USC QB Max Wittek: ‘We’re going to win this ballgame’
USC quarterback Max Wittek might be short on experience, but he seems to be long on confidence.
Even though Saturday's game against No. 1 Notre Dame will be Wittek's first start and first extensive playing time, Wittek has no doubt he can handle the challenge.
"We haven't got the full game plan yet, but from what I can tell, we're going to play our offense, whatever coach [Lane] Kiffin feels comfortable giving me," Wittek told ESPN Radio in Los Angeles. "If he wants to air it out, let's air it out. If he wants to pound it on the ground, let's do that. Like I said, I'm going to go out there, I'm going to play within myself, within the system, and we're going to win this ballgame."
Look at Wittek, throwing down guarantees like an old pro.
Wittek steps in for former starter Matt Barkley, who suffered a shoulder injury late against UCLA last week. Wittek has played in spot time and has completed 8 of 9 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Three of those completions came late in that UCLA game.
[Related: Is the SI cover curse coming for Notre Dame?]
But Notre Dame will be a far greater challenge than even Barkley has faced this season. The Irish are first in scoring defense and 11th against the pass. Linebacker Manti Te'o has a school-record six interceptions this season. Plus, Notre Dame needs this win to assure itself a spot in the BCS National Championship.
But, who knows? A USC win would fall right in line with the craziness of the season so far.
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