ASU Football: Expensive Victory in Boulder
By Mike Slifer
Last night, ASU secured a 38-24 victory at Colorado. But it may have come at quite a cost.
During the game, ASU suffered two potentially critical injuries. In the 2nd quarter, Spur Linebacker Laiu Moeakiola went down with what looked like a shoulder injury. At first, it appeared to just be a “stinger”, but he never returned to the game. He finished watching from the sideline in a sling. Laiu was recently named a team captain because of his leadership and performance. He is essentially the “captain of the front seven” on that Sun Devil defense.
Even though his replacement, freshman Christian Sam, had a decent game with a sack and an interception, Laiu’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed. One of Moeakiola’s strengths was the ability to get his teammates lined up correctly and their assignments defined. That’s the main reason captaincy was bestowed upon him by coach Todd Graham, even though he’s only a sophomore.
Of course, the headline injury of the night was Quarterback Taylor Kelly. Kelly went down near the end of the fourth quarter. His injury, at first did not appear too serious. He needed help getting up, but he jogged off the field seemingly just momentarily shaken up. But he was taken to the locker room for an examination and returned with a walking boot and crutches. It may have only been precautionary. But Kelly’s demeanor on the sideline did not look good.
Kelly did not interact with teammates or even appear to pay attention to the game. He looked to be lost in disappointment and heartbreak.
The only word coming from the coaching staff regarding these injuries came from head coach Todd Graham himself, declaring “They’ll be fine. Absolutely fine.” That may have been a reactionary statement, or it may not have. Time will tell. But the body language of Kelly and Moeakiola on the sideline belies coach Graham’s confidence.
The seriousness of these injuries will play out next week. Regardless, this program is in a good spot right now. If necessary, the “next man up” needs to keep the train moving. It won’t be an easy task as the heaviest part of the Sun Devils’ schedule begins Sept. 25th versus UCLA.