USC Football: Trojans pull away from over-matched UNLV

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Defensive back Jocquez Kalili #26 of the UNLV Rebels breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for wide receiver Tyler Vaughns #21 of the USC Trojans in the second quarter of the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

2. JT Daniels is going to be just fine

Clay Helton‘s decision to name a true freshman as his starting quarterback entering the 2018 season wasn’t all that surprising. JT Daniels was one of the best passers in his class and has all the physical tools required to play the position. But there’s something to be said for the speed of the college game.

UNLV isn’t the same caliber of opponent as the Trojans play next weekend, Stanford, but it’s still a seismic step up from the high school defenses that Daniels is used to playing. It’s only natural to except a period of development from Daniels; the hope is his strengths outdo the pace of his learning curve.

Daniels was okay against UNLV on Saturday. He completed 22 of 35 passes for 282 yards and one touchdowns with no interceptions. He didn’t win the Trojans the game, but he didn’t give it away either. He managed the offense and found a way to get just enough done to take home the victory.

For a true freshman in his first career start, that’s alright. More will be expected of Daniels soon, but this result is nothing for USC fans to be worried about.

Home/USC Trojans