The Arizona St. Sun Devils are preparing for the annual Territorial Cup against the Arizona Wildcats this weekend after two straight road losses to Pac-12 opponents. Amid anticipation for the always-competitive rivalry game, Sun Devils head coach Dennis Erickson finds himself facing questions about his future in Tempe.
Erickson was asked on Arizona Sports 620 for thoughts about his job security. His response encouraged a wait-and-see approach over ASU's final games:
"I don't know, I mean, Lisa [Love] and I will talk at the end of the season, when it's all over. You know, visit and talk about where we're at and so forth."
Erickson can help improve his chances of staying by beating the Wildcats this weekend. A third straight loss for this ASU squad- coming at home against the struggling Wildcats, no less- would only worsen Erickson's perception in the view of fans and ASU athletic department officials alike.
A win over Arizona, meanwhile, could prove as a springboard for the Sun Devils. ASU is a perfect 5-0 at home this season, and back-to-back wins over the Wildcats and the Cal Golden Bears in Tempe could secure ASU's berth in the Pac-12 conference title game. From there, a strong showing or win against the Pac-12 North representative could help dispel the doubts of the team's recent two-game losing streak.
First, however, Erickson needs to beat the Wildcats. Fans will look past the team's disappointing road showing if the Sun Devils can put on a dominant performance against their in-state rivals on Saturday.