USC Trojans uncertain of Matt Barkley’s status
University of Southern California Trojans' head coach Lane Kiffin is still uncertain about the status of sophomore starting quarterback Matt Barkley after he was injured in the club’s week 12 game against the Oregon State Beavers.
Barkley injured his ankle in the first half of the Trojans 36-7 loss to the Beavers on 20 November. The quarterback was forced out of the match-up after an Oregon State defensive lineman rolled over his ankle. Barkley received an x-ray, which revealed that
there was no break and it was determined that the youngster suffered a high-ankle sprain on the play. Barkley was in a walking boot and on crutches throughout the game's second half.
Kiffin stated that he has still not ruled Barkley out for the club’s week 13 game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, but if he is unable to go, they will start fifth year Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain.
“Unless you want us to start [walk-on] John Manoogian, we’ll be going with Mitch,” Kiffin told ESPN Los Angeles. “We have great confidence in Mitch. He’s played well in scrimmages since he’s been here. We look for him to play a lot better Saturday.”
Mustain replaced Barkley against the Beavers, but for the most part was ineffective, completing eight of his 17 attempts for 60 yards and was sacked twice.
Barkley will be missed by the Trojans offence, as the sophomore is currently the fourth ranked passing quarterback in the Pac-10. With Barkley out against the Beavers, the Trojans had their worst offensive game of the season.
Kiffin also mentioned that middle linebacker Chris Galippo is unlikely to start against Notre Dame, as the youngster suffered a concussion against Oregon State.
The Trojans will meet the Fighting Irish at home on Saturday 27 November.
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