Sam Darnold approached Clay Helton sometime after USC’s win over Arizona State last Saturday.
“Coach,” Darnold said, “that wasn't my best game. I know I can do better.”
The comment struck Helton.
Better?
Earlier that evening, Darnold completed 23 of his 33 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns, earning his first win since he supplanted Max Browne as the starting quarterback two weeks earlier.
Helton thought a switch might help alleviate the Trojans’ offensive woes. So far, it has.
After two starts, Darnold has surpassed expectations.
“You never expect a redshirt freshman to be where he’s playing at,” Helton said.