Game: Arizona Wildcats at Arizona State Sun Devils
Date: November 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 PM EST
Location: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ
Odds: Arizona -1.5, Over/Under 47.5
The Breakdown
The oldest rivalry trophy in college football is on the line as the Arizona Wildcats travel to Tempe to face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the annual “Duel in the Desert.” This year’s edition promises to be a tense, hard-fought battle, as reflected by a razor-thin point spread. The Wildcats are slight 1.5-point road favorites, indicating that oddsmakers view this as a virtual toss-up. The low total of 47.5 suggests that points may be at a premium, with both teams likely relying on their defenses to win the day.
Arizona Wildcats
While Arizona enters as the road favorite, they have not been immune to the injury bug this season. An October report described their injury list as a “mile long,” and while specific current details are sparse, it’s clear they have had to navigate their own depth issues to get to this point. For the Wildcats to earn a crucial road win and claim the Territorial Cup, they will need to play a clean, disciplined game. Expect them to test an Arizona State offensive line that has been decimated by injuries and try to force turnovers to create short fields for their offense.
Arizona State Sun Devils
The story of the 2025 season for Arizona State has been one of resilience in the face of adversity. Described as “injury-riddled” and dealing with a “M.A.S.H. unit” on the offensive line, the Sun Devils have nonetheless pieced together an impressive 8-3 record. Throughout the year, key players like quarterback Sam Leavitt and running backs Kyson Brown and DeCarlos Brooks have appeared on injury reports, stretching the team’s depth thin. Despite these challenges, ASU has found ways to win. Playing at home in front of a hostile crowd will provide a significant emotional boost as they look to defend their turf and cap off the regular season with a victory over their archrival.
Prediction
This game is a classic clash of a slight favorite on the road against a tough-as-nails home underdog. The key factor is Arizona State’s extensive and well-documented injury list, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. While their 8-3 record is a testament to their coaching and grit, season-long attrition can take its toll in a physical rivalry game like this.
The low total of 47.5 points to a defensive slugfest where every possession matters. Arizona State’s banged-up offense may struggle to move the ball consistently, putting immense pressure on its defense to keep the game close. While home-field advantage is significant, the fact that Arizona is favored on the road suggests they are perceived as the healthier and slightly more complete team. In what should be a nail-biter, look for the Wildcats to do just enough to escape Tempe with a win and cover the small spread.
The Pick: Arizona -1.5
Score Prediction: Arizona 24, Arizona State 20
Sources:
Cardinals Injury Report I Arizona Cardinals – AZCardinals.com
Arizona Cardinals Injury Status – ESPN
Arizona Injury Law Group
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