Pac-12 play began in sub-optimal fashion for No. 17 USC up at the Farm as the team saw their young starting quarterback miss a series with a hand injury and failed to generate much offensively as they went into halftime trailing No. 10 Stanford 14-0.
J.T. Daniels missed only a single series but spent a good chunk of time spanning the first and second quarter in the injury tent dealing with what appeared to be a hand injury. While it wasn’t totally clear as to what caused it, the pocket collapsed enough when he was dropping back that it wouldn’t be surprising if he banged it into a helmet. Matt Fink came on in relief and used his legs to pick up a first down but was only able to complete a single pass for three yards.
Daniels finished the half 7-of-15 for 64 yards through the air while running backs Aca’Cedric Ware (28 yards) and Stephen Carr (34 yards) were the only sources of consistent offense for the Trojans.
Update: #USC training staff cleared JT Daniels. A few moments ago he told Clay Helton as he showed him his right hand “It’s fine. I’m ready to go”
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) September 9, 2018
Stanford had their own struggles moving the ball in the half despite an 83 yard opening drive that ended with a touchdown and another score just before the whistle. QB K.J. Costello hit several passes over the middle and went to the break with 132 yards and a touchdown in the air but the bigger development for the Cardinal was the return of Heisman candidate Bryce Love.
After being held in check by San Diego State in the season opener, Love ripped off a 28 yard run, scored a touchdown and finished the half with 40 yards rushing. It was by no means the gaudy stats we saw from him a year ago but was encouraging to see after being so limited last week.
This early season affair has typically set the tone for both sides in Pac-12 play and this remains a game that is still up for grabs. Which of the two California rivals can make something happen? Neither has flashed enough to get things done so halftime adjustments will be key going forward.