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Matt Barkley one of five finalists for Johnny Unitas Award

The USC quarterback joins the likes of Klein, Manual, McCarron and Smith as seniors and fourth-year juniors eligible for the award.

By Thomas Todd
Steve Dykes

Matt Barkley has been a golden arm for USC all season, so it makes sense that he has been named one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The award is given annually to the best senior or fourth-year junior quarterback in the nation.

Leading the Trojans to a 7-3 record so far this season, Barkley has lit up defense for 33 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. The senior from Newport Beach has four games with four or more touchdowns, including a five touchdown performance in a losing effort against Oregon two weeks ago. His 2,972 passing yards and 33 touchdowns on the season are each more than any of the other four finalists.

Barkley will have a chance to make his case for the award in the spotlight, with a rivalry game against UCLA this week and a game against Notre Dame on Nov. 24.

The winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award will be announced on Dec. 7.