USC Football: Why Kiffin Must Stress Backup QB's Offseason Growth

There is an old adage that says, "If you have two starting quarterbacks, you really have none."

That truism also applies to the backup quarterback position for the USC Trojans, which finds Cody Kessler and Max Wittek—both redshirt freshmen—neck and neck on the depth chart behind the legendary Matt Barkley.

Going into the fall practice session, both young gunslingers have played beyond expectations yet neither has distanced himself from the other.

Quite a conundrum for Coach Kiffin and quarterbacks Coach Clay Helton...but it's one that has to be figured out soon.

This slideshow will look at why nurturing the second-string quarterback is so critical to the Trojans' success both this year and beyond.

Although Trojan fans will pray for Matt Barkley to take every snap, the scary truth is that having a backup ready to take the field is critical.

Here's why.

No. 5: It All Starts with Making a Decision

As stated in the introductory slide, a decision has to be made as to whom is tabbed as the second-string signal-caller.

The fact of the matter is that both Kessler and Wittek are talented enough to lead the Trojans.

But until that decision is made, all of the conjecture as to why the backup is so important is just that...conjecture.

Since both quarterbacks bring different skill sets to the table, the sooner the second-stringer is identified, the better for all concerned.

Pull the trigger, coach.

Make that decision.

No. 4: Let These Kids Know Where They Stand

Having played college sports (baseball) myself, I can speak from experience when I say there is nothing more frustrating for an athlete than not knowing where they reside on the pecking order for playing.

Especially at the quarterback position, the competitive nature of division one football demands that players find their "niche" as soon as possible so they can plan for whatever they need to do to get where they want to go, which—of course—is the starting job.

Given the fact that neither player can hope to play many significant minutes in 2012, the sooner each knows where they reside on the depth chart means they can resolve themselves to doing what they need to position themselves for the future.

This will benefit all concerned.

No. 3: Garbage Time

If things go as expected in 2012, there will be plenty of late game playing time available for whomever is designated as the backup.

The Trojans offense—expected to be so prolific this year—should put the team in a position often to just require "mop-up duty" on the way to finishing lopsided games.

Of course, this puts Coach Kiffin in a quandary in deciding whether or not to let Matt Barkley pad his stats for a Heisman run or be prudent and let either Kessler or Wittek finish.

Chances are that Barkley gets pulled more often than not, which is another reason why Kiffin must stress his backup's growth this offseason.

No. 2: What If, God Forbid, Barkley Gets Hurt?

Of course, the notion of Matt Barkley getting hurt is a scenario that no one wants to entertain.

Barkley has meant, and continues to mean, so much to this program that just considering this notion is almost sacrilegious.

Yet it is a possibility, as horrific as it is, that must be considered.

As such, it is incumbent on Kiffin and his staff to have someone ready to take Matt's place.

Regardless of who that person is, the Trojan coaching staff must have them ready to lead the Trojans in what many consider to be a national championship contending year.

No. 1: Life Without Barkley

Like it or not, this will be the last year that Matt Barkley will lead the Trojans.

Because of this, plans must be made now for next year and beyond for a team that is still expected to be very good in 2013.

The good news is that both Kessler and Wittek are good enough to be very successful leading the Trojans.

The bad news? Neither has had an opportunity to prove it in a game when it really matters.

Preparing a backup this year to lead the Trojans in the future is the No. 1 reason why Kiffin must stress that person's development this offseason.