The 2016 Quarterback debate: Max Browne vs. Sam Darnold

Whoever is named USC's starting quarterback will get to have their first career start at "Jerry World" against the defending national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide on September 3rd.

Not the best of gifts but hey, if you come to USC, you have to expect to play in the big stage.

After the departure of Cody Kessler, Max Browne and Sam Darnold have been given the chance to compete for the starting signal-caller job. Both have done really well and if there was a depth chart, one would be 1A and the other would be 1B. Which one is which is another question.

I, for one, did not expect this competition to last this long. I thought that Browne would take the reigns and would be named the starter after the spring game ended.

But, that's not the case because Sam Darnold has impressed everyone and on Monday, Clay Helton said that no starter would be named and the completion would continue into the fall:

"There were a number of open positions on our team this spring where players performed very well, including the quarterbacks," said Helton.  "I met with them today and told them that, based on how well they played, I have decided to continue the quarterback competition into Fall Camp. I will wait until then to name a starter."

Give Helton credit for not jumping the gun and naming a starter out of spring ball. Both quarterbacks played very well in the Spring Game. Browne had seven completions on 11 attempts for 114 yards and three touchdowns. Darnold was six of seven for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Browne had the better deep ball and poise while Darnold is more mobile and can throw better on the run than Browne. Darnold also has better arm strength than Browne.

This competition will continue into fall camp and hopefully a starter is named by the middle of camp.

Congrats to Max Browne or Sam Darnold:

Alabama is waiting for you.

Fight On!