5 Key Story Lines Going into the USC vs Colorado Game

Sam Darnold’s Next Step

The evolution of USC’s offense was a topic of conversation following the explosion of production the Trojans enjoyed versus ASU.

The same dilemma USC’s defensive coaches have agonized over for years is now the same one being presented on the other side.

“You’ve got to make a decision. Are you going to guard the box with an athletic quarterback and a very talented back or are you going to go defend those wide receivers?” Clay Helton said of his new-look offense, which has simultaneously opened up space for the running backs and passing opportunities for the receivers.

It all comes down to Sam Darnold, who has transformed the Trojan attack with his mobility, big arm and maturity beyond his years.

Running back Justin Davis has noticed it in the way Darnold has helped the Trojans avoid negative plays.

“I get hit in the backfield, I’m negative two-yards in the backfield, I look up and Sam has the ball. You don’t know how happy that makes me,” Davis said.

Helton has noticed it in other ways — like how Darnold has avoided throwing interceptions, knows the right windows to throw into even before a receiver has made his cut, and has shown the poise to improvise when things go wrong.

He calls Darnold an “old soul.”

“The decision-making, the anticipation and just the game maturity for a redshirt freshman is beyond,” the head coach said.

Things have gone right for Darnold in two starts, but he’s still 1-1. The next step is to manufacture a win when it matters most. And when the Trojans take the field against Colorado, with their Pac-12 South title hopes on the line. It’ll definitely matter.

For Darnold, the proof is already in the pudding.

“I keep saying it, without the turnovers against Utah I think that game’s a whole lot different obviously. You can’t turn the ball over.” said Darnold, confident that cutting out mistakes will result in success. “I think everyone saw how dominant our offense can be when we don’t turn the ball over and execute plays.”

The potential is certainly there. And now the stage is set.