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Arizona State is counting on the sophomore quarterback also being electric when he makes his first start Saturday against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, less than a one-hour drive from where he grew up.

Coach Dennis Erickson confirmed the expected after practice Thursday - that Szakacsy would be ASU's second first-time starting quarterback in as many weeks and third overall in a 4-6 season.

"It's one of those years where we've gone through some things," Erickson said. "At the end of spring, Samson was competing for that No. 1 (job), and he never really got a chance to do anything until his arm was healthy enough. It's more an opportunity with him at full strength compared to half strength."