:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68479113/1289636472.0.jpg)
The Arizona State Sun Devils (0-2) and the Arizona Wildcats (0-4) will both head into the Territorial Cup looking for their first win of the season. The Sun Devils will make the trip down to Tucson for Friday’s contest on ESPN.
The Wildcats are currently on an 11-game losing streak, which is the longest streak in program history. If UA loses against ASU on Friday, it will be the first winless season in program history.
Let’s take a look at the team down south:
A young quarterback
The Wildcats had to turn to true freshman Will Plummer in their loss against Colorado last week, after sophomore Grant Gunnell suffered a shoulder injury against UCLA.
Prior to his injury, Gunnell had 547 passing yards and six touchdowns through three games. He appeared in eight games last season and had over 1,200 passing yards and nine touchdowns.
Since stepping in for Gunnell, Plummer, who is a Gilbert native, has thrown for 305 yards in two games with no touchdowns. He went 19-for-32 in the loss against Colorado. It looks like Plummer will be taking the field for the Wildcats again on Friday.
Head coach Kevin Sumlin didn’t give any update on Gunnell’s status in his weekly meeting with the media on Monday.
Red-zone troubles
One of the reasons why the Wildcats have been struggling offensively is because of their efforts in the red zone.
During last week’s loss against Colorado, Arizona entered the red zone three times and all they got in return were three points. Throughout this season, the Wildcats have had 11 trips to the red zone and have only had four touchdowns come from it.
Cup history
The Wildcats currently lead the series 49-43-1, but the Sun Devils have won the last three, with the past two coming under head coach Herm Edwards.
Both teams will look for their first win of the season on Friday, but will this game mean more for Sumlin, who could have the fate of his job on the line?
His future with the program could depend on the outcome of the matchup and would make his record 0-3 against the Sun Devils if Arizona suffers another loss.