So, the 85th Duel in the Desert is upon us. The annual battle for the Territorial Cup will be fought at Sun Devil Stadium this Saturday between two teams that both feel a NEED to win this game each and every year. In the battle between ASU and UofA, you can throw the season’s records out the window. It doesn’t matter if one team is 1-9 and the other is 9-1, the only thing that matters is keeping the cup and making sure bragging rights are secured for another year.
ASU comes into the game at 6-4 and the cats are 2-8. Some would argue that ASU could “easily” be 9-1 at this point in a Pac-12 south conference that was theirs for the taking. Even though they have lost games they “should” have won, ASU can still take the conference if they win out and UCLA loses a game.
While there is still time to save some of the season, many wonder if there is time to save Erickson’s job. We’ve heard it all. Keep him because there is a strong recruiting class that he is bringing in. Fire him because they are losing games they should be winning. Injuries to some key players have hurt, stupid mistakes and miles of penalties are tough to overcome.
"In this state you’re either a Sun Devil or a Wildcat.” Dennis Erickson
Dennis Erickson’s contract with ASU expires at the end of 2012. After a great start to the season, except for the Illinois let down, the momentum was high in Tempe, and Erickson seemed to be well past some of the summertime talks of a “win or else” season. Unfortunately, the last couple of weeks have pretty much sucked to watch, and that momentum needs to be returned to the team with a severe shellacking of the Wildcats tomorrow night. Losing to UCLA and Washington State the last two weeks raised some major questions about the future of the team. With just 2 regular season games left in 2011, Sun Devil fans expect at least two more w’s for the year.
There is absolutely NO excuse for Sun Devil fans not to come out and cheer on the Devils tomorrow night at Sun Devil Stadium. There will be all kinds of things going on in and around Sun Devil Stadium this Saturday. Game time is 7:30PM, and there will be a ton happening at restaurants and bars, along with some serious tailgating parties surrounding the stadium.
Of course, the coolest of the cool will be Railgating with Rail Life and our friends at Smokin’ Aces BBQ. Details for our biggest and baddest party of the year can be found on our Facebook events page. Yes, you can join us, just make sure you wear BLACK. 🙂
What: ASU vs UofA
When: Saturday, November 19th 7:30PM
Why: Keep the Cup in Tempe
What Else: Railgating party of the year
When: 4:30PM see map below for directions
View RailGating Map in a larger map
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