ASU opens Pac-12 play with 38-24 win over Colorado

(Photo: ASU Athletics)

The No. 16 Arizona State Sun Devils again had rough patches, but again crusied to victory as they defeated the Colorado Buffaloes in their first Pac-12 game of the year, 38-24.

Similar to their struggles against the New Mexico Lobos, the Sun Devils were outscored 14-10 in the second quarter to shrink a 17-0 lead built in the first quarter. Still, a strong second half put the game away for ASU as two third-quarter touchdowns put the score out of reach.

The story of the game for ASU now will be the health of star quarterback Taylor Kelly, who finished the game on the sideline on crutches with his right foot in a walking boot.

Player of the game: D.J. Foster

D.J. Foster wasn’t able to accumulate the mammoth amount that he did against New Mexico, but he was still the unquestionable star on Saturday night, accounting for 147 yards rushing and 59 yards receiving. His two touchdowns also set the tone and came at times where the Sun Devils needed them most.

Biggest concern:

The defense struggled at times against the Colorado offense, but the concern for the immediate future has to be the health of Taylor Kelly. The senior quarterback left in the fourth quarter with what appeared to be a right ankle injury and was replaced by Mike Bercovici.

With UCLA coming to Tempe in a week and a half, ASU is obviously better with Kelly in the lineup and his mobility is hugely important. The injury didn’t look bad when it occurred, but he came out of the locker room on crutches with a walking boot, so there’s obvious reason for concern.

Unsung hero: Christian Sam

When new defensive team captain Laiu Moeakiola went down with an injury in the first half, there was reason for panic. Ezekiel Bishop was the original replacement at Spur, but true freshman Christian Sam shined in his time in the role. He finished the game with five tackles, a sack, a tackle for a loss and an interception in limited time.

Stat of the game: 14 points off turnovers

If Jordan Simone hadn’t caused two turnovers, the score likely would’ve been different for ASU. Clearly the better team, it’s hard to say Colorado would’ve been able to pull out a victory; however, three turnovers for ASU led to two touchdowns and that proved to be the difference in the box score.

What’s next?

For the first time in 2014, a reasonable test for ASU is coming as the No. 12 UCLA Bruins will travel to Sun Devil Stadium on Thursday, Sep. 25. The storyline approaching the game will be the health of Kelly and UCLA QB Brett Hundley, who left the team’s Saturday victory against Texas with an elbow injury.

You can reach Adam Stites on Twitter @AdamStitesASU or by email arstites@asu.edu

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