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USC football: Pete Carroll says ‘miscalculations’ caused Matt Barkley’s interceptions

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USC quarterback Matt Barkley remains unbeaten as a starter after the Trojans’ 42-36 victory over Oregon State.

But he probably needs to be better on Saturday against Oregon than he was against the Beavers.

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Barkley passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another in the first half. However, he finished with two interceptions. And another interception was nullified by a penalty on Oregon State for a late hit on Barkley.

“I didn’t think he was as sharp as he’s been,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “We went after these guys pretty good. He was called on a lot to throw downfield. ... He just had a couple miscalculations.”

Barkley completed 15 of 25 passes for 202 yards against Oregon State. As he walked off the field, he described his performance as “mediocre.’

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‘Good plays at times and bad plays at times,” he said.

Barkley, though, showed marked improvement in his footwork in the pocket.

He has completed 60% of his passes, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

-- Gary Klein

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