ASU FOOTBALL

Arizona scores 35 unanswered points in 1st half of Territorial Cup vs. Arizona State

Nov 25, 2023, 3:14 PM | Updated: 10:01 pm

No. 16 Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita may be in his first Territorial Cup, but he’s played like a seasoned veteran against Arizona State on Saturday at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.

The true freshman finished the first half 19-for-29 with 357 yards and two touchdowns as the Wildcats led 38-7 at the break. The Wildcats scored 35 unanswered points to end the first half three years after Arizona State’s 70-7 win in the rivalry game. ASU led 42-7 at the break of that meeting in 2020, so Arizona set itself up to produce a similar blowout on Saturday.

The score could have been more lopsided had Jacob Cowing not dropped a touchdown followed by a missed Tyler Loop field goal late in the half.

Tetairoa McMillan, a high school teammate of Fifita, has been the signal-caller’s primary target. He had seven catches for 162 yards, including a 57-yard reception.

Despite the explosive passing game, it was the running backs finding the end zone for Arizona primarily in the first half. Michael Wiley scored three times — one touchdown catch — while Jonah Coleman added a touchdown run of his own.

As for ASU, even though he wasn’t under center to start the game, Jaden Rashada has been the primary quarterback for the Sun Devils. He was 5-for-12 for 25 yards and an interception.

Jalin Conyers broke a 39-yard rush to highlight for ASU in the first quarter as it went down the field on a seven play, 75-yard touchdown-scoring drive.

Cam Skattebo led the way on the ground for Arizona State, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

ASU Football

Arizona State...

David Veenstra

Arizona State Sun Devils football signing day tracker

Arizona State football announced three-star running back Grayson Rigdon (Texas) committed on Tuesday. 

1 day ago

Israel Briggs has committed to the ASU Sun Devils...

Tyler Drake

ASU lands commitment from 4-star recruit Israel Briggs for 2026

Four-star recruit Israel Briggs has committed to play for the ASU Sun Devils as part of the defending Big 12 champion's 2026 class.

1 day ago

The Arizona State Sun Devils will don traditional Sparky helmets against BYU....

Brandon Cadiz

Big 12 releases Arizona State football’s 2025 schedule

The Big 12 released Arizona State football's 2025 conference schedule on Tuesday, which begins Sept. 20 at Baylor.

2 days ago

Arizona State...

Alex Weiner

Report: Arizona State-Iowa State football rematch date revealed

Arizona State will visit Iowa State this year after meeting in the Big 12 championship, and Pete Thamel reported the game will be played on Nov. 1. 

3 days ago

Hayden Vercher is the newest ASU football commit...

Damon Allred

2026 tight end Hayden Vercher picks ASU football over Arizona, others

ASU picked up its fifth football commitment in the 2026 class on Sunday by adding 6-foot-4 tight end Hayden Vercher.

4 days ago

Kenny Dillingham of the Arizona State Sun Devils at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasad...

Brandon Cadiz

CBS Sports gives Kenny Dillingham ‘A’ grade for second season

CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli graded second-year head coaches in college football and gave ASU's Kenny Dillingham an A.

5 days ago

Arizona scores 35 unanswered points in 1st half of Territorial Cup vs. Arizona State