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USC football: Matt Barkley shoulders opportunity to go long

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USC quarterback Matt Barkley did not appear sore-shouldered in the Trojans’ 27-6 victory over Washington State.

Barkley was nursing a bone bruise in his right shoulder, but he completed 13 of 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. “I didn’t really notice it except when I was on the sidelines,” Barkley said of the tightness in his shoulder.

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With play-caller Jeremy Bates finally opening the playbook, Barkley threw downfield multiple times, connecting with Brice Butler for a 29-yard touchdown and with Damian Williams on a 57-yard scoring play.

He also had a 40-yard completion to tight end Anthony McCoy.

“Obviously, Matt can get the ball down the field, and he’s still not healthy yet,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

Barkley was excited by the opportunity to make longer throws after being shackled in his first two starts.

“To finally show it in the game, I think it helps,” he said. “We’re capable of a lot more. ... I know for sure that we can stretch the field.”

Washington State Coach Paul Wulff was impressed.

“I know he took a few more shots today,” Wulff said. “For a freshman, he did some good things. He’s got a nice strong arm.

“For his age, he’s an awfully good player.”

-- Gary Klein

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