LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matt Barkley’s surprising return has made Southern California one of the front-runners to win the national championship.
The Trojans figured to be one of the nation’s top teams this season, their first after a two-year postseason ban.
Barkley makes them a legitimate contender to win the final BCS championship before college football’s playoff system kicks in.
Once a highly touted freshman who sometimes made questionable decisions, Barkley transformed into one of the country’s best quarterbacks. Despite being projected as a high NFL draft pick, he opted to return for his senior season for a chance at a championship.
With Barkley calling the shots and talented players across the roster, the Trojans could make a run at it.
