Posted on November 25th, 2009 by Rick McMahan

First, let me emphatically state that I am aware that what I am proposing would be considered blasphemy just five short weeks ago.

Bench Matt Barkley?

Are you serious?

The short answer is yes. But with an explanation.

I am aware that for USC, the future is Matt Barkley.

But is it fair to the team if the quarterback of the future is not playing well enough to be the quarterback of now?

Barkley, the nations darling when the Trojans were 6-1 is now just another struggling young quarterback trying to find his way on a Trojan team that has slipped to 7-3.

Along with his flashes of brilliance, so evident early in the season, now comes the true freshman mistakes that resulted in four turnovers in USC’s home debacle against the Stanford Cardinal.

Saddled side by side with his eleven touchdown passes are ten interceptions, the majority of which have come recently.

Now, I know that the Trojans slide is far from young Mr. Barkley’s fault.

It goes without saying that even a “typical” Trojan defensive effort would have possibly resulted in one or two more victories.

So this line of questioning isn’t wrapped around an accusation that Matt Barkley is the reason for the Trojans less than stellar record.

But given the deterioration of that same defense, can the Trojans afford to couple that with another poor performance by Matt Barkley?

Please understand that in the grand scheme of things, there is no greater fan of Barkley than myself.

I fully believe that this talented young man will lead the USC Trojans to the promised land and that soon, perhaps even next year, he will be hoisting that crystal football as the Trojans celebrate a national championship.

However, I also believe that at this point in time, there may be other options available that might suit this years Trojans better should Barkley struggle again.

I also know that the Trojan coaching staff has thrown their support fully to Matt.

I get that.

It is a show of support meant to prop up the confidence of a young quarterback who is struggling.

Yet, there is also an obligation that must be considered to the senior players and others who came to USC to forge their own success as part of this traditional powerhouse.

Is it fair to them to stubbornly refuse to consider Mitch Mustain as a possible option should Barkley stumble once again?

And lets not forget the opponent themselves this week.

It is UCLA. Need I say more?

Should Pete Carroll and Jeremy Bates keep refusing to explore other options against this opponent should Barkley fail to produce?

In my opinion, no, any and all options must be considered and utilized against UCLA this week.

So while many may consider my suggestion blasphemy, please forgive me.

And more importantly, lets do whatever it takes to beat UCLA.

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