Arizona Wildcats ascend to 8th spot in AP, coaches polls after win over ASU

Nov 30, 2014, 7:26 PM | Updated: 8:27 pm

The University of Arizona football program made a significant leap in two national polls Sunday after beating Arizona State two days earlier.

On their home turf, the Wildcats held off their in-state rival by a 42-35 decision, which gave Rich Rodriguez’s group the best record in the Pac-12 South and a spot in the upcoming conference championship game against Oregon.

The win has pushed Arizona up from No. 12 in the AP Top 25 poll to No. 8.

In the Amway Coaches Poll, UA also jumped from the 12th spot to No. 8.

The Wildcats (10-2, 7-2) entered Friday’s matchup with ASU ranked 11th in the College Football Playoff rankings, and they will find out their new placement on Tuesday.

ASU’s loss pushed the Sun Devils (9-3, 6-3) down to 17th in the AP poll and 18th in the coaches rankings.

The Arizona-Oregon conference championship game kicks off Friday at 7:00 p.m. MST at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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Arizona safety Anthony Lopez, left, celebrates with Tra'Mayne Bondurant (21) after recovering a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State running back D.J. Foster (8) tries to run away from Arizona safety Jourdon Grandon (26) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State defensive back Armand Perry (13) sacks Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State defensive lineman Demetrius Cherry (94) celebrates with Marcus Hardison (1) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. Cherry recovered a fumble for the score. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona safety Anthony Lopez (28) celebrates after recovering a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) runs away from Arizona cornerback Jonathan McKnight (6) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State defensive lineman Demetrius Cherry (94) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) makes a diving catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona running back Davonte' Neal (19) fumbles a punt during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona State recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona running back Nick Wilson (28) scores a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona linebacker Cody Ippolito (57) and Scooby Wright III (33) sack Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon (12) celebrates with fans after defeating Arizona State 42-35 during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona running back Nick Wilson (28) scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) throws over Arizona safety Tra'Mayne Bondurant (21) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright III, right, sacks Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State running back D.J. Foster (8) runs for a first down during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona State defensive back Armand Perry (13) tackles Arizona running back Samajie Grant (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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