In the United States, the Arizona State Sun Devils faced the Arizona Wildcats on November 28, 2025, in a crucial Territorial Cup matchup, as both teams entered with identical records of 8-3. Arizona State hoped to secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game but needed a win and favorable outcomes in other matches to achieve this goal. The Sun Devils showcased a strong performance with a 42-17 victory against Colorado prior to this game, bolstered by standout performances from Jeff Sims and Raleek Brown, who contributed significantly to the team’s success in that road match. Arizona, on the other hand, had also been in good form, defeating Baylor 41-17 in their previous game, highlighted by Kedrick Reescano’s three touchdowns and a notable interception return for a touchdown by Jabari Mann. The stakes were high, as the winner of the Territorial Cup not only earned bragging rights but also potentially altered the trajectory of their seasons. While Arizona State needed to focus on defeating their rivals, they also had to rely on crucial conditions in other games to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Big 12 title game. The championship picture became clearer as Texas Tech and BYU emerged as contenders, clinching their spots after Arizona State's loss. Texas Tech, with a record of 10-1, was in strong contention for a College Football Playoff position as they prepared for their final regular-season game against West Virginia. Their previous encounter ended in a narrow defeat to Arizona State, and now both teams remained determined to finish strong amidst the ongoing rivalry. In the weeks leading up to this pivotal moment, Arizona State Sun Devils had been making strategic plays to streamline their operations on both offensive and defensive sides. A significant aspect has been the coaching changes and the influx of new players that improved their roster considerably. Disaster struck earlier in the season, as they suffered tight games against some top competition in the Big 12, which resulted in a narrow path to regain their stature. Consequently, this Territorial Cup set the stage for a clash that represented not only the rivalry between the teams but also the fluctuating fortune of college football programs vying for supremacy in the Big 12. As the Big 12 Championship approached, the outcome of this game would influence potential bowl placements and future recruitment strategies for the schools involved, making the Territorial Cup an event of paramount importance in collegiate football.