The great USC quarterback debate finally got settled as Max Browne will start against Alabama. In my analysis, I argue that Browne is a good quarterback but if USC wanted a game-changer to shake the program out of its on-going doldrums, the choice was Sam Darnold.
Excerpt: “You know who might be happiest about the decision after Browne? Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who no longer needs to worry about facing a quarterback who can run through his defense.
“Browne deserves his chance as a loyal servant to the program. But USC also needs something to escape the underachievement and circus-like antics dating back to Pete Carroll’s final season in 2009.
“And the quarterback to do that was freshman Sam Darnold. He is a game-changer, a pro-style quarterback who moves like a run-and-shoot quarterback.”
I hope I’m wrong about this because, first and foremost, I want SC to win not just the Alabama game but the entire season. With that being said, I just don’t see Max Browne as the kind of charismatic leader such as Matt Leinert or Carson Palmer who can be depended on urgent situations that separate winning from losing games. Obviously, Helton has made a shrewd, “business” decision on this, mainly because of the strong possibility of Browne transferring to another program upon losing the competition. He obviously thought having two quality QBs would be far better than having one and no real backup at the start of the new season. My gut tells me that Browne won’t be there for the next two years, and Darnold won’t be sitting in the bench for that period. In other words, Darnold will take over sooner or later as Browne falters.
charismatic like Leinert??? Hahaha that’s funny – Leinert was one Reggie Bush away from being a nobody – good running backs can make a qb look really special
#BushPush
I don’t think you give Leinart enough credit. The dude was damn good at USC. He eventually let Hollywood get to him and he didn’t work hard enough in the NFL to overcome injuries and succeed.
But at USC Leinart was a stud and he did some amazing things. Notre Dame will never forget the guy, that’s for sure.
Maybe – I see fire in the eyes of Max Browne and we will see what he’s made of when the lights are on and the crowd roars – I cant wait, whether right or wrong, to see what he can do as both a player and a leader – to top it off we have two excellent running backs
#FiredUp!
I’m totally up for Browne too. Darnold and Browne will only make each other better. Carroll would love this situation.
USC’s gonna be very good this season. I don’t have much doubt about that. Not sure they’re ready to beat the #1 team in the country right now but I do believe they’re capable of winning 10 reg season games and finish in the top 10 at season’s end.
Reggie sure didn’t throw that pass on 4th and 9 down and the game on the line.
One of the greatest plays in the history of Trojan Land! It was truly unbelievable how Leinart so cooly audibled-out in the deafening crowd noise and then somehow completed such an extraordinary throw to a well-covered Jarrett. Just no margin for error. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a louder stadium – at least on You Tube.
So true, marv. There were a lot of ways that play could have gone wrong. But we took the chance.
By the way, that play was the idea of the guy we’re gonna be trying to defend against on September the third —-one Lane Kiffin.
Yes but didnt score any points!
You are a hard but fair grader, Yolo….
#InTheExcitementIForgotThatFact
Charisma wasn’t exactly Leinert’s long suit. Or Palmer’s either, for that matter. But, man, could they sling it into the end zone!
Peete was the king of charisma. Greatest smile in the history of QBs. But he would kill you with his competitiveness too.
And beat the Bruins with a temperature of 102 and no voice in the huddle.
And measles!
…So let’s not hear anything about a “stomach bug’ keeping any of our first string players out of the Alabama game….
Speaking of funny, I always find your kind of weird logic laughable. So according to you, Leinart was nothing without Bush. Then what about all the other players and coaches that made great teams together? Great players make teammates better. Just because the supporting cast is great doesn’t diminish the great achievements of great individual players. You’re missing the point big time!!!
Fair enough, you are entitled to your opinion regardless of it’s merit. I support Max, I think he will show himself to be a great leader – that’s all I really intend to say, will galdly redact any negative remark about Leinart who did great things for the program that we all love
#Max4Heisman
Trust me, YOLO. I also would be thrilled to see Max go out there and succeed at the highest level! And it would be pretty idiotic to draw any kind of conclusions about him without seeing him perform in actual games at this point. Let’s hope for the best. FIGHT ON!!!
Yes – Im actually amped to see both Max and Sam perform at the highest level – us Trojans are very fortunate to even have this debate for the “starter” at this time, but as you said the team is really what matters. Very much different than the debate between Kessler/Wittek, which resembled our current choices of Presidency and more of a selection of the lesser of two evils – these two guys are like choosing between Reagan and Lincoln vs Trump and Hillary (maybe a bit exaggerated)
I hope for the best too, Fight On!
Say it ain’t so! Kessler/Wittek debate was far superior to the Trump/Clinton variety, correct? LOL!
Yes, my “weird” logic and translation at work again I suppose – but it got your attention amd laughter 😉
Both qb’s have the capability to excel this season. I believe the success or failure depends on the O line. Oh ya, having a running back that can pass block would be a major factor also. Give the qb’s time, everything else falls into place.
On to Bama!
The Blogger’s “analysis” fails to prove Darnold was the better candidate for this year’s team.
How can the Blogger or anyone else including you prove without a doubt who would be better when neither has started a college football game?
Go Max! Take advantage of your opportunity. Don’t pull a Mitch Mustain or Max Wittek. If he does Sam is hopefully ready when needed. How nice to have coaches that quietly go about their business and make the logical choice, not the “shake up the program” disruptive choice. Now let’s beat the Tide!
Or pull an Aaron Corp
The great mysteries.
Did Helton name Browne primarily to keep him for now? Is Browne really getting ready to unleash hell on earth at the QB spot now that he’s the man? How much will Darnold be used to score in the red zone? Will Greene ever get in and if not, why has he been prepared as a third QB option when two already seems like a crowd?
So much anticipation about this year’s #20 Pre-Season AP team – USC.
Does Pendergast or Kiffin have the advantage? Who will capitalize on inside knowledge of the other the most?
One thing is for sure. #1 ALA is loaded again, has a great defense and uber-prepared Saban will be ready for all USC can deliver. #1s are never easy to beat.
All great questions. And time will answer all. Funny thing, if USC had performed to a higher standard these past few years & not incurred so many self inflicted wounds we would be talking about USC being loaded. Remember, recent recruiting classes have been highly rated but truly underperformed. Is it due to coaching? Or is it that that players were overrated? Time for the games to begin.
The Alabama defensive coordinator will be preparing for Darnold anyway if he’s smart. USC will use him situationally against Bama, there’s no doubt about it.
From the practice I went to, both QBs got even reps with the 1st team. Darnold was hitting short pass after short pass getting rid of the ball really quick. After about 4 completions in a row I thought it was only a matter of time before the defense jumps a route for a pick 6. Sure enough the next play one of the safeties jumped right in front of the receiver and had a sure pick 6 but dropped the ball.
Darnold had a red zone TD run, but you know what? So did Browne. Nothing was opening up as the pocket collapsed around him so he shuffled his feet, found a gap and ran about 10 yards up the middle for the TD. He seems to have good pocket awareness.
Browne also pushes the ball downfield more which is what USC needs to do to beat Alabama. Run the ball with authority and throw the ball downfield off play action. Dink and dunk won’t get it done.
Good stuff, Fight On! (But) I really don’t like hearing the phrase we all got so used to last year —-“as the pocket collapsed around him!”
#AgainstOURDefensiveLine?
Good morning everyone. Last night I was going to write a post reminding all of us that Max was not the second coming of Peyton Manning & we should not demand he be perfect ( and take a shot at SW). But before I could, I was notified that one of my dearest friends mother suffered a serious & life threatening stroke. The news brought it back into perspective for me— I enjoy Trojan football & talking about it. But is only a diversion from life’s really important things. So the next time you want to fire off an insult or over the top criticism , please remember it is only a game. Let’s all enjoy the games but not let our passion rob us of our civility & compassion. I am going to try and do just that this season. Fight On!
How is she doing this morning?
Still too early to be certain. But it looks like she might pull through –unsure what the long term effects will be. Thanks for asking.
So sorry to hear. I lost a good friend to a stroke 3 months ago. She survived initially but then went downhill and passed away a few weeks later.
My condolences
If there’s anything the SC Family can do to helpvlike giving blood etc please post it here.
Will do. Great idea
Very sorry to hear that, Marv. Take care, my friend.
Class act, as usual, Marv.
#GodBless
Very sorry about your friend’s mom, Trojan5. You’re right about the importance of civility. I try to stay away when my buddies start bashing each other or the UCLA fans (or bashing Scott). At it’s best, being a fan of Trojan football —-which is what the vast number of readers are—is all about respecting a storied tradition, pulling for a school that’s been through a lot lately, and getting pumped about the potential on hand for a new year. It is not life’s only joy —but it surely is one of them.
#FightOnTrojan5!
Great post that reminds us to keep things in perspective. I am a UCLA fan but Wolf’s blog is infinitely more interesting because LADN doesn’t invest in the Inside UCLA blog and its writers haven’t been very good, hard working, or thought provoking since Miguel Melendez (and Brian Dohn before him). As passionate a fan as I am, I genuinely try to keep a steady hand and keep the heavy trash talking to a minimum.
College football is a sport we obviously all love, but when a friend or loved one suffers in any way, it quickly puts our priorities in check. I wish your friend’s mother a full recovery. Godspeed.
Sam Darnold is unproven
So is Browne.
By reading scotts article, you would have thought both qb’s had at least one full season of playing under their belts. Darnold may end up being a star at SC, but he has yet to play. No one saw Leinart winning the starting job with ease. Yet, he became a star at SC.
Run and shoot QB? I think you mean spread option QB. David Klingler, Warren Moon, and Jeff George were run and shoot qb’s. USC loves statues. Whether it be in Heritage Hall or on the field at QB. They refuse to seriously recruit elite black QB’s also.
How can a player run through Alabama’s defense? They are an indestructible, inhuman force that is impenetrable and impregnatable!
Also, USC has running backs if anything I said was untrue.
Money Quote: “But USC also needs something to escape the underachievement and CIRCUS-LIKE like antics dating back to Pete Carroll”!!!!
circus like??? as in CLOWN COLLEGE wolfman??? only a sly wolf could come up with such a delicious dog whistle, wolfman!!!
#buhhhhhhhh-BAM!!!!!!!
Scott Wolf’s analysis is both putting a spin on the QB choice and putting the emphasis what it needs to be. The team, no matter who the QB is, has got to execute on both sides of the ball. The coaching staff has to create the best gameplan that will allow the strengths of this team to succeed. Game management (Helton cannot let Nick Saban dictate the flow of the game) especially if the score is close in the 4th quarter. We cannot think the QB is the total answer to giving USC an edge in this game. Every starting & backup player has to win his share of plays in battling the opponent. Who gets the ball from the QB has to make enough plays with the help of blockers. The defense needs to slow down and contain the ability of Bama to keep possession of the ball and score too much.
So Helton going with Browne continues USC’s circus like antics? I was impressed how he fired many worthless coaches prior to their bowl game. He has also created a different atmosphere than the two previous head coaches.
The big question mark is not Browne but Helton. Helton now faces the biggest challenge of his career after being just what the doctor ordered after two coaching busts. He has created a family atmosphere for players and their families and recruits. He has shown unconditional love for sticking with Browne, showing the players his loyalty in getting them coached up and getting enough playing exposure to get into the NFL. What makes for a winning coach however is to be both loved and feared. By picking Browne, Helton understandably has already missed his big opportunity to show he can be ruthless and wants to win at all costs. How can he now establish fear in opponents and his players? Does he threaten to let punter Chris Tilbey throw the ball in a show of daring and risk? Does he install a package where both Browne and Darnold are in the backfield at the same time? What? What if the players fear Ju Ju, who has a ruthless drive to win, more than they do Helton? Helton already has Pendergast, an unpredictable defensive coach who is feared by opponents and quietly respected by his players. And what about the players? Picking up cues from their coach, do they just want to be loved and not feared on the playing field? Do they want to be respected even if they lose? That is the 42 to 21 question, about the margin they lost twice to Stanford by, once to Notre Dame, and once to Oregon (?). So is it Alabama 49 or 42 to USC 14 to 21? Helton has to find some way to be feared. Fight on Helton!