ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Waxing poetic for the Territorial Cup

Nov 26, 2014, 11:22 PM | Updated: 11:49 pm

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LISTEN: Vince Marotta's Territorial Cup Poem

Once upon a time, in honor of the Duel in the Desert football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Wildcats, I’d write an annual poem.

I’ve been a little busier in recent years, so this tradition has been sporadic at best. Think leap year, except with rhymes.

But how could I go without writing one this year? Both teams are ranked heading into the contest for the first time since 1986. There’s a Pac-12 South title on the line if UCLA loses Friday.

This is poem-worthy stuff, kids.

You should know, this isn’t objective. There, you’ve been warned Wildcat fans — but just know it’s all in good fun.

Here’s to a well-played game on Friday!


It’s the Friday after Thanksgiving and all through the state

Devils and Wildcats are brimming with hate

And what is it that’s got everyone’s dander way up?

A little football game played for the Territorial Cup.

The Wildcats are 9-2 and there’s finally good reason

For their fans to hold off on saying “wait ’til basketball season”

U of A comes in instead with swagger and bravado

Even though they struggled to beat Colorado

The ‘Cats swept their non-conference, pleasing the bettors

And they did it by beating schools with a whole lot of letters

UNLV and UTSA were both thrown for a loop

But that non-conference schedule looks like alphabet soup

Yes, they did beat Oregon which made even me say “wow!”

But in reality they won because some kid took a bow

They followed with a loss to the Trojans of Troy

And death threats to your kicker? Boy, oh boy!

A freshman named Solomon has so far led the way

But can anyone tell me if Friday he’ll play?

If he can’t go, it will be Scroggins, Brewer or Randall

No disrespect, but none hold a candle

If ASU gets up early, which is just the prescription

Ol’ Rich Rod will have another sideline conniption

On ASU’s side, there was once playoff fever

Until they got tripped up by a bunch of damned Beavers

At quarterback, there’s Kelly and for two years, he was peachy

But now impatient fans yearn for Mike Bercovici

Coach Todd Graham has been nothing but patient and loyal

In hopes that TK will be U of A’s foil

Jaelen Strong will return after being concussed

Much to the Arizona secondary’s disgust

You say Jaelen’s not physical, is that right, Jourdan Grandon?

You might change your tune as he celebrates scores with abandon

D.J. Foster should find plenty of room to roam

In fact D.J., just have your mail sent to the opposing end zone

Marcus Hardison has been beastly for a month and a half

And Damarious Randall has capitalized on opponents’ gaffes

When it’s all said and done, I just root for a good game

And hope that the Wildcat faithful do just the same

Should the ‘Cats win, Devil will still be able to troll

About another UA season with no trip to the Rose Bowl

Whatever happens on the field with each run and throw

Both sides can agree — Go Stanford, Go!

But when the smoke clears and the final gun rings

It will be the maroon and gold fat lady that sings

It may have to involve a big bag full of tricks

But the Sun Devils take it, 74-6!

Arizona State Football

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Waxing poetic for the Territorial Cup