USC announces Sam Darnold will start over Max Browne

The USC Trojans are making a change at quarterback, as head coach Clay Helton announced Sam Darnold will start over Max Browne against Utah.

The USC Trojans have played both of their quarterbacks during the first three games of the 2016 season, but Max Browne has been the starter in all three. On Friday, USC will take on undefeated Utah, and there will be a new starter under center. Sam Darnold will get his first start of the season, as the Trojans look to jumpstart their offense.

USC opened up their schedule with a 52-6 drubbing at the hands of No. 1 Alabama. Browne went 14 for 29 in the game, throwing an interception. Darnold got some action in the game as well, going 4 of 8 for 29 yards. The two split time during USC’s only win of the season, a 45-7 home win against Utah State.

During the Utah State game, Darnold looked very good under center. Despite throwing only seven passes, he hit for two touchdowns, and was in complete control of the offense. He played sparingly in the team’s Week 3 loss against Stanford, but will get the nod for Friday’s tilt against the Utes.

Darnold is a redshirt freshman, so it will be interesting to see how he hands a very tough Utah defense. The Utes have been dominant on the defense end in 2016, and are a sleeper to make a serious run in the Pac-12. They are currently the 24th-ranked team in the country, so expect Darnold to struggle from time to time.

Next: Top 20 Old School College Football Uniforms

Head coach Clay Helton has not said whether or not Browne will see action against the Utes. It appears that it will be Darnold’s show at least early on, but if he struggles, the Trojans may go back to Browne. Whoever is under center, do not expect the Trojans to be able to move the ball consistently against Utah.