Once Emory Jones cleared concussion protocol, interim Arizona State head coach Shaun Aguano wasted no time reaffirming that Jones would be the team’s starting quarterback.

Trenton Bourguet forced the issue with a three-touchdown performance in leading the Sun Devils to a 45-38 win over Washington on Oct. 8, but Aguano went back to Jones for Saturday’s game against Stanford.

In the face of a 15-14 loss, Aguano remained in Jones’ corner.

“I thought Emory was solid,” Aguano said, via Sun Devil Source. “I thought he did pretty well with the ball in places that we needed it to be and receivers made some catches. They’re all going to miss some, but I thought he did pretty well off the cuff, but I have to go back and go and look at film.”

Jones finished 14 for 25 on his pass attempts for 227 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Calls for his replacement grew throughout the game. Aguano said he never thought about a change.

“I didn’t because I didn’t think Emory was playing bad,” Aguano said. “And so I didn’t. I try not to ever second-guess myself in those decisions. That’s what the outside world will always do, especially if you didn’t get that win, but I told my guys that I’m going to make the best decision for them to win the football game. And we came up short, so I guess I’ll take the blame for all of that.”

The loss certainly doesn’t fall on the defense. Stanford was held without a single offensive touchdown. Its 15 points came exclusively via the leg of kicker Joshua Karty.

“Our defense did a great job,” Aguano said. “Fifteen points shouldn’t win football games. Am I disappointed? Yes. I’m very, very disappointed.”

Earlier this week, Aguano said he didn’t believe a player should lose their starting job because of an injury. He said ASU would “see how it all plays out.” Saturday offered another look at Jones. We’ll see how Aguano feels when he gets through film and meets with the media to begin the new week.