LOS ANGELES — When Mitch Mustain left Arkansas for Southern California nearly four years ago, he imagined a different course for his college career.
Thanks to Matt Barkley’s high ankle sprain, Mustain might get a Hollywood ending after all.
The high school superstar who became the Razorbacks’ starting quarterback as a freshman will wrap up his senior season at bowl-banned USC over the next two weeks with precious little tape to show NFL scouts.
But after nearly three years as a dutiful backup to Mark Sanchez and Barkley, Mustain has a chance to go out as the Trojans’ starter — probably for Saturday’s game against Notre Dame, and possibly for the finale against archrival UCLA.
“There was always a chance it would never happen, but I’ve always looked forward to the chance, however slim it may be,” Mustain said. “It’s what I’ve been practicing for, and it’s why I stuck around this year. I’m ready to go.”
However, Barkley showed up to watch Wednesday’s practice without his crutches and walking boot.
“It’s been improving every day, which is great,” Barkley said. “We’ll see how it is by the end of the week.”
Meanwhile, Trojans tailback Dillon Baxter has been reinstated by the NCAA after taking a ride in a golf cart with an agent last week.
Footnotes.
Notre Dame receiver Theo Riddick (ankle) is questionable, while linebacker Carol Calabrese (hamstring) is probable for Saturday’s game against USC.
• New Mexico junior linebacker Julion Conley was arrested following a brawl at a nightclub in Albuquerque.
