The fact that UCLA is using its fourth quarterback of the season — a player who started his college career behind center, was moved to receiver, then moved back — could be interpreted as good news for Arizona State.
However, there is a caveat. That means that ASU has seen little of Osaar Rasshan on film, and the Bruins’ coaches will likely add to the mystery this week by designing a special play package for him.
“When you watch him, he’s athletic and fast and moves around well,” coach Dennis Erickson said. “I would expect them to create some stuff for him, maybe some option or bootleg stuff to get him on the corner.”
Rasshan, a sophomore, came off the bench at Arizona last week and led UCLA to 13 points. The Sun Devils have faced similarly mobile QBs — Dennis Dixon of Oregon and Jake Locker of Washington — this season.
“The basics won’t change,” Erickson said. “We still have to stop the run and always (be aware) of where the quarterback is at.”
INJURY REPORT
Defensive end Dane Guthrie (concussion) is out for Saturday, as is reserve tight end Andrew Pettes (ankle), who was injured during Wednesday’s workout and wore a walking boot on Thursday.
JONES JACKED UP
Last week, receiver Michael Jones had his best performance since the Oregon State game on Sept. 29, with four catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. He attributed the production increase to adrenaline.
“I was pumped. That was probably one of the biggest games of my life, other than baseball at the College World Series,” Jones said.
EXTRA POINTS
Center Mike Pollak and tackle Brandon Rood have been invited to play in the Hula Bowl in Honolulu on Jan. 22. The senior all-star game will be a homecoming for Rodd, a native of Aiea, Hawaii. …
Defensive end Dexter Davis was excused from Thursday’s practice to attend to a personal matter. …
Thomas Weber’s 18 field goals this season are three shy of tying the Pac-10 freshman record, set by Arizona’s Gary Coston in 1986.
