Actually, after a four-turnover performance in Southern Cal's second epic beatdown of the 2009 season, "plummeted back to earth in a fiery ball of interceptions and fumbles" would probably be a more apt description.
Even given Barkley's recent struggles, though, head coach Pete Carroll said earlier this week that Barkley will remain as the Trojans' starting QB. That leaves Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain where they've been throughout most of the season -- on the sidelines holding a helmet and/or clipboard.
"It is what it is," Corp said. "Matt's our guy right now.
"The coaches are going to stick by him. And if I was in his position I'd want that too."
Despite watching Barkley toss an 11-10 TD-to-INT ratio on the field in his inaugural collegiate season, and not getting any real opportunities to win the starting job, Mustain says the reasons behind USC' recent struggles shouldn't all be laid at the feet of the frosh.
"It's not new right now," Mustain said of having no shot, short of injury, of taking over as the starter. "Matt's done his part. We've got a few more woes other than the quarterback. . . . Our biggest concern now is just getting the offense to click regardless of who the quarterback is."
