The UA Wildcats had the Sun Devils right where they wanted them for most of Friday's rivalry game at ASU.
But after losing several key players to injury late in the game, the Wildcats also lost their grip on the Territorial Cup, falling 23-20.
Senior running back Mike Bell saw his last action two plays into the fourth quarter, and freshman quarterback Willie Tuitama left six plays later, hurting UA's chances for the upset.
"In the fourth quarter, we lost some key personnel," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "We were down to our third running back, and not having Willie, I thought we got a little conservative."
Bell carried the ball 27 times for 117 yards in his final collegiate game, rushing for 100 yards in the first half.
He suffered a deep thigh bruise early in the third quarter, which limited his play the rest of the game. He last carried the ball two plays into the fourth quarter, gaining two yards.
"He was on his way to having a big day, but they made a great hit on him and that was the end of that," Stoops said.
Tuitama left the game after a hard hit by ASU safety Zach Catanese. His final pass was intercepted by senior defensive lineman DeWayne Hollyfield at ASU's 27-yard line.
Tuitama finished with 149 yards in the game, completing 15 of 21 passes with one touchdown and the interception.
Bell said that his injury, as well as Tuitama's, shook the Wildcats.
"I think a lot of the people in the huddle look to us because we're some of the leaders," Bell said. "When we're not in there, they don't have anyone to look to. It doesn't really so much affect them physically, but mentally, it messes them up."
Other injuries also plagued the Wildcats.
Freshman wide receiver Michael Thomas, who came into the game leading the Wildcats with 52 receptions for 771 yards on the season, saw very limited action after suffering a hand injury against Washington on Nov. 12.
Thomas didn't have a reception.
"He just couldn't get in rhythm and I don't know why," Stoops said. "He was medically cleared, but I don't know if he was 100 percent."
Junior wide receiver Syndric Steptoe also got injured in the fourth quarter, after catching six passes for 86 yards and rushing for 61 yards on six carries.
In the first half, senior tight end Brad Wood left the game. Senior running back Gilbert Harris was also limited with a groin strain.
Sophomore linebacker Spencer Larsen didn't make excuses.
"It's tough seeing our guys go down," Larsen said. "But the next guy has to step up and play because everyone is going to get hurt."
Bell, however, said the outcome should have been reversed.
"ASU played good, but I felt that we should have come out on top," Bell said. "I think it would have turned out differently if me and Tui (Tuitama) would have stayed in the game."
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.
