The Territorial Cup matchup between ASU and Arizona is one of the most intense in the country, leaving classrooms, businesses and families divided along the metaphorical line. For over 100 years, the two schools have battled on the gridiron for state supremacy, leaving a bad taste in each other's mouths.
"I hate this school, to be honest," redshirt senior tight end Kody Kohl said of Arizona.
Tell us how you really feel.
"I grew up bleeding maroon and gold, so we've always hated that place," Kohl said. "I don't even like going down there."
That sentiment is shared throughout Sun Devil nation, with no love lost between those in Phoenix and those "down south."
That #Thanksgiving is two days away feeling... pic.twitter.com/15uBWOMXfA
— Sun Devil Football (@FootballASU) November 22, 2016
Kohl, a Gilbert native, is one of 25 Valley residents on the roster, all representing the university sitting a short drive from their homes.
Kohl has caught just one pass in a Territorial Cup game, but he made it count. In ASU's 2014 loss in Tucson, Kohl caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Mike Bercovici directly in front of his family.
"I got to see them and I pointed at them," Kohl said. "They were just freaking out. They hate (Arizona) as much as I do."
But not every Sun Devil comes in with the same distaste as Kohl did. For redshirt senior safety Laiu Moeakiola, the hate was an acquired taste.
"Being here five years, you see the intensity of the game and what it means, not only to the fans, but everyone around the community and the state," Moeakiola said. "We do everything we can to make sure the game's good enough."
What will Sani Fuimaono tell the team before this week's Territorial Cup? You already know... https://t.co/apbf1CCdaw
— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) November 21, 2016
Moeakiola and Kohl are 3-1 in their four years on campus, but that one loss stuck with both of them. The Sun Devils lost out on a chance for a Pac-12 title after falling in Tucson their last trip there.
Now, those seniors get a chance at redemption at Arizona Stadium on Friday night, hoping to leave campus with another win under their belt.
"When I first got to ASU, I saw it as just another game," Moeakiola said. "But, through the years, you experience that loss back in 2014 for the Pac-12 South Championship and you never want to have that feeling again."
Reach the reporter at mtonis@asu.edu or follow @Tonis_The_Tiger on Twitter.
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