Senior defensive tackle Will Sutton has experienced Territorial Cup joy in Tucson twice in the past three seasons.
He’s never lost to UA on the road, never had that sinking feeling of defeat while in Tucson.
But things have been different for Sutton in Tempe.
ASU hasn’t beaten the Wildcats in Tempe since the senior defensive lineman has been a Sun Devil, and he’s anxiously waiting to take the field against his rivals one last time Saturday night.
“It’s going to be cool you know,” Sutton said. “We are going to have a sold out crowd because we’re winning so we are going to have a bunch of fans in here so it’s going to get loud. It’s going be a good one.”
This home Territorial Cup matchup is a little different for Sutton compared to the one two years ago.
Sutton has a Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year title under his belt and has taken over major leadership duties for the defense.
Sutton said his leadership will be in full force come Saturday.
“Guys on the team look up to me,” Sutton said. “It’s not that I have to do it, but we are close to accomplishing our goals and since they look up to me I have to step up.”
Sutton admitted he didn’t know much about the cross-state rivalry prior to coming to Tempe, but that he is now fully immersed in what it means to the schools.
“It’s just tradition,” Sutton said. “Growing up in California I didn’t really know about it. Once you get here, you become a part of it and you have to play with that passion.”
Passion won’t be a concern for Sutton, especially with the added element of Saturday being senior day.
A Sun Devils victory also clinches homefield for the Sun Devils in the Pac-12 title game, so a chance to beat the Wildcats and have one more chance to play at home is on Sutton’s mind.
“Senior Day is always a big one, but we are going to have one more at home,” Sutton said. “No matter the rivalry or passion, we should beat UA. If we beat them, we will have one more home game. Two senior nights.”
The Sun Devils are a perfect 6-0 at home this season, which Sutton says is just another motivator heading into the game.
“Oh yeah,” Sutton said. “Everybody knows how we play at home. Everyone knows our record at home, we love playing at home.”
The main focus for Sutton remains beating the Wildcats, though.
“We don’t really worry about where we win or how we win,” Sutton said. “We have them at home and we are undefeated at home this year so it’s a big advantage for us.”
Reach the reporter at dsshapi1@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @DsShapi
