Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide during an NCAA football game at AT&T Stadium. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With Southern California off to its worst start since 2001, coach Clay Helton is making a quarterback change three games into the season.
Helton announced Monday night that Sam Darnold will take over for Max Browne and make his first collegiate start when the Trojans play at Utah in a Pac-12 game on Friday night.
USC’s offense was sluggish in the first three games. The Trojans rank 115th in FBS in yards per play, 108th in scoring, 11th in rushing and 97th in passing efficiency.
Browne completed 18 of 28 passes for 191 yards in a 27-10 loss to Stanford this past Saturday night. Darnold, a redshirt freshman, replaced Browne and went 5 of 7 for 45 yards with one interception.
The dual-threat Darnold has seen action in all three games this season, going 14 of 22 (63.6 percent) for 136 passing yards and two touchdowns with the one interception.
Browne has connected on 55 of 87 passes (63.2 percent) for 474 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
USC’s two losses are to Alabama and Stanford by a combined 79-16.
“We’ve got to learn how to win those games, and we will,” Helton said.
Another tough opponent awaits this week. Utah has won six of its past seven home games.
