Freshman Barkley Mr. Cool entering Ohio State game

Photo from USC athletic department
Barkley was scanned before leaving LAX.


Matt Barkley will face more pressure than he has in his young life Saturday at The Horseshoe, but the 19-year-old doesn't seem to be fazed by the moment.

"I don’t think he’s like most guys," coach Pete Carroll told Josh Peter of Yahoo! sports. He wouldn’t be in the position he’s in if he was typical. We’ve had extraordinary quarterbacks come in unable to do what he’s done, so we’ll see what happens. He still has to get there and do it. But he’ll handle himself quite well, I’m sure.”

Said USC receiver Damian Williams: "This is his first game on the road in college. That’s tough enough in itself,” said Williams, USC’s top receiver. “And playing in a very hostile environment, one of the loudest places in the country … the main thing with him is to be confident. Confident in himself and confident that we’re there to support him.”