Notre Dame Football: Top Storylines vs USC

Trojan QB Troubles

After starting quarterback J.T. Daniels suffered a torn ACL in the second half of the Stanford game, backup quarterback Kedon Slovis was thrust into the starting role. After closing out the Stanford game, Slovis got his first career start the next week vs BYU and struggled, throwing 3 interceptions in a 30-27 loss.

Just like last year, the Trojans had to face growing pains with a freshman quarterback, although this year’s situation was not expected.

To make matters worse, Slovis suffered from a concussion on the second play of the game against Utah, then sat out the next week against Washington, leaving third-string quarterback Matt Fink as the only option under center.

If you’re keeping up, that’s three quarterbacks in five games.

Despite being a freshman and unexpectedly taking over the offense, Slovis hasn’t played terribly. He’s completed 78 percent of his passes for 732 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. The Trojan offense will need him Saturday, and it looks like they will have him.

In a press conference Tuesday, head coach Clay Helton told reporters Slovis had passed concussion protocol and would be returning to the starting lineup. Just how much the Trojan offense will change with a freshman quarterback under center coming off a concussion vs one of the best secondaries in the nation is yet to be seen. However, there’s no doubt Clark Lea will be turning the heat up and taking advantage of USC’s situation.

Also don’t be surprised if the previously mentioned Matt Fink sees meaningful snaps as well. The third-string quarterback led USC to their upset over then-ranked No. 10 Utah and has thrown for 514 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in his two games of action.