The newest USC stud I guess is Matt Barkley. The true freshman, who was a surprise pick to start at QB over Aaron Corp JR. and the erstwhile superstar recruit Mitch Mustain, went into the shoe and beat Ohio State 18-15 behind a game winning fourth quarter drive late in the game. It was an impressive drive in the money quarter, though it was not all easy for Barkley. USC started strong and scored on a fourth down, but the buckeyes answered back. USC had trouble moving the ball after that. They seemed to a little more comfortable on offense than the buckeyes, but clearly the freshman had trouble moving the ball consistently. The USC offensive line looked impressive anytime there was a 3-Rd and 1 or a 4-Th and 1. Barkley could sneak behind them for a couple of yards whenever they wanted. But still things didn't all come together for the Trojans.
The game stayed close and in the second half, Ohio State actually started to control the field position battle. USC was constantly backed up and Barkley just could not move them forward. But finally he did what he had to and moved them 95 yards for the go ahead score. USC's shifty running back Joe McKnight was a big part of that drive and USC went home happy. They are legit and whether you like it or not, you are gonna start hearing about Matt Barkley as much as you did about Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer. Dude is too young and sounds a little bit like a moron, but he became a star today. Kudos to Pete Carroll for rolling the dice on a true freshman and he was rewarded with a win today that took his record against the Big 10 to 7-0. I am happy every time the suckeyes lose and it's even better if they lose to a Pac 10 team.
Barkely was not the only true freshmen doing his thing today. Michigan's Tate Forcier was even more impressive in his second college game ever against the Domers. It was an instant classic as the Wolverines beat the Irish 38-34. Both offenses were spectacular and the game was tight most of the second half. This dude Forcier is an athlete. He can move and can make plays outside the pocket. It's fun to watch him. Not a bad loss for the Domers either. It was close and they looked good even in a loss. It might be another major bowl for Notre Dame and probably another embarrassing loss when all is said and done this season.
In other games, Oklahoma state beat Georgia last week and jumped to number 5 in the ranking only to lose to Houston this week 45-35. I love upsets and parity in college football and this game showcased both. This was Houston's first win over a top 5 team in 25 years. It's interesting to see many unheralded college programs crack the top 25 or beat top 25 teams - BYU, Boise State, TCU, Utah, UNC, Cincinnati and Houston. Of course Boise State is becoming a regular these days. The other interesting result of the day was UCLA beating Tennessee 19 -14 on the road. Good day for the Pac 10. Speaking of Pac 10, I am pulling for a Pac 10 Heisman this year as well - Cal's Jahvid Best. This guy is a stud. He is Usain Bolt in football gear. He has got pure sprinter speed and is averaging about 10 yards a carry so far this season. Of course number 10 Cal has not played anybody yet. I'll be keeping an eye on him all season long.
1 comment:
Go Blue!
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