Waxing poetic for the Territorial Cup
Nov 26, 2014, 11:22 PM | Updated: 11:49 pm
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!
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