Carroll Says Barkley to Start at QB

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Southern California coach Pete Carroll says freshman quarterback Matt Barkley probably will start for the 12th-ranked Trojans against Washington State on Saturday.

Carroll made the announcement after USC’s practice Wednesday night. The Trojans (2-1) feel Barkley’s bruised right shoulder has healed enough to put him back in the lineup.

“He’s going to give us the best chance to win right now,” Carroll said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Barkley missed USC’s 16-13 loss at Washington last weekend after getting hurt during the Trojans’ win at Ohio State. Sophomore Aaron Corp struggled in his first start in place of Barkley, who won the starting job from Corp during training camp.

Corp struggled in the loss, throwing an interception and completing 13-of-22 passes for 110 yards. It marked the fourth straight year the Trojans have lost to an unranked team.

Barkley started USC’s first two games and was injured during an 18-15 win over then-No. 8 Ohio State on Sept. 12.

Barkley practiced with USC’s first-team offense for most of Wednesday’s session.

“He’s our starter, and he’s ready to play, and hopefully with the next couple of days and more rest he’ll feel good,” Carroll said, according to the Times. “He’s OK now. He’s not quite back yet, but he’s able to function and play.”

All-American safety Taylor Mays also participated in most of practice.

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