Territorial Cup 2014

[nashman]

The loss is on the D imo period, which is Grahams baby!

 

[jw7]

Not pretty, not my prediction, but I'll take it.

 

[Iceman]

If Berco starts that game, asu would be playing oregon on Friday and I am pretty sure every U of a and Asu fan/team knows it's true. Plus, I would even go on to say that Asu would have won the game by good margin. He had a bad int in that game, but had some great drives too. I know U of A won and they did deserve it as well. They were the better team today. I only wish Graham would have gone with Berco from the start.

On the other hand, no matter what team won the south (ucla, az or asu), there is no chance that anyone is going to beat a healthy Oregon team. It's going to be an ugly game for the wildcats, IMO

 

[TJ]

If Berco starts that game, asu would be playing oregon on Friday and I am pretty sure every U of a and Asu fan/team knows it's true. Plus, I would even go on to say that Asu would have won the game by good margin. He had a bad int in that game, but had some great drives too. I know U of A won and they did deserve it as well. They were the better team today. I only wish Graham would have gone with Berco from the start.

On the other hand, no matter what team won the south (ucla, az or asu), there is no chance that anyone is going to beat a healthy Oregon team. It's going to be an ugly game for the wildcats, IMO

And how does Berco stop Nick Wilson, Samajie Grant, and Anu Solomon? He doesn't play defense.

Your primary issue in this game was how thin and inexperienced your defense was and getting manhandled at the point of attack. You were missing key pieces and it was evident that the rest of the squad wasn't up for the challenge.

ASU's other problem was allowing 7 +/- sacks on the day. Your line couldn't block to save either QB's life.

Also, Berc threw 2 picks in the game, one of which was called back on a BS hands to the face penalty. It's not like it's a guarantee that Bercovici was the difference between a win or loss. There were numerous factors that played a role in your defeat, such as playing a red hot Arizona team.

And what if Bercovici had the team rolling? Then UofA wouldn't have played so conservatively at the end and perhaps we would have a higher scoring game.

Either way, UofA won, and it was a dog fight. If I had no rooting interest, this would've been a game that I would've loved to watch for pure entertainment.

 

[82CardsGrad]

And how does Berco stop Nick Wilson, Samajie Grant, and Anu Solomon? He doesn't play defense.

Your primary issue in this game was how thin and inexperienced your defense was and getting manhandled at the point of attack. You were missing key pieces and it was evident that the rest of the squad wasn't up for the challenge.

ASU's other problem was allowing 7 +/- sacks on the day. Your line couldn't block to save either QB's life.

Also, Berc threw 2 picks in the game, one of which was called back on a BS hands to the face penalty. It's not like it's a guarantee that Bercovici was the difference between a win or loss. There were numerous factors that played a role in your defeat, such as playing a red hot Arizona team.

And what if Bercovici had the team rolling? Then UofA wouldn't have played so conservatively at the end and perhaps we would have a higher scoring game.

Either way, UofA won, and it was a dog fight. If I had no rooting interest, this would've been a game that I would've loved to watch for pure entertainment.

UofA is the better team. Your defense is significantly better and you are far better at the skill positions. Wilson is a huge difference maker and Solomon brings much more to the QB position than either Kelly or Berco.
That said, has Berco started he may very well have connected on those wide open pass plays that Kelly missed. Might not have changed the outcome, however it could've changed the tone of the game...
But no doubt, the better and more talented team won today...

 

[Absolute Zero]

The loss is on the D imo period, which is Grahams baby!

I agree, but let's keep this in context. ASU's D had 9 newbies on it this year. And in this game, our leading tackler Jordan Simone did not suit up. Probably our best overall defender Mokeola (I know I am butchering his name) was out. Jaxon Hood, out. And one of our best linebackers Longino was in and out of the game all day with injuries.

And despite all of that, our D was pretty tough in the first half. The yardage on the ground for UofA was in the negative for most of the first half. And our pass D was pretty solid as well, except for the play where Randall went for the pick 6. But for whatever reason, the wheels came off in the second half.

 

[Absolute Zero]

And how does Berco stop Nick Wilson, Samajie Grant, and Anu Solomon? He doesn't play defense.

Your primary issue in this game was how thin and inexperienced your defense was and getting manhandled at the point of attack. You were missing key pieces and it was evident that the rest of the squad wasn't up for the challenge.

ASU's other problem was allowing 7 +/- sacks on the day. Your line couldn't block to save either QB's life.

Also, Berc threw 2 picks in the game, one of which was called back on a BS hands to the face penalty. It's not like it's a guarantee that Bercovici was the difference between a win or loss. There were numerous factors that played a role in your defeat, such as playing a red hot Arizona team.

And what if Bercovici had the team rolling? Then UofA wouldn't have played so conservatively at the end and perhaps we would have a higher scoring game.

Either way, UofA won, and it was a dog fight. If I had no rooting interest, this would've been a game that I would've loved to watch for pure entertainment.

This

 

[MaoTosiFanClub]

Anyone who watched the game would tell you Arizona was the better team. Not that much better but still superior.

 

[Arizona's Finest]

If Berco starts that game, asu would be playing oregon on Friday and I am pretty sure every U of a and Asu fan/team knows it's true. Plus, I would even go on to say that Asu would have won the game by good margin. He had a bad int in that game, but had some great drives too. I know U of A won and they did deserve it as well. They were the better team today. I only wish Graham would have gone with Berco from the start.

On the other hand, no matter what team won the south (ucla, az or asu), there is no chance that anyone is going to beat a healthy Oregon team. It's going to be an ugly game for the wildcats, IMO

LOL taste your tears. We had 6-7 50/50 and some down right phantom calls against us and muffed a punt. You have heard of Game Control? That's what U of A had the second half. If not for a couple bad penalties that's a 3TD win for Arizona otherwise with Jesus under center for ASU.

Take your beating like a man Sun Devil and quit rationalizing so you feel better. Better today, better going forward. For all the marbles. PAC 12 South Champs!

 

[ajcardfan]

I agree, but let's keep this in context. ASU's D had 9 newbies on it this year. And in this game, our leading tackler Jordan Simone did not suit up. Probably our best overall defender Mokeola (I know I am butchering his name) was out. Jaxon Hood, out. And one of our best linebackers Longino was in and out of the game all day with injuries.

And despite all of that, our D was pretty tough in the first half. The yardage on the ground for UofA was in the negative for most of the first half. And our pass D was pretty solid as well, except for the play where Randall went for the pick 6. But for whatever reason, the wheels came off in the second half.

Whatever dude, they got lit up. A game where you give up that many yards and points to your bitter rival should never have "solid" attached to any analysis of the defense. They sucked from start to finish IMO. Jeez, they gave up just as many points in the first half as they did in the second.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Whatever dude, they got lit up. A game where you give up that many yards and points to your bitter rival should never have "solid" attached to any analysis of the defense. They sucked from start to finish IMO. Jeez, they gave up just as many points in the first half as they did in the second.

I have already given your team kudos and congratulations if you read the posts in here. Classic lack of class on your end by talking smack on my minor point on the first half D. But that's fine.

And you are wrong. Remember that one of those 1st half TD's was scored against our offense, not our defense. So our D gave forced 3 punts, one fumble and allowed 2 TD's in the first half. Wilson was "limited" to 53 yards in the first half, and put up over 120 in the second half. Solomon was sacked 3 times in the first half, only once in the 2nd half. So the difference in performance by our D going downhill in the second half was pretty obvious. Your team did a great job exploiting it.

 

[82CardsGrad]

I have already given your team kudos and congratulations if you read the posts in here. Classic lack of class on your end by talking smack on my minor point on the first half D. But that's fine.



And you are wrong. Remember that one of those 1st half TD's was scored against our offense, not our defense. So our D gave forced 3 punts, one fumble and allowed 2 TD's in the first half. Wilson was "limited" to 53 yards in the first half, and put up over 120 in the second half. Solomon was sacked 3 times in the first half, only once in the 2nd half. So the difference in performance by our D going downhill in the second half was pretty obvious. Your team did a great job exploiting it.

Zero, AJ is a Devils fan... But, to be clear, with Kelly we scored 14 points on offense, none in the 3rd quarter. While Berco put up 14 just in the 4th quarter alone.
As a Devils fan, like AJ and others who have posted in this thread, I can admit that UofA beat us pretty handily. Had they not gotten conservative in the 4th quarter, I'm certain they would've scored more points...
ASU has several glaring weaknesses, whereas UofA doesn't... Most of all, ASU needed a legit QB in these past few games to actually lead and rally them to victory. Kelly, unfortunately, failed.
Yes, our defense gave up too many big plays. But the game against Oregon St and he game yesterday were within reach and winnable.
Oh well... On to next season... Really hope Graham is able to plug some of the gaps and that our young guys on defense, RB and WR step up to the next level!

 

[Jay Cardinal]

Also, Berc threw 2 picks in the game, one of which was called back on a BS hands to the face penalty. It's not like it's a guarantee that Bercovici was the difference between a win or loss. There were numerous factors that played a role in your defeat, such as playing a red hot Arizona team.

Hardly a BS penalty. The D-Lineman got his hand all the way through the facemask into the center's eyes and nose, the announcers pointed it on the replay. I thought the game was officiated well except for two plays -- one for each team. The Caylin Jones penalty for hands to the face was a horrible call, after the Devils failed to convert on third down. And on the Anu Soloman rollout pass in the fourth quarter, Marcus Hardison was tackled by the blocker allowing Solomon an open field to roll out to the right. Other than that, I think the officiating was top notch. Some tough calls, but they largely got it right. A lot of others had issue with the Richard play were he looked to be down at the 6-inch yard line, but was instead spotted at the two. They at least reviewed it and went with the initial call.

UofA is the better team. Your defense is significantly better and you are far better at the skill positions. Wilson is a huge difference maker and Solomon brings much more to the QB position than either Kelly or Berco.
That said, has Berco started he may very well have connected on those wide open pass plays that Kelly missed. Might not have changed the outcome, however it could've changed the tone of the game...
But no doubt, the better and more talented team won today...

I thought other than Nick Wilson's two big runs, the Devils contained him fairly well. That was good coaching on UA's part because those were the same exact type of runs that OSU hit for long touchdowns against us earlier. Back to the drawing board to find a defensive formation that can get pressure on the QB and still plug some of the inside running lanes.

I am more concerned about Norvell on the offense. I would not be upset if he left at all. I am not sure why we threw 10+ WR screens, when our WR's are speed guys and the play was not working at all. Seemed like a huge waste of time. Also disappointed in the fact that no-huddle plays were taking 30+ seconds to get ran. If it is going to take that long to get the play in huddle and make sure everyone is on the same page. Also the goal line play calls are horrible. We have a 230-lb RB in Ballage that was a real physical force the first few games who didn't get a single snap near the goal line. DJ is solid, but he isn't the type to carry defenders into the end zone.

It came down to big plays. They hit several by Wilson and Grant, we missed on almost every attempt. Also thought Rich Rod outcoached ASU with a better gameplan and utilizing personnel better for their strengths.

 

[Absolute Zero]

Zero, AJ is a Devils fan... But, to be clear, with Kelly we scored 14 points on offense, none in the 3rd quarter. While Berco put up 14 just in the 4th quarter alone.
As a Devils fan, like AJ and others who have posted in this thread, I can admit that UofA beat us pretty handily. Had they not gotten conservative in the 4th quarter, I'm certain they would've scored more points...
ASU has several glaring weaknesses, whereas UofA doesn't... Most of all, ASU needed a legit QB in these past few games to actually lead and rally them to victory. Kelly, unfortunately, failed.
Yes, our defense gave up too many big plays. But the game against Oregon St and he game yesterday were within reach and winnable.
Oh well... On to next season... Really hope Graham is able to plug some of the gaps and that our young guys on defense, RB and WR step up to the next level!

Well, its pretty telling that he came across as a vehement UofA fan. We lost by 7, I don't see why you would say "we lost handily", but we were watching different games, as seems to happen. Our defense was the glaring problem, 4 starters out of an already green D. That was huge.

 

[ajcardfan]

Well, its pretty telling that he came across as a vehement UofA fan. We lost by 7, I don't see why you would say "we lost handily", but we were watching different games, as seems to happen. Our defense was the glaring problem, 4 starters out of an already green D. That was huge.

How is that? I was mad about how MY TEAM played yesterday. That doesn't make me scum of the Earth, which is what I would be if I was an au fan. It's because I love the school and team so much that I was mad about their performance in the first place.

Why don't you go pound dirt? I don't like you questioning my loyalty for the Devils.

 

[Absolute Zero]

How is that? I was mad about how MY TEAM played yesterday. That doesn't make me scum of the Earth, which is what I would be if I was an au fan. It's because I love the school and team so much that I was mad about their performance in the first place.

Why don't you go pound dirt? I don't like you questioning my loyalty for the Devils.

Well than maybe you should pull your head out instead of ripping on me for actually analyzing the game.

 

[TJ]

How is that? I was mad about how MY TEAM played yesterday. That doesn't make me scum of the Earth, which is what I would be if I was an au fan. It's because I love the school and team so much that I was mad about their performance in the first place.

Why don't you go pound dirt? I don't like you questioning my loyalty for the Devils.

Fiesty, are you.

BTW - some education for you:

au = Auburn University.

UA = University of Arizona.

Get it right next time.

 

[82CardsGrad]

Fiesty, are you.

BTW - some education for you:

au = Auburn University.

UA = University of Arizona.

Get it right next time.

LoL...

Great to see the passion caught up in this rivalry!
AU... UA... They both are hard to like so I can see the confusion...

 

[TJ]

LoL...

Great to see the passion caught up in this rivalry!
AU... UA... They both are hard to like so I can see the confusion...

I try to keep it civil on this part of the message board, but when someone acts a fool, they need to be called out.

 

[ajcardfan]

Fiesty, are you.

BTW - some education for you:

au = Auburn University.

UA = University of Arizona.

Get it right next time.

I know exactly what I'm doing. It's "arizona university" or "au". Your school isn't worth me going to the trouble of hitting the shift key.

 

[ajcardfan]

Well than maybe you should pull your head out instead of ripping on me for actually analyzing the game.

Changed my mind and deleted the reply I originally posted here. Devils fans shouldn't fight, but please never question my fanhood again. I've been going to multiple ASU games every year since 1977. I've got two degrees from the place and I conduct research there right now. Thirty-eight years of rooting for ASU and you are the first person ever to talk crap about my level of fanhood. I've decided that the source of that criticism isn't worth getting mad over.



Go Devils!

 

[TJ]

I know exactly what I'm doing. It's "arizona university" or "au". Your school isn't worth me going to the trouble of hitting the shift key.

And your school isn't worth many things beyond proper capitalization of letters and abbreviations.

However, once again, you need some education here. Try "University of Arizona." au is "Auburn University." No one cares that you don't know how to use a shift key or caps lock, just try to get the names and the orientation of the letters correct.

That is all. At least you tried, aj.

 

[Phrazbit]

Am I the only one who is wondering why ASU didn't call their last timeout? The clock didn't run after the 1st down kneel because of the penalty, Arizona's final kneel put them on 4th and 20 with like 15 seconds left, according to the TV visual ASU still had one time out. Sure, its long odds but my Wildcats punter is teeeeerrible, and ASU certainly has a legit deep threat.

It seemed like Graham either gave up prematurely or lost track of his timeouts... or the TV did.

 

[desertdawg]

And how does Berco stop Nick Wilson, Samajie Grant, and Anu Solomon? He doesn't play defense.

Your primary issue in this game was how thin and inexperienced your defense was and getting manhandled at the point of attack. You were missing key pieces and it was evident that the rest of the squad wasn't up for the challenge.

ASU's other problem was allowing 7 +/- sacks on the day. Your line couldn't block to save either QB's life.

Also, Berc threw 2 picks in the game, one of which was called back on a BS hands to the face penalty. It's not like it's a guarantee that Bercovici was the difference between a win or loss. There were numerous factors that played a role in your defeat, such as playing a red hot Arizona team.

And what if Bercovici had the team rolling? Then UofA wouldn't have played so conservatively at the end and perhaps we would have a higher scoring game.

Either way, UofA won, and it was a dog fight. If I had no rooting interest, this would've been a game that I would've loved to watch for pure entertainment.

Word, I didn't much care who won, but it was fun watching that fight.

 

[TimurT1990]

I know exactly what I'm doing.

No, clearly you don't know.

It's "arizona university" or "au". Your school isn't worth me going to the trouble of hitting the shift key.

The University of Arizona has never been called "Arizona University". I know ASU has changed its name about eight times, so I can see how it may be confusing for you to understand that we got our name right the first time.