2005
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2005
SPORTS
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NCAA FOOTBALL
Ted S. Warren/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
USC quarterback Matt Leinart drops back to pass in the first quarter against Washington, in this Oct. 22 file photo, at Husky Stadium in Seattle. There were definitely some bumps along the way, but Leinart says he's never once regretted his decision to play his senior year at USC instead of becoming an instant millionaire by turning pro. He put up even better numbers than last season, when he won the Heisman Trophy.
A legendary career
BY JOHN NADEL
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — If USC defeats Texas in the Rose Bowl, the argument can be made that Trojan quarterback Matt Leinart will finish his career as the best quarterback in college football history for one simple reason — the Troians' incredible record.
Right now, USC is 37-1 with Leinart at the helm. The lone loss was a 34-31 triple-overtime setback at California on Sept. 27, 2003.
"It it just feels like we can't lose with him." USC offensive tackle Winston Justice said. "He's just so poised. When other quarterbacks would probably freeze up, Matt doesn't freeze up."
Leinart hadn't thrown a pass at USC when he became the Trojans' starting quarterback in 2003. He passed for 3,565 yards and 38 touchdowns with nine interceptions as a sophomore; 3,322 yards and 33 touchdowns with six interceptions last year,
Although teammate Reggie Bush appears to be the front-runner to win this year's Heisman, which will be awarded Saturday in New York, Leinart believes he's much better now than he was last season.
and 3,450 yards and 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions this season with one game left.
USC coach Pete Carroll agrees.
The answer is two. This year, Leinart has passed for 300 or more yards in six games.
"There is no doubt," Carroll said. "How many 300-yard games did he have last year?"
"That's just one barometer," Carroll said. "He's much more controlled. Everything about him is better, every single aspect. He is stronger, faster. His arm is great, his understanding, his confidence, his speed, his quickness, and his ability to make decisions and get rid of the football, and his ability to audible."
Leinart, though, said he'll be
"He's got my vote," Leinart said of Bush, whose 554 yards rushing in the last two games are the most ever by a USC player in back-to-back games.
happy to present his teammate with the Heisman.
As a Heisman winner, Leinart is one of the voters.
"I won last year, and I'm excited to go back so I can give him the hug he gave me," Leinart said.
Leinart passed up the opportunity to become an instant millionaire last January by deciding to return to USC for his senior year rather than making himself available for the NFL draft.
Leinart figures to be among the top picks in April's NFL draft. He'll be remembered at USC for more than just being an exceptional player.
"It's just been a blessing to play with someone like Matt," Bush said. "He definitely will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks to play college football."
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