveries.
The Wildcats will be tested Saturday, however, as the defense faces a Sun Devil offense that has only turned the ball over nine times this season. Quarterback Manny Wilkins has thrown four interceptions and 14 touchdowns on the year.
Freshman cornerback Lorenzo Burns leads Arizona’s defense with four interceptions. If Arizona can get ahead in this game, it will force Wilkins to take more chances, which could result in takeaways for the Wildcats.
Player To Watch
Khalil Tate — Arizona’s sophomore quarterback has been a revelation this season. His passing numbers are only ho-hum, as Tate has thrown for 1,157 yards with nine touchdowns against eight interceptions. It’s his legs, though, that are truly impressive.
Tate has carried the ball 125 times for 1,325 yards and 11 touchdowns in the season, averaging a robust 10.6 yards per carry. He didn’t take over as the starting quarterback until five games into the season but has been great ever since.
Tate has rushed for 137 yards or more in all but one game in which he is started this season, including an incredible 327 against Colorado on Oct. 7.
Oregon did a great job of keeping him in check last time out, as Tate had only 32 rushing yards on 14 carries in a 48-28 loss. Arizona State will no doubt watch that tape and try to duplicate the effort, but that’s much easier said than done.
Free ATS Pick
Arizona State has played well of late and has the home field advantage, so it wouldn’t be a shock if it won this game. However, Tate is the most dynamic player on the field, and the Sun Devils often give up big plays.
Look for Tate’s legs to be the difference in this one. The Sun Devils will be able to keep pace for much of the game, but the choice is for the Wildcats to come away with the win for coach Rich Rodriguez. Arizona State coach Todd Graham will be looking over his shoulder after this rivalry game loss.
College Football Odds: Arizona 41, Arizona State 37
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