LOS ANGELES — Only the clock stopped Southern California’s Matt Barkley and Arizona counterpart Nick Foles in a game largely devoid of defense.
When time finally ran out, USC had a small lead — and ample reason to be optimistic about an offense led by Barkley and Robert Woods, the talented tandem that’s slicing up the Trojans’ record book.
Barkley passed for a school-record 468 yards and four touchdowns, Woods made 14 catches for 255 yards and two scores, and USC outlasted the Wildcats 48-41 on Saturday.
Freshmen Marqise Lee and Xavier Grimble caught TD passes from Barkley, who also rushed for a score while breaking Carson Palmer’s 2002 yardage record with a blistering performance against Arizona’s maligned defense. USC’s defense wasn’t much better, aside from two first-quarter interceptions by T.J. McDonald, but the Trojans (4-1, 2-1 Pac-12) outgained Arizona 582-554 to stay unbeaten in four home games.
“It didn’t feel like I was breaking a record, because it was such a tight game going back and forth,” Barkley said. “It’s crazy to think about, because I grew up looking up to Carson Palmer. He’s one of my heroes. I did want to be in his shoes someday, and now that I’m here it’s definitely a dream.”
Barkley went 32-for-39 with one interception, bouncing back from a rough start at Arizona State last weekend with another landmark game. After setting USC’s single-game record for completions in the season opener, the junior has thrown nine TD passes in his last two home games.
The Trojans never even had to punt — but they needed almost every yard against Foles, who passed for 425 yards and four TDs of his own.
“Defense continues to be our issue,” Arizona coach Mike Stoops said.
Washington 31, Utah 14
SALT LAKE CITY — Keith Price threw three touchdown passes and Chris Polk rushed for 189 yards to surpass 3,000 in his career at Washington.
The Huskies (4-1, 2-0) forced five turnovers by Utah (2-2, 0-2), including a fumble on the opening kickoff that Jamaal Kearse returned 18 yards for a touchdown.
Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn did not play in the second half due to an injury to his left (nonthrowing) shoulder.
