Arizona vs. Arizona State Territorial Cup Prediction, Odds & Pick (11/27/21)
Updated November 6, 2026
Updated November 6, 2026
The Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils meet Saturday, November 27, in the 2021 Territorial Cup, with the Sun Devils entering as heavy home favorites. Arizona State has won four straight meetings in this rivalry, while Arizona is looking to finish a difficult season with an upset.
Here's our preview of the matchup, including the odds, team statistics, and our original college football pick. For more game previews, visit our college football predictions and analysis.
Game details | Information |
|---|---|
Matchup | Arizona Wildcats (1-10) at Arizona State Sun Devils (7-4) |
Date | Saturday, November 27, 2021 |
Kickoff | 4:00 p.m. ET |
Venue | Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona |
Competition | Territorial Cup |
Spread | Arizona +20.5 (-115) / Arizona State -20.5 (-105) |
Moneyline | Arizona +790 / Arizona State -1500 |
Total | Over 52.5 (-105) / Under 52.5 (-115) |
Historical DraftKings Sportsbook odds published November 22, 2021. Lines were subject to change before kickoff.
Arizona State is favored by more than three touchdowns, reflecting the considerable difference between the teams' records and overall performances entering the rivalry game.
The Sun Devils are -1500 on the moneyline, while Arizona is available at +790.
The total sits at 52.5 points.
The 2021 Territorial Cup features two programs coming off disappointing defeats.
Arizona enters the matchup at 1-10 overall and 1-7 in Pac-12 play. The Wildcats have struggled offensively throughout the season and have been particularly vulnerable against the run.
Arizona State is 7-4 overall and 5-3 in conference play. The Sun Devils had an opportunity to compete for the Pac-12 South title, but their loss to Oregon State, combined with Utah's victory, ended those hopes.
Despite that disappointment, Arizona State has been the more productive team on both sides of the ball.
Statistic | Arizona | Arizona State |
|---|---|---|
Overall record | 1-10 | 7-4 |
Conference record | 1-7 | 5-3 |
Points scored per game | 17.4 | 28.9 |
Total offensive yards per game | 351.9 | 410.1 |
Passing yards per game | 216.9 | 207.7 |
Rushing yards per game | 135.0 | 202.4 |
Points allowed per game | 30.8 | 21.5 |
Total yards allowed per game | 377.7 | 323.0 |
Passing yards allowed per game | 199.5 | 186.4 |
Rushing yards allowed per game | 178.2 | 136.6 |
Statistics entering the November 27, 2021 matchup.
Arizona State holds a substantial advantage in scoring offense and scoring defense.
The Sun Devils average 11.5 more points per game than Arizona while allowing 9.3 fewer.
Their rushing offense is another potential difference-maker. Arizona State averages 202.4 rushing yards per game against an Arizona defense surrendering 178.2 yards on the ground.
That matchup could help the Sun Devils control possession and dictate the pace.
Arizona's 2021 season has been difficult, with the Wildcats entering the Territorial Cup having won just once in 11 games.
The offense averages 17.4 points per game, and consistent scoring has been a problem.
Arizona's defense has also struggled, particularly against teams capable of establishing the run.
The Wildcats suffered a 44-18 defeat against Washington State in their previous outing.
Quarterback Will Plummer completed 24 of 42 passes for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Michael Wiley was one of Arizona's most productive offensive players, recording eight receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Arizona allowed 482 total yards and failed to force a turnover.
The Wildcats will need a considerably stronger performance to compete with Arizona State.
Entering the Territorial Cup, Arizona had produced the following results:
The Wildcats' recent ATS performance is worth noting.
Despite their poor overall record, Arizona had covered the spread in four of five games entering this matchup.
That suggests the betting market had been setting demanding expectations for their opponents.
Arizona State enters the Territorial Cup with a 7-4 record and a clear statistical advantage over its rival.
The Sun Devils average 28.9 points and 410.1 total yards per game.
Their ground attack has been particularly productive, averaging more than 200 rushing yards per contest.
Defensively, Arizona State allows 21.5 points and 323.0 total yards per game.
Those numbers suggest a favorable matchup against an Arizona offense that has struggled to score.
The Sun Devils lost 24-10 at Oregon State in their previous game.
Arizona State fell behind 17-0 before narrowing the deficit to one possession early in the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 16 of 27 passes for 166 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.
Daniels also led the team with 46 rushing yards.
Arizona State's defense allowed 327 total yards and recovered one Oregon State fumble.
The loss ended the Sun Devils' hopes of winning the Pac-12 South, but the Territorial Cup offers an opportunity to close the regular season with a rivalry victory.
The Sun Devils entered Week 13 with the following trends:
Arizona State's home record is encouraging, but its recent ATS performance raises some questions.
The Sun Devils have been winning games more consistently than Arizona, although covering a spread above 20 points presents a different challenge.
The Territorial Cup is one of college football's oldest rivalries, dating back to 1899.
Arizona enters the 2021 meeting with a 49-44-1 advantage in the all-time series.
However, Arizona State has controlled the rivalry in recent seasons, winning four consecutive meetings.
The Sun Devils also have a strong recent record when hosting the Wildcats.
Arizona has won just once in its previous five visits to Arizona State.
That recent history favors the Sun Devils, although rivalry games can sometimes produce closer results than the teams' records suggest.
Arizona State has the stronger offense, the more reliable defense, and home-field advantage.
The Sun Devils also have a significant edge in rushing production, which could prove particularly important against Arizona's defense.
Arizona's offensive struggles are another concern.
The Wildcats average only 17.4 points per game and are coming off a contest in which they allowed 44 points and nearly 500 yards.
Arizona State will want to respond after its loss to Oregon State, especially with the Territorial Cup at stake.
The main concern is the size of the spread.
Laying 20.5 points requires a convincing victory, and Arizona has covered in four of its previous five games.
Still, the statistical matchup favors Arizona State.
The Sun Devils have enough offensive firepower to build a substantial lead, while their defense should be capable of limiting Arizona's scoring opportunities.
→ Our Take: Arizona State -20.5 (-105)
Arizona State's advantages on both sides of the ball make the Sun Devils our selection to cover the 20.5-point spread.
Their rushing attack should have opportunities against Arizona's defense, and the Wildcats have struggled to generate enough offense to keep pace with stronger opponents.
The rivalry adds motivation for both teams, but Arizona State is better positioned to control this matchup.
Official Pick: Arizona State -20.5 (-105) at DraftKings Sportsbook
This selection and the accompanying analysis reflect the original pregame prediction published November 22, 2021.
For additional game previews, see our college football matchup predictions.
Arizona and Arizona State were scheduled to meet on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The game was scheduled for Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
Arizona State was favored by 20.5 points at DraftKings Sportsbook when the original preview was published.
The original published odds listed Arizona at +790 and Arizona State at -1500.
The total was listed at 52.5 points, with the over priced at -105 and the under at -115.
ATS.io's original selection was Arizona State -20.5 (-105).
Arizona led the all-time series 49-44-1, although Arizona State had won the previous four meetings.
Updated November 6, 2026
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