Arizona-ASU Game 19: Arizona cruises past Tempe for third straight victory

Arizona fans looking back at the 1942 Territorial Cup era would have found plenty to celebrate in this game. The Wildcats traveled to Tempe and defeated the Tempe Bulldogs 23 to 0 at Goodwin Stadium on Oct. 10, earning their third consecutive victory of the season. A crowd of 7,500 watched Arizona control most of the game, although Tempe’s defense kept the score close early and its punter repeatedly helped the Bulldogs escape dangerous situations.

The matchup was played as a Border Conference game, and Arizona’s performance was built around quarterback Bob Ruman, fullback Jim Negri and tackle Jack Irish. The Wildcats produced 20 first downs and 284 yards from scrimmage, compared with seven first downs and 61 yards for Tempe. The Bulldogs managed only 27 net yards after losing 33 yards on plays behind the line of scrimmage. Arizona also had a clear advantage through the air, completing six of 10 passes for 110 yards, while Tempe completed four of nine for 30 yards.

The opening quarter showed why the final margin was not even larger. Arizona drove to the Tempe three yard line, but the Bulldogs made a determined stand and took over on downs. Tempe’s defense, led by tackle John Barlarz, made several notable stops, while kicker Al Onofrio repeatedly punted the Bulldogs out of trouble. Arizona’s first quarter drive included a 25 yard run by Ruman, an 11 yard gain on a fake pass and a series of runs that moved the Wildcats inside the Tempe 10. The Bulldogs held, however, and the teams ended the quarter scoreless.

Arizona finally broke through in the second period. Ruman connected with Tommy Black on a difficult pass while under pressure, then continued the drive with his running. After Negri gained three yards, Ruman cut through for a 14 yard touchdown. Irish added the extra point to give the Wildcats a 7 to 0 lead. Tempe again threatened to slow Arizona’s momentum with its punting game, but Negri changed the complexion of the quarter by blocking an Onofrio kick behind the Bulldogs’ goal line. The play produced a safety and extended Arizona’s lead to 9 to 0.

Onofrio still had a strong night despite the blocked punt. His kicks averaged 45.8 yards, and at least four of his punts came from behind Tempe’s goal line. One of his efforts traveled 52 yards, and another was angled out near Arizona’s own 31 yard line. Arizona also used its kicking game to pin Tempe deep, including a coffin corner kick by Bob Johnson that sent the Bulldogs back to their own four. Those field position battles helped the Wildcats keep pressure on Tempe even when the Bulldogs’ defense prevented immediate touchdowns.

Ruman directed Arizona’s second touchdown drive after halftime. He and Negri powered a 71 yard march, with Ruman contributing an 11 yard run before finishing the possession by driving three yards into the end zone. Irish’s conversion made the score 16 to 0. Tempe moved the ball briefly on the following possession, but Arizona’s defense forced another punt. The Bulldogs reached the Arizona 13 later in the quarter, yet the drive ended without points, and the Wildcats entered the fourth period still ahead 16 to 0.

Arizona put the game away early in the final quarter. Ruman began the possession with a 21 yard run, then connected with Black on a pass behind the line that covered 17 yards. After another Ruman run moved the Wildcats to the Tempe 22, he found Tip Killingsworth for a 21 yard touchdown. Irish’s kick was briefly discussed by officials before it was confirmed, making the score 23 to 0. Tempe made one more effort to move the ball, but Arizona’s defense stopped the drive, and the rest of the game became a chance for reserves to gain experience.

The Wildcats’ first team had dominated, but the backups who played much of the second half showed some inexperience. Arizona was flagged repeatedly late in the game, including several offside penalties that wiped out gains by reserve quarterback Capps and his receivers. Still, the result was never in serious doubt. The victory gave Arizona its third straight win and demonstrated the Wildcats’ ability to win with rushing, passing, field position and defense. Tempe remained dangerous on special teams, but could not turn its punting advantage into points.

This 1942 meeting is part of the long history behind what is now known as the Territorial Cup game. The University of Arizona and Arizona State are preparing to meet for the 100th time, although that milestone represents the number of matchups rather than the 100th anniversary. The teams did not play every year, and Arizona holds a 52 to 46 to 1 advantage in the overall series. The modern rivalry will return to Tucson for the upcoming game, but the 23 to 0 result in Tempe remains an early example of Arizona using a complete performance to take control of the state’s most enduring college football competition.