If knowing the opposing head coach well amounts to anything, then USC might have a small edge in the Rose Bowl. USC offensive line coach Mike Barry shared an office with Barnett for five

seasons at Colorado, where Barry was a line coach and Barnett was an offensive assistant coach. “He’s a great motivator and he’s very bright,” Barry said when asked to name Barnett’s

strengths as a coach. “He’s intent on not having teams beat themselves, and he believes in keeping things simple and effective.” MORE TO READ