As time was winding down in the USC Trojans Pac-12 showdown against the crosstown rival UCLA Bruins, starting senior quarterback Matt Barkley took a vicious blind side hit and fell to the ground head first with the impact falling squarely on his shoulder.

Following the game, rumors are beginning to swirl that Barkley suffered a separated shoulder on the play. There was no word on whether it was Barkley’s right or left shoulder, but the replay of the hit appears to show most of the force landing on Barkley’s right shoulder — but that is just speculation.

USC head coach Lane Kiffin is known for his unwillingness to disclose information on his players injuries, so don’t expect to hear anything official, though word will come in the next few days.

If the shoulder is separated as we are being led to believe, Barkley would miss the Trojans big match up against undefeated Notre Dame in the regular season finale.

It’s an unfortunate injury for the senior signal-caller that decided to come back to USC for his final year of eligibility. If Barkley would have declared for the 2012 NFL Draft, he would have likely been a top twenty pick. With his decision to stay, Barkley has cost himself some money and his draft status is beginning to fall.

Stay tuned for the latest information on Barkley’s injured shoulder.

UPDATE: In a sign that Barkley’s shoulder could be separated, he was spotted leaving the stadium wearing a sling.