USC will start Max Browne at QB in its opener against Alabama. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Junior Max Browne has outdueled redshirt freshman Sam Darnold and will be the starting quarterback when Southern California opens the season against Alabama on Sept. 3.
USC coach Clay Helton announced the decision on Saturday after a spirited derby between the two signal callers.
“At this point, we feel that it is in the best interest of our football team to lean on the veteran experience that Max Browne has, so we have named him the starter going into our opening game against Alabama,” Helton said in a statement. “With our experienced offensive line and the weapons at our skill positions, we as a staff are confident that Max’s ability will help guide a very successful offense.”
Browne, who has thrown 19 college passes, said he was thrilled when Helton broke the news to him that he had won the job.
“It was a moment of realization that hard work and staying the course paid off for me,” Browne said. “I feel like I have put in the work necessary to earn the starting position and I look forward to leading this team to championships.
“Sam is a heck of a player and he pushed me to the final day of camp. We are good friends and I have no doubt he will have a great career at USC.”
Browne and Darnold competed throughout the spring and summer until Saturday’s decision. The Trojans are replacing three-year starter Cody Kessler, who is now a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Helton feels the coaching staff did the right thing by keeping the competition going up until two weeks before the first game.
“We believe that the competitive atmosphere that was put in place allowed both quarterbacks to progress as players,” Helton said. “We also gained valuable knowledge on each quarterback’s skill sets that will allow us to better game plan this fall. Finally, we learned that these two men are extremely talented, ultracompetitive, and possess all the leadership intangibles that you must have at the position.
“It made for one of the toughest decisions in my college coaching career. This usually is the case when you have very talented individuals at the same position performing at a high level.”
Darnold said he was disappointed in the decision but understood the reasoning behind it. He also wanted to make sure it was known that he would not consider transferring.
“I will continue to work hard and prepare as if I’m the starter, so I will be ready when my name is called,” Darnold said. “I’m proud of Max for what he has done and how he competed. The competition made us both better. I have no desire to leave USC, this is the place for me. “
