It is now official. As previously feared, Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly will not play next week as the Sun Devils take on UCLA in a key Pac-12 South battle. A foot injury suffered in Arizona State’s road victory at Colorado is to blame.
It is unknown at this time how long Kelly will be out of action for Arizona State, but for at least one game it will be senior quarterback Mike Bercovici leading the offense. Arizona State head coach Todd Graham will go with that plan for now and evaluate the quarterback situation following next week’s game. Graham was optimistic following the game against Colorado.
The loss of Kelly is significant given his time as starter for the Sun Devils and his place in the record book at the school. But Graham has a system in place and hopes Bercovici should be capable of moving the football against UCLA. Having a bye week this week to help Bercovici get up to speed with the responsibility that comes with being the team’s starter should help. There should be plenty of talent surrounding the senior quarterback to ease the tension in practices this week and next, as well as the game.
The result of Arizona State and UCLA could be huge in the Pac-12 race, although USC looks to be a strong contender as well. Arizona State and USC are already tied for the Pac-12 South lead early in the season and UCLA is playing its first Pac-12 game when it travels to Arizona State next Thursday.