USC on spin cycle with Barkley?

A story on Bleacher Report suggests USC is making excuses for the decision to start freshman Matt Barkley at quarterback. On the USC RipsIt blog, Barkley's camp stats were shown as compared to past USC starters' regular-season stats.


Matt Barkley ('09 Fall Camp): 301-for-486 • 61.9% • 8 interceptions
Mark Sanchez (2008 season): 241-for-366 • 65.8% • 10 interceptions
John David Booty ('07 season): 215-for-340 • 63.2% • 10 interceptions
John David Booty ('06 season): 269-for-436 • 61.7% • 9 interceptions
Matt Leinart (2005 season): 283-for-431 • 65.7% • 8 interceptions
Matt Leinart (2004 season): 269-for-412 • 65.3% • 6 interceptions *Heisman Trophy winner
Matt Leinart (2003 season): 255-for-402 • 63.4% • 9 interceptions
Carson Palmer (2002 season): 309-for-489 • 63.2% • 10 interceptions


The comparision does seem skewed as neither Aaron Corp's nor Mitch Mustain's fall camp stats is listed. Corp threw just one interception before being hurt and Mustain was 10 of 16 in a scrimmage Aug. 16.

Earlier in the week, Pete Carroll had this to say to Scott Wolf:
"No, I don't have any tolerance at all for interceptions. Some were a concern that he threw and some not. We put in a new play on one interception. It just depends.
"We have to manage him so we don't put him in those situations. He'll see some great coverages."

McKnight ready for breakout season

Joe McKnight has emerged as USC's top tailback with Stafon Johnson next. McKnight has had problems fumbling, but says not to worry.

"I'm ready to make more plays and make up for the last two years," McKnight told Scott Wolf of the L.A. Daily News.

Read Wolf's report here

Ohio State captains all on defense

Ohio State has named its permanent captains and they are all defensive players. Defensive end Doug Worthington, safety Kurt Coleman and linebacker Austin Spitler were named captains. An offensive player will be added to each weekly game.

Ohio State might be a year away from really big things

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises has an analysis of the Buckeyes, saying they might be a year away from a national title. He also gives his Big Ten predictions.