ASU quarterback starter remains a mystery

Profile: Rudy Carpenter

If Arizona State is trying to confuse Southern California about its starting quarterback Saturday, it deserves an A for misdirection.

Rudy Carpenter worked out with the second team during practice Thursday, climbing from his very doubtful status of Wednesday to at least questionable. He missed practices Tuesday and Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain.

Coach Dennis Erickson still expects to backup Danny Sullivan to make his first career start. "I'd be surprised if he (Carpenter) can play, but I'm not ruling it out," he said. "Right now Danny is the guy unless something changes."

Carpenter believes he's healthy enough to make his 37th consecutive career start and even had Erickson jog with him to reinforce his case. He accepts that the final decision is not his.

"I personally always feel like I can play no matter what happens," Carpenter said. "I'm not the best judge of that because of my character and I want to play. That's why coach E wants to make the decision what's best for the football team and for my personally.

"I said Monday I had to get 10 to 15 percent better every day. It's been on that track. Now we've got two more days."

ASU (2-3, 1-1 Pac-10) is off next week before hosting Oregon on Oct. 25.

Sullivan worked with the first team all week, and the 6-foot-5 junior is anxious for the opportunity. "I'm pretty excited if anything," he said. "They (teammates) know if I get the start, they're going to try and help me out. They just said relax, let it come to you, play how you play. I've got to try and be a sparkplug if that's the case."

There's no question that starting defensive tackle David Smith is out against USC due to shoulder stingers. He will be replaced by Paul Unga, who will be backed by Jonathan English.

Profile: Rudy Carpenter