Interception aside, ASU's Mike Bercovici happy to be on the field
Not even an interception could ruin Saturday for Arizona State backup quarterback Mike Bercovici.
The junior, who has seen limited playing time behind starter Taylor Kelly, ran the Gold team, which trailed big in the first half of the spring game in part due to that interception but rallied to within 29-23 and threatened to score again in a second overtime period when the Maroon's Mo Latu stopped a fourth-and-1 rush.
Bercovici, who could be the 2015 starter after Kelly graduates, finished 11-of-24 for 149 yards and three touchdowns. He talked afterwards about his performance:
"Today was was an interesting day. It definitely was in a complete leadership role as a part of the offense and the defense. I felt I could have done better. We kind of got off to a slow start. Unfortunately (tight end) Grant Martinez hurt himself so with D.J. (Foster) only playing limited roles, it was really only Kyle (Middlebrooks) for the majority of the lull we had there. But I felt great. I felt besides that one time I protected the ball a little bit. It was just hard to get going. It really did simulate a game experience. It was really exciting to be out here."
On his 19-yard touchdown pass to Ellis Jefferson: "I can't take credit for that.. The offensive line gave me enough time and Ellis is my new roommate so we've got a little connection now. He's been doing great. Battling against Lloyd (Carrington) these last couple of weeks have been really good for him. He's really developing as a receiver by getting such great competition. They both got a little bit of each other, but Ellis is about 8 feet wide when he puts his arms out so it was great to throw the ball to him. I missed him once too."
On a 35-yard pass from wide receiver Fred Gammage to running back Middlebrooks: "Freddie always talks about how he was a quarterback in high school. He was calling for it, and that was a great play. Actually he can either go to Kyle or me out of the backfield. Probably a little better off throwing it to Kyle, he's a little faster than I am. We were looking forward to that play all week."
On the overtime periods: "That's the situation football that coach (Todd) Graham brings that's real exciting. That's something you really can't practice doing. You've got to run the ball, kill penalties and get in the end zone, and that's what we did."
On 2015: "By no means am I fast forwarding to 2015 because like I've said for the last three years, I'm ready every single snap in practice. But I know my family, these fans, everyone, I can't wait for this time next year because I'm going to bring something even more every single day. I can guarantee a Gold squad victory that year."