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There was good and there was bad last night. Taylor Kelly got hurt, but Jordan Simone, D.J. Foster and others stepped up in a big way. While all eyes will be on Kelly's status, it is far from the only thing to take away from last night's game.
1. D.J. Foster is the key to the offense.
Graham was asked last night if he's at the point that he expects performances like that from Foster every night. His response: "Pretty much." Through his first three games, Foster has 512 yards and five touchdowns on the ground and 139 yards and a touchdown in the air. He also has 19 plays of at least 10 yards, 10 plays of at least 20 yards, and four plays of at least 40 yards. This offense will go as far as Foster takes it. Even more so if Taylor Kelly is hurt.
2. Jordan Simone can be relied on to make plays happen.
The Sun Devils awarded scholarships to five walk-on players, and Simone was one of them. He earned it Saturday night. He led the game in tackles (13), solo tackles (12) and tackles-for-loss (2). He also forced a fumble and grabbed an interception. Coach Todd Graham called him a "playmaker" last night, and it's clear the team will lean on him in the secondary.
3. If it means Christian Sam plays as well as he did, Moeakiola's injury might not be as devastating.
While a serious injury to Laiu Moeakiola's would be a huge blow to Arizona State, the team could had to have been pleased with Christian Sam's performance. Sam steped in as the SPUR linebacker last night, having not practiced there all week, and had four solo tackles, a sack and an interception. If he practices at the position, he'll only continue to improve.
4. Last night's penalties can't happen against better team.
Last night the Sun Devils committed eight penalties, the most since Todd Graham took over as head coach. No doubt, it will be a point of emphasis in practice, as Graham was clearly upset in his postgame press conference. He said when penalties happen, it's on the coaching. The team can't afford eight penalties when UCLA comes to town.
5. This team could be in serious trouble at quarterback.
If Tayloir Kelly misses any time, it will be the Mike Bercovici hour in Tempe. Granted, he was not prepared to start, but only threw four passes, making two completions. He did not look comfortable at all last night, and if he's the one facing UCLA, he's going to need to run in with a ton of confidence.