Trojans' Barkley likely to start vs. UCLA

Published Dec. 2, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Southern California coach Lane Kiffin says quarterback Matt Barkley is likely to start for the Trojans in Saturday's season finale at UCLA.

Barkley looked sharp in practice Thursday night, taking snaps with USC's offensive starters while wearing a big brace on his sprained left ankle. Although Kiffin says he'll probably wait until game time before making an official decision, both Kiffin and Barkley expect the sophomore to start his first game in the Rose Bowl.

Barkley was hurt midway through the Trojans' loss at Oregon State two weeks ago, and he missed last weekend's home finale against Notre Dame. Backup Mitch Mustain passed for 177 yards in USC's 20-16 loss to the Irish.

USC has scored just two touchdowns in the past two weeks.