[tps_title]No. 1 ASU[/tps_title]
[tps_header]Nov. 21[/tps_header]
If Arizona takes business in the previously ranked games and against Colorado and the three non-conference opponents, the Wildcats will be in position to win at least nine games when they face ASU.
Rich Rodriguez lost in his first game at Tempe in 2013 by a score of 58-21. After clinching the Pac-12 South title last year in Tucson against ASU, Rodriguez will try to even his record against rival coach Todd Graham at 2-2.
ASU has 17 starters returning including nine on defense, which was decimated from a loss of talent the year previously. The Sun Devils have eight starters returning on offense, not including senior quarterback Mike Bercovici, who spelled departed quarterback Taylor Kelly often last year, including the loss in Tucson.
Will Arizona remain standing strong going into its 12th straight week of the season against a good ASU team? If the Wildcats win this game, they deserve to play in the Pac-12 title game.
The games against Stanford, Washington and USC can be swing games. If Arizona falters in its other games, the Wildcats must beat the Cardinal, Huskies or Trojans to stay on track for at least a nine-win season.
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ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He has also written articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.[/tps_footer]
