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Erickson undecided on starting QB
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STILL THE STARTER? ASU head coach Dennis Erickson looks for an explanation from Danny Sullivan after he threw an interception against USC during their game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Nov. 7, 2009
Darryl Webb, Tribune
Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson has not decided on his starting quarterback for Saturday's game at Oregon, he said Monday.
Senior Danny Sullivan started against Southern California but was replaced at halftime by freshman Brock Osweiler.
QB Osweiler thrown into the fire
Turnovers doom Devils against USC
Erickson was unhappy with the interception Sullivan threw late in the second quarter that USC safety Will Harris returned for a touchdown, but Erickson said Monday the pick was not all Sullivan's fault.
Osweiler threw the team's only touchdown pass but made some mistakes because of his inexperience.
While a majority of fans want to see Osweiler play, Erickson said many different factors go into his decision, and he will make the choice after watching a couple days of practice this week.
"I've got to do what gives us the best chance to win," Erickson said. "Maybe it's not the most popular decision, but it's a decision that I've got to make to give our football team the best way to win."
Erickson said he made the halftime switch not because Sullivan deserved to get pulled, but because the Sun Devils needed a spark on offense.
"Danny did not play as bad as everybody might have thought," Erickson said.
The decision has nothing to do with keeping Oregon guessing, Erickson said. He wants to watch the quarterbacks this week and then choose his starter.
"I don't think they're all that concerned about it, to be honest with you," Erickson said.
BLOUNT BACK
Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player following the Ducks' season-opening loss, has been reinstated by the school.
Oregon coach Chip Kelly laid out a behavioral and academic plan for Blount to follow, and if he did so, reinstatement would be considered.
The university requested the move, and Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott approved it.
Blount missed eight games.
"He seems like a good kid," Erickson said. "He made a mistake. They're handling it the right way. He did what they asked and deserves to play."
BASS SUSPENDED
Sophomore tailback Ryan Bass, who has been unhappy with limited carries this season, has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules.
Bass was a highly rated recruit out of Corona, Calif., and played last year as a true freshman.
While he might be the most dynamic running back on the team, problems holding onto the football have limited his playing time.
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