Matt Barkley: Decision To Stay Is Best Choice for USC Trojans QB

USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley has decided to return for his senior season, and it is the smartest move he could have made. 

Sure, he's missing out on millions of dollars and a chance to be a Top 10 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but he loves USC and wants to win a title. 

You can't blame a kid for wanting to get his degree and have another shot at grabbing a ton of awards.

With Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, the Trojans were primed and ready for a great 2012 season. Now that Barkley is staying, USC is easily going to be a favorite to play for the championship next year. 

Barkley saw all the hype Andrew Luck received this year, and by returning, all of that talk will shift towards him next season. 

The "Suck for Luck" sweepstakes garnered a ton of attention for the Stanford quarterback, and soon Barkley will be the one receiving all the hype. 

It's a risky move because he'll have a lot to live up, as he's likely to be the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL draft, but he gets to finish college and possibly take home some of college football's top awards.

Good times are had in college, and being out in Los Angeles sure doesn't hurt. Barkley will be king next season since the Trojans will be off their bowl ban, and that is why it's a good idea to come back. 

Of course, there is the chance he gets injured and then everything goes down the drain. If that does happen though, he will be prepared.

According to CNBC's Darren Rovell, Barkley has the option of taking out a insurance plan. 

That might come in handy considering Trojans offensive tackle Matt Kalil will be entering the 2012 NFL draft. He protected Barkley's blindside all season, but there's a strong chance he's the No. 1 offensive tackle selected in the draft, so he opted to leave. 

Barkley, on the other hand, has room to improve for next year. Everybody knows Luck will be the first QB drafted, and after winning the Heisman Trophy, Baylor's Robert Griffin III is getting more looks as a first-rounder. 

By choosing to return to school, Barkley with be the guy in the 2012 season. 

With a chance at winning virtually every award he's eligible for next year, plus the BCS National Title, Barkley made the right choice to finish out his college career.