ASU notebook: McGaha's season has been painful

Chris McGaha said on Tuesday he is as healthy as he has been all season - which, the Arizona State wide receiver will admit, is not really saying much. "All last year, I was healthy," McGaha said. "This year, it's like night and day in the injury department."

Read 'Blogging with the Devils'

McGaha has been dogged by pain from a surgically repaired left toe that has healed much slower than expected after an April operation. His speed and cutting ability have been compromised, and he has not had a practice or game without some level of discomfort.

That is reflected in the statistics: 19 receptions for 265 yards and a touchdown, well behind the pace of the team-leading numbers McGaha posted in 2007.

"It didn't heal as quickly as everyone thought, and the repercussions of the surgery created other problems in his leg," coach Dennis Erickson said. "He has not been 100 percent all year. He has played with pain all year."

However, a cortisone shot - his second of the season - and rest during last week's bye has McGaha feeling... well, as good as can be expected.

"I'm probably in the 90percent range," McGaha said. "I've been playing the whole season in the lower 80s. It has been frustrating, knowing that I can be faster, but I'm not. But this week, I feel like I have some speed back, which is kind of comforting."

McGaha's drop-off in production is not solely due to the injury. He is no longer a secret, and the entire Sun Devils offense has struggled as opposing defenses have typically played a Cover 2 zone that blankets the receivers with as many as seven defenders.

"It's a little of everything. I can't blame it all on the injury," McGaha said. "I could be playing a little better and more consistent. All of the little things have made it one big thing."

INJURY REPORT

Linebacker Brandon Magee (pectoral) practiced on Tuesday in his second attempt to return from the injury that has kept him out since the second game of the season.

"We'll wait and see how he practices," Erickson said. "We don't want another (setback) like before, where he came out and aggravated it again. We have to make sure he's healthy."

Running back James Morrison, who broke an ankle during practice the week of the Sept.20 game against Georgia, was in attendance on Tuesday. ASU hopes he will be available for spring drills.

Defensive end Dexter Davis was limited due to an illness.

"He was vomiting (Monday) night," Erickson said. "I could be more descriptive, but we'll leave it at that."