Lost in Barkley-mania, McKnight’s maturation; Forcier’s analysis; Sumlin’s stock rising

Barkley-fever overshadows McKnight’s night

COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Matt Barkley fever sweeps the nation, Joe McKnight comes of age for USC, too. Tate Forcier shares too much information. And Houston coach Kevin Sumlin gets a resume-padding win.

The second week of the college football was a reminder to not draw hard conclusions — Oklahoma State’s improved defense — after the FIRST week of the season.

There’s no doubt Southern California’s Matt Barkley has what it takes to become a special quarterback. He makes throws many pros don’t. He seems unflappable, a good combination of easygoing and confident. Quite simply, he is college football’s next rock star.

Lost some in the Barkley-mania after the 19-year-old freshman led USC on an epic game-winning drive in the Trojans’ 18-15 win at Ohio State was the guy who gained most of the yards.

Joe McKnight came to Los Angeles three years ago from Louisiana as one of the first YouTube stars. His moves and speed drew Reggie Bush comparisons, and with USC looking to replace its Heisman Trophy winner, McKnight was cast for the part. He was ‘the next Reggie Bush.’ In that context, McKnight’s first two seasons with USC could be called a disappointment.

McKnight ran for 1,199 yards, averaged 6.6 per carry, and scored seven touchdowns in two seasons. He’s had some spectacular moments in some big games, including 125 yards on 10 carries in the 2008 Rose Bowl against Illinois.

But in a crowded backfield, McKnight never even established himself as USC’s best runner. Its most dynamic, yes. Most likely to bust a big play, sure. Also, most likely to get caught behind the line of scrimmage.

McKnight’s numbers were modest against Ohio State, 105 yards from scrimmage on 18 touches. But here are the numbers that count: On USC’s 14-play, 86-yard, game-winning drive, McKnight touched the ball six times and gained 53 yards, then caught a pass and scored a 2-point conversion.

“We knew from the start they’d get the ball to McKnight,” Ohio State linebacker Austin Spitler said. “We did a good job the whole game on him but we just didn’t get it done at the end.”

That’s because in the end McKnight didn’t dance, spin and juke around, trying to take it the distance on every play — his biggest problem since entering college has been trying to do too much with limited opportunities.

He ran north and south and bulled for extra yards with his 190-pound body.

About an hour before kickoff, McKnight was sitting on a folding chair in full uniform by himself outside the USC locker room. Bent over, elbows on his knees, eyes down, not noticing dozens of fans behind the gates looking at him.

He looked like a player preparing to have the best game of his college career and he did just that.

No. 2 behind Barkley on the rising star list is Michigan’s Tate Forcier, the diminutive jitterbug who led the Wolverines to a 38-34 victory against Notre Dame.

Forcier, a southern California kid like Barkley, is also not lacking confidence. A bit brash, even.

And while it was true that Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis’ decision to throw the ball twice — both were incomplete — when the Fighting Irish were in milk-the-clock mode aided Michigan’s comeback, Forcier did not need to point it out.

It was no great sin for Forcier to speak the truth, but generally it’s best to let your opponent talk about its strategy.

Sticking with the theme of rising stars, add Houston coach Kevin Sumlin to the list of coaches who could be moving up the career ladder rapidly.

The Cougars 45-35 upset at then-No. 5 Oklahoma State is Sumlin’s third against a ranked team in 15 games with Houston. He also led the Conference USA program to its first bowl victory in 28 years.

Sumlin, previously the co-offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, was hired by Houston because of his familiarity with the spread offense and his history of success mining the state of Texas for top talent. Offensive whiz plus strong recruiter equals hot commodity among athletic directors.

Sumlin took over a program with momentum, thanks to the fine job done by Art Briles, who is now rejuvenating Baylor, and has kept it moving forward.

Sumlin, one of seven black coaches in major college football, could have some big-time suitors soon.

Stephen F. Austin, a traditionally strong FCS team, beat NAIA Texas College 92-0 on Saturday. It was 50-0 at half. Maybe they should have gone to a running clock in the second half?

More bad headlines for the Atlantic Coast Conference with Florida State and Maryland both struggling to beat FCS opponents Jacksonville State and James Madison, respectively.

The Seminoles’ problems had to be related to a Miami hangover. JMU, No. 6 in the last FCS rankings, was just another Colonial Athletic Association team showing that it could hang with the ACC.

In Week 1, Richmond beat Duke and William and Mary beat Virginia.

Virginia followed up its embarrassing opening loss by getting dominated at home 30-14 by No. 15 TCU. It was not as close as the score. That leaves Al Groh with a comfortable lead in the first-coach-to-go pool.

When Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin was talking trash in the offseason had he seen Jonathan Crompton play quarterback?

Kiffin brings the Volunteers to Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday. No. 1 Florida will not be accepting apologies, only handing out punishment.

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Ralph D. Russo covers college football for The Associated Press. Write to him at rrusso(at)ap.org.