Can Clausen-Barkley make like Quinn-Leinart?
By: Kevin Dunleavy
Examiner Staff Writer
10/15/09 10:17 PM EDT
Four years ago, when USC and Notre Dame staged a spectacular shootout in Irish coach Charlie Weis' rookie season, Jimmy Clausen was in the stands as an Irish recruit. But he wasn't in his seat during the heart-stopping final seconds when USC quarterback Matt Leinart scored the winning touchdown for the then No. 1 Trojans.
"We were on the field, about ready to storm the field," said Clausen. "It was a dramatic ending. That's what I remember."
That game helped Clausen decide that Notre Dame was the place for him. Saturday in South Bend, the junior hopes he can author a similarly memorable game as he takes on USC and freshman quarterback Matt Barkley.
Clausen and Barkley, the prize quarterbacks in the nation in their respective graduating classes, grew up in Southern California and went to the same football camps.
"We've known each other a long time, probably before high school," said Clausen. "Every time I go home in the offseason, Matt is always around. We're always throwing the ball, hanging out, stuff like that."
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