Starting job remains Kelly's, but Stanford status still uncertain
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly attended Tuesday's practice in street clothes and a protective boot, but his coach believes he could be practicing by the end of the week before an expected return for ASU's next game against Stanford on Oct. 18.
Kelly has missed two games due to a right foot injury suffered Sept. 13. Todd Graham said Tuesday that Kelly could be ready to practice by the end of the week but did not say anything definitive about Kelly's status for ASU's home game against the defending Pac-12 champions.
Before last week's win over USC, Graham had said Kelly was expected back for the Stanford game. After Mike Bercovici passed for 510 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions against the Trojans, the Sun Devils would seemingly be in position to take Kelly's recovery slowly and make sure the three-year starter is 100 percent before returning.
Graham, though, said Bercovici's performance through two games doesn't mean ASU won't bring Kelly back as soon as possible.
"I think Mike's performance gives us a lot of confidence in Mike," Graham said. "Man, after watching the film, what an incredible performance. I love his passion and enthusiasm. It just makes you feel confident you've got two great quarterbacks."
Offensive coordinator Mike Norvell, too, said ASU is going to do all it can to get Kelly back for the Stanford game, but both quarterbacks are preparing to start.
"We've got to see where Taylor is," Norvell said. "That's something we don't know today. He's feeling better every day that goes by. It's great that we have a bye week because it gives him a little extra time. We're obviously going to get a chance to reevaluate that as it gets closer to game time.
"Taylor Kelly is our starting quarterback. Everybody knows that."
Graham made Norvell's last point clear after the USC game when he gave Kelly a game ball in the locker room, praising his efforts helping Bercovici on the sidelines and telling Kelly "this is your team."
Bercovici has amassed 998 yards and eight touchdowns in two starts, and while Kelly is not in danger of losing his job, ASU's coaches must determine which player gives them the best chance to win against Stanford. If Kelly is not 100 percent, the answer is probably Bercovici, who made a significant leap in his second start.
"He made vast improvements just managing the game, sitting in the pocket, being patient," Graham said. "Marked improvement. I thought he played outstanding."
The biggest thing Bercovici improved?
"I think it was pretty obvious: Just not turning the football over," Bercovici said. "That was in the back of my head every single play -- not that that's the one thing I'm focused on before every step, it's just like a personal almost like lifestyle for the quarterbacks here at Arizona State."
For the second straight week, ASU's run game got shut down. Against USC, the Sun Devils ran for just 31 yards, the lowest rushing total in a game under Graham.
"We've got to be able to run the ball better than what we did," Graham said. "They were scheming to stop that and therefore gave up a lot of passing yards in return, but no doubt we need to be able to run the ball better. We underperformed the last two weeks in that."
UCLA, which held ASU to 138 rushing yards, and USC determined a need to shut down junior ASU running back D.J. Foster. Accordingly, ASU just took what the defense gave them, going to the air and using Foster as a receiver.
Still, the Sun Devils know they need to show they can establish the run even when opponents are keying on it.
"It didn't have anything to do with our running backs or our offensive line," Graham said. "It had to do with scheme. We've got to be able to adjust and make adjustments a little better on that."
Added Norvell: "We're going to establish the run. Every week, every game we come into that's something we have to do, so obviously we have to do a better job this next week."
After gaining just 30 yards against UCLA, Foster ran for 13 against USC. As much as he'd like to put up triple-digit rushing numbers each week, he's staying patient.
"It's been frustrating, but that's why it's a team sport," Foster said. "I definitely take pride in the run game, and we've definitely got to step it up in these next couple weeks. I've got to stay at it, and it will be there."
Another challenge to the run game: Kelly's absence. When Kelly is under center, defenses must account for his ability to scramble. Bercovici is not as mobile.
"Taylor brings a different dimension and a different accountability in the run game for the defense," Graham said.
Senior linebacker Marcus Washington suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against USC, ending his ASU career.
"That was a big loss for us special-teams wise," Graham said. "And it's sad for him because he has really just been an unbelievable trooper for us, playing just about everything on special teams, offense, defense. It's his senior year, so obviously it's a tough deal with him."
Washington started his ASU career as a running back. He later transitioned to tight end and last spring moved to linebacker. He was a key contributor on special teams this season and got occasional chances on defense.
-- With a bye week this week, Graham said ASU has the chance to rest a few banged-up players. Starting spur linebacker Laiu Moeakiola (shoulder) and defensive lineman Viliami Latu (unknown) wore green non-contact jerseys Tuesday. Tight end/linebacker De'Marieya Nelson (unknown) will take it easy this week. Graham expects all three back against Stanford.
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