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.

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.’

‘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