USC’s Mitch Mustain says Matt Barkley will ‘learn to take the bumps’

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USC quarterback Mitch Mustain was not surprised when freshman Matt Barkley was named the starter, and he still believes he made the right decision to transfer to USC, despite being No. 3 on the depth chart.

“I’ll enjoy it here and just hope that I get that one opportunity and that I’m able to take it from there,” said Mustain, a fourth-year junior. “It may be a long shot, but that’s what I have to believe. And if not, I’m prepared to go to the next level.”

Mustain started eight games as a freshman at Arkansas in 2006. So I asked him what Barkley might be in for as he attempts to lead the Trojans this season.

“He’s just going to have to learn to take the bumps,” Mustain said. “You’re going to have tough games.
“It’s different when you get to a college stadium. ... People yelling at you -- I mean just crazy stuff that you would never hear in high school. Most stadiums now don’t have tracks so everybody’s a lot closer to you.

“That was one thing, I know for me was one of the first shockers. ... They’re right on top of you yelling [stuff] so you have to deal with that stuff and really learn to be confident and learn to be smooth.

“I think he’ll figure it out.”

-- Gary Klein