Arizona State Loses Top Tailback

Arizona State has lost its No. 1 tailback, Michael Martin, for the regular season.

Martin, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior, suffered a hairline neck fracture on Arizona State’s first play against UCLA last week. Sun Devil trainers Thursday held out the possibility Martin could return for a bowl game.

He and USC’s LaVale Woods were tied for fourth place in Pacific 10 rushing, with 475 yards each.

*

Coach John Robinson said Woods will start at tailback against Arizona State over Delon Washington, who has a sprained thumb. Robinson said Woods, Washington and Shawn Walters will get “equal carries” Saturday at Tempe.

Defensive end Willie Lowery will make the trip, indicating there’s a chance he could play. He sprained an ankle against Arizona. The same goes for safety Brian Kelly, who has a strained ankle tendon.

The Trojans worked on their silent counts. Loud recorded music was played, a try at simulating the expected crowd noise Saturday at 72,000-seat Sun Devil Stadium.