Even a win doesn’t stop Koetter talk

TUCSON —  Arizona State Coach Dirk Koetter spent the last week listening to speculation about his future.

And after his Sun Devils whipped archrival Arizona, 28-14, Saturday, in a Pacific 10 Conference game to clinch a minor bowl berth, Koetter did little to dispel talk that he may soon be gone.

“It’s been my privilege to be the head coach at Arizona State for the last six seasons, and if this is the end for me, it’s a great way to go out,” said Koetter, who beat the Wildcats for the fourth time in six seasons.

“I don’t make the decision on that. I’ve got the utmost respect for [Athletic Director] Lisa Love, utmost respect for [ASU] President [Michael] Crow. They’re the decision makers on that. They have to do what they think is best for Arizona State.”

Arizona State, 7-5 overall and 4-5 in the conference, could be headed to the Las Vegas or Emerald Bowl, both of which sent representatives to the game. It will be the third straight bowl bid for the Sun Devils.

Arizona (6-6, 4-5) saw its three-game win streak end.

“We wanted to do it for him,” ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who threw for 214 yards and three touchdowns, said of Koetter. “I know people have short memories. You beat your rival, they’re going to forget about a lot of things.”

ASU outgained Arizona, 429 yards to 168.