The USC Trojans may have escaped with a home win over Fresno State Saturday night in their season opener, but the bigger story took place before the final score, and could impact their season in a negative way. Quarterback J.T. Daniels was seen on crutches on the sidelines after exiting Saturday's 31-23 win at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and he has since been diagnosed with a torn ACL and meniscus. The injury is in his right knee and will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season.
Daniels is set to undergo surgery within the next few weeks, and he will be eligible to redshirt this season. The injury occurred in the third quarter after the starting quarterback was tackled following a bit of a scramble. He was helped off the field by the training staff and did not return. Before exiting, the sophomore was 25-of-34 on the night for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Freshman Kedon Slovis took over in relief in Saturday's win, going 6-of-8 for 57 yards and an interception the rest of the way. He is set to start in Saturday's game against the 25th-ranked Stanford Cardinal, who will be coming off a win over the Northwestern Wildcats. Slovis beat out Matt Fink and Jack Sears in training camp to be the backup, as he entered the program with some legitimate accolades on his resume. That includes a USA Today All-Arizona honorable mention in 2018 after throwing for 2,542 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions as a senior in high school. Daniels looked to be moving the Trojans back to the promise land last season, but that journey has officially been put on hold for the time being.
Daniels is set to undergo surgery within the next few weeks, and he will be eligible to redshirt this season. The injury occurred in the third quarter after the starting quarterback was tackled following a bit of a scramble. He was helped off the field by the training staff and did not return. Before exiting, the sophomore was 25-of-34 on the night for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Freshman Kedon Slovis took over in relief in Saturday's win, going 6-of-8 for 57 yards and an interception the rest of the way. He is set to start in Saturday's game against the 25th-ranked Stanford Cardinal, who will be coming off a win over the Northwestern Wildcats. Slovis beat out Matt Fink and Jack Sears in training camp to be the backup, as he entered the program with some legitimate accolades on his resume. That includes a USA Today All-Arizona honorable mention in 2018 after throwing for 2,542 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions as a senior in high school. Daniels looked to be moving the Trojans back to the promise land last season, but that journey has officially been put on hold for the time being.
