USC Launches Heisman Campaign for Barkley

Is Matt Barkley a frontrunner for the 2011 Heisman Trophy?

USC seems to think so. The school launched a campaign for its junior quarterback Monday, complete with a video to highlight some of his skills.

Barkley's stock spiked after Saturday's win against the Ducks. He had 323 passing yards and completed 76.5% of his throws.

In his third year as the USC starter, Barkley has thrown 33 touchdown passes, which is good enough for fourth in the country. He threw six touchdown passes against Colorado, breaking a school-record for most passing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single game. He has thrown for more than 3,100 yards this season.

The campaign for Barkley includes an emphasis on some of his community service efforts, including a 2010 trip to Nigeria.

Other notable players in the running for the Heisman this year include Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, Houston quarterback Case Keenum, and Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore. The finalists will head to New York to hear the big announcement on Dec. 10.