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Though this is hardly the news of the day, it is SOME USC news. As the preseason college football media train rolls, more and more preseason predictions/lists/what have you will continue to come out. Today, the Allstate Sugar Bowl continued to add quarterbacks to the watch list by conference before that conference's media day. Thus, since the Pac-12's is tomorrow, the foundation announced two Pac-12 quarterback on the list: USC's Matt Barkley and Washington's Keith Price.
The overall Watch List will include 25 of the top quarterbacks in the nation heading into the 2012 season. The winner will be announced after the bowls in January and will be honored at a ceremony in New Orleans.
The Manning Award was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in honor of the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates' bowl performances in its balloting.
Barkley, who is one of three Manning Award finalists returning for this season, had an outstanding junior campaign in 2011. He completed over 69 percent of his passes for 3,528 yards and 39 touchdowns. He also set a host of school records, including the single-game marks for touchdown passes (six vs. Colorado), passing yards (468 vs. Arizona) and completions (35 vs. UCLA, when he matched his six TD record). He is making his third appearance on a Manning Award Watch List. After not being eligible for postseason competition since the 2009 season, USC will open its 2012 campaign by hosting Hawaii on Sept. 1.
Though the USC coaching staff preach "prep not hype," the latter will continue to build on itself until the season finally starts, which is 40 days away. Guys, USC's season starts in 40 days! Hallelujah!