Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden understands why he was pulled against Southern California after giving up a 34-yard pass on the Trojans' opening drive.
What surprised him was the length of his punishment.
"I was focusing on trying to make plays instead of doing my job,"
the sophomore said in explaining Ronald Johnson's catch from USC quarterback Mark Sanchez that led to a touchdown. "On top of that, I have a little injury."
The defensive coaching staff opted to go with Pierre Singfield instead of Bolden for the rest of the first half.
Bolden returned in the second half, coming up with his second career interception and first of this season. He intercepted a Sanchez pass intended for Johnson, one of five second-half turnovers that the
Sun Devils' defense forced in a 28-0 ASU loss.
"At first it was a question mark, like, 'What's going on?' "
Bolden said of his time on the sideline. " 'I might have messed up, but why are you taking me out?' But you can't dwell on that. I'm still part of the team; I have to stay in it regardless. So I was trying my best to keep my head in the game, let the other guys know what I'm seeing."
Cornerbacks coach Greg Burns asked Bolden at halftime if he was ready to play.
" 'Man, put me in the game; yeah, I'm ready,' "
Bolden said. "I'm like, 'C'mon now, the whole half? All I needed was a series' . . . ."
ASU coach Dennis Erickson said Bolden "played as well as he has all year in the second half."
Bolden chose ASU over USC in a much-publicized signing-day announcement. For the freshman All-American from Ontario, Calif., to get an interception against the Trojans was extra special.
"That pick will mean more than any other I'll have this season because of where it was at and who we played,"
he said.
McGaha rests toe
Wide receiver Chris McGaha sat out practice Wednesday after receiving a cortisone shot in a toe on his left foot that has been sore since a collision during spring practice.
Tailback Ryan Bass also sat out because of a slight hamstring injury suffered while trying to run down an interception return on the final play at Southern California.
Both are expected back Sunday with quarterback Rudy Carpenter (ankle) and guard Paul Fanaika (leg). Defensive tackle David Smith has returned to practice from a stinger that kept him out against USC.
