ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller

The odds are getting better that USC quarterback Aaron Corp will make his first career start at Washington on Saturday.

True freshman Matt Barkley, who started the first two games, bruised his shoulder against Ohio State and has yet to throw in practice this week. Corp worked exclusively with the first-team offense on Wednesday.

Coach Pete Carroll has refused to commit to a timeline on making a decision, saying even that he might way until game time.

Corp finished spring practices No. 1 on the depth chart, but he cracked his fibula on Aug. 10. While he was on the sideline, Barkley took advantage, impressing coaches with his raw talent, poise and leadership skills.

While Corp doesn't have the natural throwing ability that Barkley does -- Corp has a good arm; Barkley's arm is special -- he's by far the best pure athlete the Trojans have had at the position. Corp's ability to run is a big bonus, one that was damaged by his leg injury.

Corp has appeared to be close to 100 percent in practices this week.

The bigger question, however, might come Sunday, not Saturday.

If Corp puts up big numbers in a USC win, does Barkley automatically get his job back if he is healthy? Corp didn't.

Or does this one go back to another "competition Tuesday?"