Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt is out with an apparent injury

TEMPE – Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt returned, took a knee and ended the first half with the Sun Devils ahead of Utah 13-9 after being ejected following a hard hit early in the second quarter.

Leavitt had gone to the medical tent before heading to the locker room with a towel over his head as the Sun Devils ran the ball in for a touchdown on the drive he led most of.

On the play, Leavitt rushed eight yards into the red zone, with the big hit coming from Utah linebacker Lander Barton on the right side of the quarterback.

Jeff Sims took over at quarterback in place of Leavitt and ran in the touchdown.

After the Sun Devil defense stopped Utah late in the half and forced a field goal, Leavitt returned to the field to kneel.

Leavitt has already established himself as a true dual-threat quarterback and has shown that he is not afraid to take a hit.

After week one, ASU coach Kenny Dillingham said sliding wasn't a focus for Leavitt because he wasn't able to do it. Dillingham said he wanted the quarterback to fall forward in such cases rather than stick his cleat into the ground.

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