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It’s not surprising to hear a USC Trojans quarterback guarantee a win days before a showdown with Notre Dame—USC QBs typically have swagger. When it comes from a backup quarterback, though, the statement comes off as foolish and misguided.

Starting QB Matt Barkley suffered a shoulder injury late in the game against UCLA on Saturday, and backup quarterback Max Wittek will get the start against the No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish this Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

The young freshman signal-caller made an appearance on a Los Angeles ESPN Radio affiliate and told the host and listening audience, "We're going to win this ballgame.” The audio can be found here.

While Wittek isn’t a total stranger to playing time, he hasn’t had the experience to be considered a major threat to the Irish’s title run this season. His statements come off as cocky and out of place, making him appear too immature to be taking on such a daunting task this coming weekend.

The Trojans are hoping for a big win as this program has ruined a number of Notre Dame undefeated runs before. Believe it or not, they have done it with backup quarterback as well.

The quick passing game will be the focus of the Trojans offense as it attempts to put the ball into the hands of its primary playmakers. This shouldn’t be a tough game plan for Wittek to execute, but that doesn’t mean that USC will walk away with a win.

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Manti Te’o and this Irish defense will obviously catch wind of this interview and chuckle. The Notre Dame defenders are foaming at the mouth, waiting to get after a freshman in the final game of their undefeated season.

This is the Irish’s chance to seal a national title run against a fierce rival. Wittek may not have what it takes to help stop the charge and march the Trojans to victory.

The Irish faced off with a seasoned veteran in Landry Jones earlier this season and held him from tossing a touchdown. Te’o sealed that huge win for Notre Dame by intercepting a pass thrown by the highly regarded Sooners signal-caller.

What makes Wittek think he can step up to the plate and hit a home run in his first game on the biggest stage in college football?

A quarterback with confidence is always a positive, but it is also important for a player to know his role within a game, as well as his lineup. Wittek doesn’t understand his place yet.

Something tells me time and the Irish will remind him on Saturday.

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