Matt Barkley: Should USC Fans Worry About QB's Lack of 2nd-Half Production?

The numbers don't lie.

For all of the positives that came out of the Trojans' 23-14 win over Utah Saturday—and there was a lot to celebrate—the fact is that so far in 2011, USC has suffered from an alarming lack of offensive production in the second half of both games it has played this year.

For the record, the Trojans offense has delivered exactly seven points in those four quarters after the intermission of those two games.

Seven points.

It's not like the Trojans were on "cruise control" either, passing the time nursing a big lead.

No, in both the Minnesota and Utah games, the men of Troy needed scores to preserve small leads.

That they are 2-0 this year speaks volumes about the Trojans' suddenly stalwart defense but says little about the other side of the ball and that unit's unquestioned leader, quarterback Matt Barkley.

Of course, when discussing an individual's impact, good or bad, on a team game, the responsibility does not completely fall on any one player's shoulders.

In the case of Barkley, this is certainly true.

There has been the usual variety of dropped passes, blown assignments and growing pains inherent to both individual units as well as the collective group that constitutes the offense itself.

Now, some fans will argue that the play-calling in those second halves have been less then scintillating as well.

This too is probably true.

But given the fact that Barkley has led the Trojans to leads in the first half, is there any reason for him not to do the same in the second half when USC really needs to lean on him to salt away these close games?

Or is this still just a matter of a young team trying to find its way as it establishes its identity?

Whatever the case may be, the Trojans need Matt Barkley to produce when it counts most.

To be certain, Barkley has the physical talent and the football acumen to get the job done.

As a team captain, certainly he has the leadership abilities as well.

Now it's time for Barkley to put it all together and lead his offense to four quarters of production.

As the Trojans continue on their path toward what they hope is a special season, the road traveled might be better served without the defense continually having its back against wall preserving small leads with the game on the line.

For the sake of Trojan fans' shot nerves, Matt, let's win games by margins that reflect some comfort of victory.

Don't wait for the defense to save the day; instead, give them some breathing room.

And how about we do it this Saturday against Syracuse?

Trojan fans everywhere, not to mention Monte Kiffin and his defense, will thank you for it.