USC Names Max Browne as Their Starter for 2016

For Clay Helton getting his team ready for the huge opener against defending National Champion Alabama is something he has been working on since the game was announced. Today, he took another step in that direction by naming Max Browne as the starting Trojan quarterback.

Max Browne is a kid who had been patiently waiting his turn behind three year starter Cody Kessler. Now he gets his shot on the biggest stage possible. He is two weeks away from looking at the defensive line of the Crimson Tide coming at him full force.  

Will Browne be able to handle the pressure that will be thrown his way on September 3?


I believe he will once the 'Bama game is over. Alabama is on a whole different level than anything he'll face in Pac-12 this year.


If he doesn't have success, it will be looked at as he was up against the number one team in the country. If he has success, even the slightest bit of success, the media will anoint him the next great Trojan quarterback.


He knows what the expectations are at USC and has found a level of comfort in knowing what is expected.


"You know what you are getting into when you come to 'SC." Browne said before being announced the starter.


The bonus in going with Max Browne is that he is in year four and they are all alongside Clay Helton. Browne has a sense of familiarity with what Coach Helton is trying to do with the Trojan offense.


Browne is not a mobile type of quarterback. He's more of the classic drop back passer who is not afraid of looking down field for a big play. Browne is a 6'5", lumbering type of quarterback with a big arm.


The downside to him is that he won't be running around and away from pressure. It'll make an easy target for opposing defenses to hone in on.


For Browne to be successful in the Pac-12 he's going to have to get rid of the ball fairly quickly. Helton will have to have Browne do what Tom Brady does. Get that ball out to guys like Adoree Jackson and the other athletes that USC has to take the pressure off of him.


This is only the first step for Max Browne, so time will tell. The Trojans do have the toughest football schedule in college football this year, so the learning curve for Browne will have to be very short.


The success Max Browne has on the field will have a connection with the success the Trojans have in the win column in 2016. No pressure for a first time starter. None.




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