It remains to be seen if QB Mitch Mustain gets the nod to start this Saturday against the Irish.
USC back-up QB Mitch Mustain cannot get confirmation from the team that he will start this week when the Fighting Irish travel to tinseltown for a classic college football rivalry. Starting QB Matt Barkley, who suffered a high ankle sprain in the first half of USC’s embarrassing loss to Oregon State last week, is listed as the starter despite being on crutches and in street clothes all this week. Even if Barkley does not practice this week, coach Kiffin said he will not hesitate to play Barkley if he is healthy.
This is a clear lack of sportsmanship by Kiffin. Mustain transferred to USC in 2007 from Arkansas with the hopes of playing under center. But with stiff competition from the likes of Mark Sanchez, Aaron Corp and Matt Barkley, Mustain never climbed the depth chart. Being USC is not bowl eligible, Barkley is injured, and Mustain sacrificed 3 years of his life at USC playing sparingly, let the man finish his career as the starter in his final game at the Coliseum. Allowing Barkley to play, even if he misses the entire week of practice, is just a slap in the face to Mustain and shows lack of confidence and respect for a player who dedicated so much to the program.
Mustain is more than adequate to lead the Trojans as evidenced in last week’s game when he led USC to its only scoring drive. Starting a hobbled Barkley over a poised Mustain will send the wrong message to players and future recruits.
