ASU tries to play unfamiliar role of spoiler

It might seem like Bizarro World to fans on either side of the Arizona State-Arizona football rivalry this week.

For so long, the Sun Devils were the ones heading into the Territorial Cup with hopes of improving their bowl positioning, while the Wildcats played the role of spoiler.

But as the teams prepare to face off Saturday at Sun Devil Stadium, it is Arizona State left with little to play for.

"Obviously, our goals were quite different at the beginning of the year than what we have accomplished," Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson said.

The Sun Devils haven't had this feeling often.

Since 1995, Arizona State has had postseason eligibility heading into the Territorial Cup in all but one instance.

That was in 2003, when both clubs finished below .500.

The last time this scenario happened - Arizona State without bowl hopes and Arizona already bowl-eligible - was in 1994. Arizona held on to beat ASU 28-27, finishing off an 8-3 regular season and catapulting the Wildcats into the Freedom Bowl.

With three conference losses, the Wildcats have been eliminated from Rose Bowl contention. But with two Pac-10 games remaining, they could end up in any number of bowl games.

Although the Sun Devils know they will be done after Saturday, there is still the prospect of damaging Arizona's chances at a top-tier postseason matchup.

"There's still a lot to play for in this game," wide receiver Kyle Williams said. "We're playing against U of A, our rival. There's no secret between the two of us. We don't really like each other ... I don't think you're going to see anybody on that field quit before the game is over, before that last whistle is blown."

A win would also allow the Sun Devils to avoid a dubious mark.

If Arizona State loses, it would be the second consecutive year with a six-game losing streak. Before last season, the Sun Devils hadn't lost six consecutive games in a season since 1929.

"It's all about the wins and losses," Williams said. "It's been too much of one and not enough of the other this year."

Arizona has historically been in this rivalry.

In 2004, Arizona State headed into the game with an 8-2 record, but a 2-7 Arizona team won by a touchdown.

In 1986, Arizona beat a then-undefeated ASU team 34-17. The Sun Devils went on to win the Rose Bowl, finishing the year with one loss.

In 1985, Arizona State had just one conference loss heading into the rivalry game, but the Wildcats won by three points and the Sun Devils ended up losing the Holiday Bowl.

For this game at least, the Sun Devils would like to take a page out of that playbook.

"We've got one more chance to turn it around, at least leave on a positive note for us seniors," linebacker Mike Nixon said. "You don't want that bitter taste in your mouth."