USC Football Fall Notebook: Questions Remain Before Opener
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Barkley says his young squad is ready to face opponents. (McKenzie Carlile/Neon Tommy)
BARKLEY IS READY: Quarterback Matt Barkley enters his third season as the Trojans' starter, and after an inconsistent couple of weeks during fall camp, Barkley is hitting on all cylinders.
On Wednesday Lane Kiffin revealed some passing goals he had for his QB (70% completions, 30+ TD's, 10 or fewer INT's) and on Thursday Barkley confirmed them.
"We've agreed on that, and set the those as kind of the low standards of what needs to be," Barkley said. "And hopefully those numbers will be better than that."
BIG FIRST IMPRESSION: Freshman wide receiver Marqise Lee has been nothing short of spectacular since he's arrived on campus.
Lee, who was a high school teammate of sophomore WR Robert Woods, has demonstrated a playmaking ability similar to what Woods showed this time last year. Consequently, the bar is set high for him to be an impact player this season, starting with Saturday's game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
"He should make some big time plays," Barkley said of his young wideout. "We'll definitely give him his chances to make those plays, and I have no doubt he'll come down with them."
TAILBACK WHO?: USC has a rich tradition at the running back position, having produced numerous Heisman Trophy winners and All-Americans.
This week, however, there is some uncertainty in the backfield. Returning starter Marc Tyler is suspended for this weekend's season opener, and Kiffin has yet to publicly name a starter for the game. The candidates are Dillon Baxter, D.J. Morgan and Curtis McNeal. Baxter is the most experienced back of the group, but all will likely get carries Saturday.
GETTING DEFENSIVE: In 2010 USC turned out one of the worst defensive performances in school history, and Trojan players and coaches are both anxious to prove last season was the exception, not the rule.
The defense has performed well throughout fall camp, specifically at the team's three scrimmages, but players are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to show just how much they've improved. Some said earlier this week that they can't wait to hit someone not wearing USC colors cardinal and gold.
IN THE TRENCHES: The offensive line returns just two starters from last year and is one of the Trojans' biggest question marks heading into the season.
Barkley isn't worried about the youth up front, however. "I think these guys are ready, I'm not worried," he said.
LEAN ON ME: Team chemistry can often be one of the most underrated factors in contributing to the success of a football team. If games were decided by the unity alone, USC might be the favorites in every game this season.
It's an attribute that's been evident at practice each day, and one Kiffin is extremely proud of. "I don't know how many wins it's gonna equate to, but this team is very together," Kiffin said. "There are very few individuals, a [strong] team atmosphere, and they're very competitive."
Video of Kiffin's press conference can be found at the bottom of this story.
This Saturday, USC takes on Minnesota in the season opener at the Los Angeles Coliseum. USC will debut a new high-definition video board that the school says is the "second-largest HD video board in college football." The Trojans are a 22.5-point favorite against the Gophers.
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