Jaxson Dart Expects To Have a Big Game Against UCLA

Jaxson Dart ready to lead USC in his first start

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — Practice had been over for about 20 minutes, but Jaxson Dart had yet to leave the field. His shoulder pads and helmet were in a pile as he continued to throw routes with his roommate, Michael Jackson III.

When the extra work was done, Dart collected his things and went over to address the media for the first time as USC’s starting quarterback.

Dart will start on Saturday against UCLA, the first Trojans quarterback to make his first career start against the Bruins since Scott Tinsley in 1980.

“I wouldn’t really expect my first start to be in a rivalry game like this, with all the emotions and just the history of it all,” Dart said Tuesday. “So I’m just super excited for the opportunity and I’m ready to go attack it.”

The true freshman will get the job to himself this week after splitting duties the previous two games with three-year starter Kedon Slovis. Slovis injured his lower leg in the loss to Arizona State, and even with a week off due to the Cal postponement, Slovis was not able to return to practice on Tuesday.

With his outlook cloudy – interim head coach Donte Williams didn’t rule out the possibility of Slovis missing the rest of the season – the decision was made on Sunday to name Dart the starter this week.

“I let him know, and right away he knew he had to step his game up as far as being a leader,” Williams said. “That’s what he’s done.”

For their part, Dart’s older teammates have been impressed with the freshman’s energy and confidence since he arrived on campus back in January. Receiver Gary Bryant Jr. says Dart is constantly encouraging players, even after mistakes, and even on the defensive side of the ball.

Running back Keaontay Ingram even went so far Tuesday as to predict that Dart will win the Heisman Trophy one day.

“Everybody loves him. He’s just an outgoing guy. You don’t get that too much,” Ingram said. “He’s been like that since he stepped on campus. Everyone can feel it too. When you’re the face of the organization, people feed off of that.”

Dart was largely limited in his last two appearances. Following meniscus surgery in September, USC called up a steady diet of screen passes rather than downfield shots, and he wasn’t called upon to use his dual-threat speed.

In the two games, Dart went 20-of-35 for 198 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

But Dart said that after the unexpected bye week and the extra repetitions in practice without splitting time with Slovis, he feels as healthy and as in-tune with the offense as he’s been since the injury.

“He’s obviously younger and has a little bit less experience, but he’s still, I think he knows the offense and especially this week the game plan I think he knows really well,” offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said. “So I expect him to execute at a high level.”

That’s what Dart did in his first extended appearance, when he took over against Washington State when Slovis injured his neck. After shaking off early turnovers, Dart’s 391-yard, four-touchdown performance led the Trojans on a 45-point run to win the game.

USC fans were clearly enamored with Dart after that game. When the freshman made his Coliseum debut three weeks ago against Arizona, fans roared when his name was announced and as he led the Trojans on a scoring drive.

But despite the high bar he created, Dart doesn’t view that attention as pressure.

“I’ve always kind of felt like I’ve put the most pressure on myself,” Dart said. “I hold myself to a high standard and I want to perform to the highest of my abilities. So my expectation is to have a big game.”

ocregister.com

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danielmcd1
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November 18, 2021 6:00 am

USC BASKETBALL TEAM IS SOLID! My wife and I got to witness the game against FGCU, coach Enfield’s first head coaching job, on Tuesday evening in Florida. We sat behind the Trojan first half basket along with a few other faithful Trojan fans. 78-61. We were solid on defense, only had 5 turnovers for the game. The locals were fired up to beat us but the Trojans kept composure and got great contributions form Boogie Ellis, Chevez and Max. The team did not have lapses of focus. This was a solid performance from the whole team and we have a… Read more »

danielmcd1
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November 18, 2021 8:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If our football team had the intensity and focus of the basketball team as I saw Tuesday night, we would not have this crappy 4-5 record. Good coaching does matter. I know you have had your concerns about Enfield, but I will say this, he had our Trojans ready to play. And the FGCU people gave him celebrations for their Dunk City team of 2012-13 and tried as hard as they could to distract Enfield. That school would not even be on the map, as if it really is, if not for Andy Enfield. I am telling everyone, watch Boogie… Read more »

alfa1
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November 18, 2021 6:44 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If you notice one thing in the picture….there is not a “Face Diaper Too be seen” Go Texas!

Chris
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November 17, 2021 3:17 pm

Lots of windshield time for me this week, but satellite radio helps pass the time. I heard two different interviews today where they thought Aranda would be our hire. It sounds like he may be seriously interested and he is letting the word get out, maybe? Who knows? Bohn has played this very close to the vest.

But at least there is some smoke

Steveg
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November 18, 2021 4:48 am
Reply to  Chris

When it gets right down to it, Bohn is doing exactly the right thing in keeping everything hushed up. When the time is right there will be no embarrassment or hurt feelings and it will all feel like it should. I do feel sorry for Baylor though, they make great hires then lose them in no time at all.

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 2:31 pm

I cannot recall a SC/UCLA that has less interest than this one. Both teams are irrelevant. SC is poorly coached and has no interesting players save Dart. UCLA is better coached and has better players, if they decide to show up. This SC team will not have one AA or even a first team all league player on either O or D in the game (London should be 1st team even with his injury). As Rock states, this SC team is a true “turd”. Hard to get excited about it.

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 2:33 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Tucker certainly cashed in big time. Great decision to leave CO. CO made a great hire in bringing him on board. They then followed that up with a disastrous decision to hire Dorrell.

Steveg
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November 17, 2021 6:10 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Dorrell!! Every time I here his name being at CO, I have to ask “Really”? Going to Lewisville Lake next Tuesday fishing. I’ll wave to ya.

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 7:42 pm
Reply to  Steveg

My house is about 200 yards from Lake Lewisville. The 14th hole of Frisco Lakes Golf Course borders it. My house is next the the tee off for the 15th. Have fun fishing. Looks like it will be a bit chilly for y’all.

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 8:30 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yes, I lived in Monarch Beach, not far from you in Laguna Beach. My parents lived in The Blue Lagoon (now next to the Montage, which was a trailer park for years).

alfa1
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alfa1
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November 18, 2021 4:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Seems there are several expat Californians [Trojans] in Texas

alfa1
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alfa1
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November 18, 2021 4:35 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Since you ask me…I have no idea, I’m not a Longhorn fan or alum. I’m sure the Chancellor’s at UT are considering their next move. It would look rather embarrassing for the Mighty Longhorns to enter the SEC. and go 0-12 their first season. That would be my prognosis if
7 Win Sark is left at the Helm.

My, you are up early…

alfa1
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November 18, 2021 4:49 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Honestly Allen, we all miss McKay, he is really the Genesis of Trojan Majesty in the Football world, the West Coast underdogs prevailing over the elite schools. He alone is the reason for so many embracing Trojan Football, not just alums, but the everyday working guy, he truly represented “Fight On” for the masses in Southern California

alfa1
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November 18, 2021 5:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We’re getting down in this thread and getting thin….borders! as I stated on another board, when replying to a question regarding Aranda, the poster exclaimed !!! Was LA a “hellscape” to which I replied Yes! that Trojan Football was but a Bubble in a hellscape. now let me explain, USC has many parts, of which football is one. McKay embodied a certain spirit, if you will he and the program were a microcosm with its own identity that was beyond the University’s in its ability to to attract attention to the school, the football program was the Beacon, like a… Read more »

Jamaica
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November 18, 2021 7:34 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Really no way the USC administration could have kept McKay here in out-bidding, out-perking the owner of the new NFL franchise in Tampa Bay. Very few programs can keep a HC for their entire career. Today money just talks too loud.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 17, 2021 2:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Holy crap can you imagine what the previous USC administrations who believed no matter who the coach was, the players would still come to USC, would think of these offers today? College coaching pay have caught up to the Pros concerning the best HC’s & staffs. Wonder if USC is willing to stay in the big boy club? We will soon find out!

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 2:49 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen, if the SC Administration thinks fixing this mess will cost less than $25 Million a year for 4 years, they are nuts. Folt abused the SC fan base and, in large part because of her conduct, they have emotionally disconnected from the team. The only way to repair the damage caused by Helton and Folt is to spend money.

alfa1
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alfa1
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November 17, 2021 6:59 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

World Class…remember Rick, World Class !

Now make it happen.

alfa1
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alfa1
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November 17, 2021 6:54 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Michigan State is throwing Nick Saban money at Tucker…unbelievable

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 18, 2021 7:50 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

My oldest daughter got her doctorate at CU and believe me they are trying so hard to be another UCLA political correctness attitude that includes putting sports, namely football in its place of less importance. Mel Tucker may have approached CU on what MSU was offering and CU probably said enjoyed having you goodbye.

HOF19
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HOF19
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November 17, 2021 12:15 pm

Beat UCLA !

Golden Trojan
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November 17, 2021 11:11 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

That would be really premature to fire Seven Win Sark after one year. McKay and Carroll did not look like superstars their first seasons. Be patient Longhorns, see if he can recruit some talent.

Steveg
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November 17, 2021 11:44 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

You have to admit Sark is a better coach than Helton. He needs time is all.

Rock2112
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November 17, 2021 2:28 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

I thought Sark’s hiring at USC was a disaster. Washington couldn’t wait for him to leave, and he already carried the “Seven-Win Sark” tag. While SC was looking for its coach, Sark came to town and played UCLA at the Rose Bowl, and his team looked disorganized, ill-prepared, uninspired, and sloppy. Sark made clock management errors. To me, THAT was his interview, and he failed miserably. So I was very VERY disappointed to hear that we had hired him. Huskies fans were relieved. Though I was sad for Sark on a human level when it happened, I felt we dodged… Read more »

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 2:34 pm
Reply to  Rock2112

I sure hope SC gets this hire right.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 17, 2021 2:45 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Seems Kiffin is the better HC today. 10-yrs ago Sark was thought of as the gifted one.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 18, 2021 8:00 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Listen I agree in that Sark’s philosophy in offense is different than Herman’s. On defense, not so much. But the last year being there, Herman was losing his top players. You can’t upgrade a football program in one year. As you said McKay & PC couldn’t do it that quickly and I’m sure there are some in the UT leadership who realize this. Sark is going to get at least 3-years to turn the program around.

HOF19
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HOF19
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November 17, 2021 10:07 am

I know Luke Fickell would sign for this is a heartbeat ……..But would Ohio State ????? >>>>> Can we just add 1 game to the schedule around mid-December …..Cinn vs Ohio State .

HOF19
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HOF19
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November 17, 2021 10:04 am

Is this starting to get on Mr. Fickell’s nerves ????? >>> 7 HOURS AGO (Fox Sports Website )

Georgia, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State held their places in the College Football Playoff ranking Tuesday, with Cincinnati still sitting at fifth.

Golden Trojan
Noble Genius
November 17, 2021 11:07 am
Reply to  HOF19

If the top 4 keep winning it won’t change. Of course Georgia and Alabama will likely play in SEC CCG. Will a Alabama win knock Georgia out of the top 4? Can a 2 loss Alabama stay in the top 4? Ohio St has the state of Michigan the next 2 games. If Michigan or Michigan St win out they could jump over Cinci for a top 4 spot. Cinci will likely be on the outside looking in. They just won’t have anymore high profile wins and a loss will drop them like a brick.

Steveg
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Steveg
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November 17, 2021 2:49 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I think Oregon’s position is tenuous. They are where they are mainly because they beat tOSU. I see a strong need to win big in their last games to maintain their position. If MI or MI St beats tOSU and Georgia beats Alabama in their championship game and depending who ends up as Big10 champ we could see everyone changing places.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 17, 2021 3:03 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If Cincy & Ohio St. win out and the last week’s rating jumps them over Oregon, you have to believe Oregon’s loss to Stanford and the lower level of competition in the PAC-12 in the committee’s eyes did Oregon in compared to the higher level of competition in the other conferences. Oregon better beat their remaining opponents by big scores if they have any chance.

Rock2112
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Rock2112
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November 17, 2021 9:36 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

And Oregon got to sidestep the true Pac12 powerhouse, USC! Lol (a little self-depricating humor, because it hurts too much to cry!).

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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November 17, 2021 2:54 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

We’ve seen it before, if the SEC championship game is close with in a few points and Bama wins, I can easily see the committee giving Georgia the 4th spot over Cincy & Big Ten champion with one loss. Oregon’s win over Ohio St. was huge.

TrojanRJJ
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November 17, 2021 2:45 pm
Reply to  HOF19

HOF19, it will come down to two scenarios: (1) the Ducks must win out AND (2) AL must beat GA. If the Ducks drop another game, they are out. If GA beats AL, AL is out. Whoever wins the Big 10 will be taken over Cincinnati.

RialtoTrojan
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November 17, 2021 10:03 am

I think it’s a good move to give Dart the start. If things get better next season, and they should, he’s probably the starter for the next two seasons. I hope Slovis is the last USC player to be coached down by Harrell. I don’t blame Helton for Slovis’ demise except in overall team management. I predict USC may have a respectable outing on Saturday, but probably needs more than one shot in the arm to stop the Booins. I watched highlights of the game last year and wondered how we escaped with a win. Todd Orlando has been the… Read more »

Rock2112
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November 18, 2021 10:47 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Me too! Here comes a shocker for y’all, but I will be playing a show with my Rush tribute band at the Doll Hut in Anaheim! We take the stage (outdoors in a parking lot) at around 3:30, but I need to be there early to set up so I will miss the whole game. I’ll catch the replay (but probably only if we somehow win). Anyone who wants to avoid the torture is welcome to come see some Rush instead!

Chris
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Chris
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November 17, 2021 6:30 am

I think the offense will be better this week. Dart will extend plays and will be a true run threat on read option. I just have zero confidence in our D to consistently stop them. I am banking on DTR to play spotty becuase that’s what he does. He will miss throws and will most likely give it away at least once. We need to take advantage when that happens. It’s going to be a shootout.

Chris
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Chris
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November 17, 2021 7:34 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I am predicting a win. We have had 2 weeks to prepare, Dart brings juice, and we’re at home (though that part has been pathetic). Above all, bRuins suck.

USC 37 the gutties 34

Steveg
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November 17, 2021 4:53 am

I hope Dart can handle the expectations the media and fans have placed on him. If he does great things it could influence who comes to USC as the new coach. Always nice to step in and have the most critical position in good hands.

volunteerTrojan
Noble Genius
November 17, 2021 6:19 am
Reply to  Steveg

I don’t think he wants anything to do with the career ruining Cat.

volunteerTrojan
Noble Genius
November 18, 2021 8:20 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

No. So unfortunate for him. I like him as a person, seems classy, conducts himself well. But he just lost the “it” factor he had the past 2 years.

volunteerTrojan
Noble Genius
November 19, 2021 6:25 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Totally agree. More recently even, Max Browne. It’s not all arm strength, accuracy, or ability to read defenses. That very real “it” factor, though intangible, is what separates great QBs from the pack.

Steveg
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November 17, 2021 4:48 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Kedon Slovis will excel at any team that has a good offensive line, no question. Be it GA Southern or wherever.