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Head coach Clay Helton announced that Sam Darnold will start at QB against the Utes. "I want to see a spark in our offense, and I hope that Sam can bring that," Helton said. "I'm confident in it after three games of watching him perform."
- Darnold (pictured) spent the majority of practice today with the first-string offense, and Helton said he now believes that the redshirt freshman is an "every down guy."
- Despite making the change, Helton expressed that Max Browne "is not the reason we are 1-2," adding that "he is not the scapegoat here. The way he competed and performed was more than honorable."
- Helton called Browne "the ultimate competitor" and "the ultimate leader," but said that ultimately, Darnold's "eilte arm strength" and ability to run the ball solidified the decision to make the change.
- When asked whether the QB competition is still open, Helton had this to say: "I think we always compete. Like I told our team, I'm always going to do what I feel is in the best interest of our team. And right now, being in the situation we are in, I just thought it was time to make a change."
- Darnold said he was "stoked" to learn he'd be starting and explained he'd continue to prepare just as he has been all season. "I'm just going to do my best with the opportunity given, and hopefully we get a W," he said.
- Browne acknowledged his disappointment, but expressed that he would continue to compete. "I'll be ready," he said. "I owe it to my teammates and the guys I've been here with for four years now ... I'll be ready at a moment's notice. I have experience under my belt and I'll be good to go."
- Darnold and the Trojans will likely play in the rain in Salt Lake City on Friday night, so the team ran a number of drills with wet balls today.
- USC also practiced with simulated crowd noise, as Helton explained that the team had to be "ready for a raucus crowd" at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
- Here is Helton's full press conference:
