The ASU football team runs out of the Tillman Tunnel at Sun Devil Stadium in a game against Utah on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. ASU defeated Utah in overtime 19-16. (Photo by Alexis Macklin)Even without College GameDay coming to Tempe on Saturday, there was plenty for ASU coach Todd Graham to be excited about at his weekly press conference, especially with a nationally-televised matchup against No. 8 Notre Dame next on the docket.
Graham wasted no time pushing aside concerns about redshirt senior quarterback Taylor Kelly, who's thrown an interception in each of his last two starts.
"He's undefeated," Graham said. "We have to do a better job of protecting him, but he (alone) is not our team, he's a part of our team."
Graham said he plans on getting both quarterbacks reps in practice, however.
Redshirt junior quarterback Mike Bercovici was active on the last play of regulation during the Utah game, for another attempt at a game-winning Hail-Mary, his prayer was picked off.
That's the only action Bercovici has seen since two weeks ago against Stanford, a 26-10 win at Sun Devil Stadium, but Graham insists that he'll be more involved in the offense.
"Each week, we're working both guys," Graham said. "We haven't used (Bercovici) that much, but we'll see what we can do. Right now, Taylor's our guy."
In ASU's nonconference finale, the Fighting Irish will come to town, in a rematch of last year's 37-34 thriller in Dallas.
Graham and his staff aren't downplaying the significance of this game, and its postseason implications.
"I think it would be silly to say it's like any other game," Graham said. "It's the kind of game you want to coach in, and our players want to play in. Playing a team with the history and tradition that Notre Dame has, and with the kind of football they've been playing, there's a bit of a buzz about it our guys."
The Sun Devils (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12) went undefeated in October and currently sit atop the Pac-12 South standings. But the month ahead, Graham said, will ultimately determine who will be left standing when the final selections for the inaugural College Football Playoff are made.
"In November, we want to be playing for Championships," Graham said. "This is a game that you grow up as a youngster dreaming of playing in."
With the breakout performances by freshman running back Demario Richard against Washington and Utah (170 yards games on 23 carries in the last two games) Graham said he spoke with offensive coordinator Mike Norvell about utilizing a three-running back set in future games.
"They allow us to diversify even more," Graham said. "I told Coach Norvell that I want to see all those guys (Richard and freshman Kalen Ballage) and (junior running back DJ Foster) and (redshirt junior wide receiver Jaelen Strong) on the field at the same time."
ASU football coach, Todd Graham, coaching his players at the game against Utah on November 1. (Photo by Emily Johnson)Quick Hits:
On the new Desert Fuel uniforms: "They're cool... Unlike Coach Graham. I had one helmet for four years in college."
On incorporating three running backs into the offense: "I don't make recommendations (on offensive lineup changes) too often, but when I do, they know I'd really like to see it happen."
On freshman DeAndre Scott's elevated play on kickoff coverage: "He has a great spirit about him, he does a tremendous job, and has been instrumental for us."
On former athletic director Steve Patterson fighting to keep the Notre Dame game on the schedule: "Who's that?... It was (associate athletic director Mark Brand) that did that."
On the College Football Playoff system: "The NFL wouldn't have the AFC play a championship game, and the NFC not play one. Our fans deserve better."
Reach the assistant sports editor at smodrich@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @StefanJModrich
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