The set-up: The Arizona–Arizona State football rivalry, sometimes known as the Duel in the Desert, sees the winner receive the Territorial Cup. It is not one of the longest college football rivalries but the Territorial Cup was created for the 1899 champion between schools in Arizona and the NCAA has certified it as the oldest rivalry trophy in college football. The Territorial Cup did not change hands as a regular part of the competition until 2001. The rivalry between the two schools continued after 1899, a semi-regular event until becoming an annual event from 1946 onwards. Arizona leads the all-time series, 48-40-1. This year's game holds little significance outside the state of Arizona, with ASU coming in on a five-game losing streak (5-6) and Arizona on an eight-game slide (2-9.)

Arizona State: The Sun Devils won last season's meeting 52-37 in Tempe and a win Friday at Tucson would get ASU to 6-6, becoming bowl-eligible. ASU averages 33.2 PPG with Wilkins at QB (60.9% for just 1957 yards with 9 TDs and 8 INTs) and a sub-par running game, which averages 132.9 YPG (113th). Remember RB Kevin Ballage, who had eight TDs (seven rushing) in ASU's 68-55 win over Texas Tech back on Sept ? He has just 523 rushing yards on the season with 13 rushing TDs and has not caught a single TD pass since that Texas Tech game. Then there is the ASU defense, which allows 38.4 PPG (119th) on 515.6 YPG (125th).

Arizona: The Wildcats' QB play has been shaky all season and it was subpar yet again in last Saturday's 42-17 loss to Oregon State. Brandon Dawkins completed 10-of-17 passes for 106 yards, a touchdown and an interception, while Anu Solomon connected on 6-of-11 throws for 82 yards. Arizona is scoring just 21.9 PPG (113th) which makes for tough sledding when one's defense allows 38.6 PPG (120th) on 467.3 YPG (113th). Dawkins has the ability to create with his legs (team-leading 761 yards rushing on 6.4 YPC and 8 TDs) and the Wildcats need him to do just that against the Sun Devils. Rich Rod won't ask either QB to throw too much, as he won't want to risk multiple interceptions giving Arizona State favorable field position.

The pick: I realize bowl eligibility is on the line here for ASU, as the Sun Devils have been to five straight bowls, including all four of Graham's previous seasons at Tempe. However, Arizona has not won a game since Sept. 17 against Hawaii and a loss here would see this team become just the second team in program history to finish winless in conference play, joining the 1957 squad that went 0-4 in the Border Conference. That's some pretty heavy motivation in a rivalry game. Take the points and make Arizona a 10* play.