USC football: Matt Barkley tops Heisman straw poll

USC quarterback Matt Barkley received more first-place votes than any player in the HeismanPundit/CBSSports.com Heisman straw poll.

Barkley received nine of 11 first-place votes and appeared on 10 of 11 ballots in the weekly survey of Heisman voters from various regions.

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, who finished fourth in full Heisman balloting last season, was second, followed by West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and quarterbacks EJ Manuel of Florida State, Collin Klein of Kansas State and running back De’Anthony Thomas of Oregon.

Barkley is a four-year starter who passed for 39 touchdowns, with seven interceptions last season.

USC is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press media poll and No. 3 in the USA Today coaches’ poll.

The Trojans open the season Saturday at the Coliseum against Hawaii.

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