The University of Southern California is often referred to as “Halfback U” for its rich history of glorified running backs.
However, the No. 23 Trojans (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12) will rely on their passing game when they visit the ASU Sun Devils (2-1) for their first road contest of 2011.
Led by junior quarterback Matt Barkley and sophomore receiver Robert Woods, the Trojans passing attack is averaging 298 yards and three touchdowns per game. Woods is leading the nation in receptions per game with 11, and is responsible for four of Barkley’s nine touchdown passes.
Woods may be a great receiver, but those catching the ball need someone to throw it to them and the Trojans have one of the best in Barkley.
“It’s been great to see him play so well,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. “We’re seeing him more comfortable in (our offense). Every once in a while he forces a ball in there (and) still doesn’t throw the ball away ever because he is so confident. Otherwise he is playing really well.”
Through three games this season Barkley has thrown for just under 900 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. The third-year starter is coming off a five-touchdown performance and hopes to continue his early success against a Sun Devil defense led by junior linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
“He’s such a game changer because he is so physical,” Kiffin said. “You’ve got to know where he is all the time. It’s a real factor. It’s an issue for us.”
Barkley is not the only junior quarterback in this game, and ASU starter Brock Osweiler has caught Kiffin’s eye.
“(He) doesn’t really have that many starts under his belt so it is impressive to see him playing this well,” Kiffin said.
While the Trojans trip to the desert will be their first road trip of the season, they seem to be fairly comfortable in Tempe as they have won five straight contests in Sun Devil Stadium.
USC’s success against ASU is not limited to Sun Devil Stadium as the Trojans have won 11 straight games against the Sun Devils, and have not lost since November, 1999.
Despite USC’s recent success against the Sun Devils, Kiffin acknowledges the talent in coach Dennis Erickson’s team, and is expecting a close game.
“We’re obviously playing a great team, one that could be in the top 10 or 15 in the country,” Kiffin said.
Reach the reporter at william.boor@asu.edu Click here to subscribe to the daily State Press newsletter.
