I find it a curious decision, but USC has decided to go with true freshman Matt Barkley in its opener against San Jose State. He’ll be the first true frosh to start a season opener at QB for the Trojans.
Of course, he is being set up to succeed in the short run, as three of USC’s first four games are against San Jose State, Washington and Washington State. The other is Ohio State, which would’ve been a tough haul regardless. So Barkley and USC probably start out no worse than 3-1 before hitting the rough part of the schedule. Pete Carroll is betting that Barkley will be up to speed by then.
I think you can pretty much cross USC off the list of serious title contenders right now, as only one true freshman quarterback has ever won a national championship and that was Jamelle Holloway, who ran the wishbone for Oklahoma in 1985, not a pro-style offense.
In the meantime, I am curious to see what defensive whiz Dick Tomey has in store for the young Mr. Barkley on Sept. 5.
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About Author
Chris Huston, A.K.A. ‘The Heisman Pundit‘, is a Heisman voter and the creator and publisher of Heismanpundit.com, a site dedicated to analysis of the Heisman Trophy and college football. Dubbed “the foremost authority on the Heisman” by Sports Illustrated, HP is regularly quoted or cited during football season in newspapers across the country. He is also a regular contributor on sports talk radio and television.
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Recent HP media mentions: ESPN College Game Day (12/3) ... VS./NBC CFB Talk (12/5) ... SJ Mercury News (12/5) ... Seattle Times (12/5) ... Idaho Statesman (12/5) ... Associated Press (12/6) ... Huntsville Times (12/6)
Recent Radio and Podcast Appearances...
Interview with WJOX Birmingham (11/30)
Interview with ESPN Radio in Waco (12/2)
The Mandel Initiative (podcast), Stew Mandel, (Listen)

THE HP HEISMAN WATCH

Pre-Heisman ceremony press conference featuring Robert Griffin III
Can you tell me when the Heisman Ceremony will be replayed? We were at
Robert Griffin III Clarifies The Race
Key points everyone seems to miss. The defensive rankings of the team
The Other Awards: Who Will Win, Who Should Win
I notice you don't believe Alabama players deserve any of the awards.
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