COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : USC : Statistically, Marinovich Is Doing Fine

It might not seem like it, because he has had some mediocre games, but quarterback Todd Marinovich’s statistics aren’t much worse than they were at this time last season.

In his first seven games last season, Marinovich completed 61.2% of his 224 passes for 1,549 yards and 12 touchdowns with six interceptions. He passed for an average of 221.3 yards a game and his passing efficiency rating was 131.6.

In seven games this season, Marinovich has completed 59.7% of his 191 passes for 1,447 yards and eight touchdowns with seven interceptions. He has passed for 206.7 yards a game and his passing efficiency rating is 129.8.

The difference is, after USC’s seventh game last season, Marinovich was widely praised after passing for 333 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-24 loss at Notre Dame.

This season, he was suspended for cutting class.