The Duel in the Desert is the annual rivalry game played between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Wildcats. The two teams play for the Territorial Cup, which the NCAA has certified to be the oldest award given for a college football rivalry game. The first Duel in the Desert was played on Thanksgiving Day November 30, 1899. The original rivalry was played between the University of Arizona and Tempe Normal School, which evolved into Arizona State.
The rivalry has historically been played the day after Thanksgiving. However, recently due to network television scheduling, the game is played on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year the Duel in the Desert will be Saturday November 28th and could be aired on ABC.
In the past decade, both teams have fielded competitive rosters that put up quite the fight to win. The Arizona State Sun Devils have had more success though, winning in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007. During the 2008 Duel in the Desert the University of Arizona Wildcats beat the Arizona State Sun Devils 31-10, the most lopsided win over Arizona State the Wildcats had enjoyed since 1964.
There are still tickets left for the 2009 Arizona State vs. Arizona game but this in-state rivalry game is sure to sell out!!
This is one of my favorite Pac 10 games of the year. The Arizona fans get so into it! What station is it showing on?
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