Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series on the 40th anniversary of Arizona State and Arizona joining what was then the Pac-8 Conference.
When Arizona State fans even consider thanking Arizona, it’s for things like never playing in a Rose Bowl.
Or for some on-field boost like UA upsetting No. 5 Oregon late in 2013, helping ASU host the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Or for some off-field probe, like what’s going on now in men’s basketball, that ASU manages to avert.