If Matt Barkley ever dreamed of breaking the USC school record for touchdown passes in a single game, he probably didn't picture doing it with a screen pass on a Friday night in Boulder, Co. But that's exactly what happened with 7:06 to go in the fourth quarter, as Barkley hit running back Amir Carlisle on a middle screen for a 19-yard touchdown to put USC up 42-17 and effectively ice Friday night's game.
Barkley's first four touchdown passes came in the first half, on passes to WR Marqise Lee (twice), WR Robert Woods and TE Xavier Grimble. Towards the end of a stagnant third quarter, Barkley hit Woods for the second time of the game, giving Barkley five touchdowns on the night and bringing him into a tie for the Trojan record for touchdown passes in a single game. Thanks to sanctions from the NCAA, Barkley won't be leading his team into a bowl game this season, but tonight will probably be something he cherishes for a long time.
For more in-depth coverage of the Buffaloes, visit Colorado blog The Ralphie Report. For a view from the USC perspective, visit USC blog Conquest Chroncles.