USC Football: Who will be the Trojans’ starting QB in 2018?

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Matt Fink #19 of the USC Trojans runs the ball against Julian Okwara #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the third quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Matt Fink #19 of the USC Trojans runs the ball against Julian Okwara #42 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the third quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame won 49-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

Matt Fink is the only quarterback on the roster that has thrown a collegiate pass in a live game. While the small experience gives Fink some edge over Sears, he still will play backup this fall.

Fink’s statistics from last season are minimal. He completed six of nine passes for 43 yards and threw zero touchdowns. He showed off some of his speed though, rushing for 82 yards on seven carries. This included a 51-yard scamper for a score against Oregon State after the Trojans had the game well in hand.

Like Sears, Fink also had an up and down spring practice. He struggled with his accuracy and was turnover prone. There were flashes of his talent, but certainly not enough for Clay Helton to pull the trigger and name Fink the starter entering fall camp.

Fink does have a slight advantage with his running ability but he has a weaker arm than Sears. He did himself no favors in the spring by his mediocre performance and will have to prove himself once fall camp opens. The competition will be even tougher with the incoming freshman being the talk of the town.