A simple question: How good are JuJu and Darnold?
Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. Despite being highly anticipated, he never quite lived up to expectations in the NFL. But no one could deny that being drafted third overall was due to his stellar performance in college, where he earned widespread praise and recognition.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, drafted in the second round as the 72nd pick in 2017, made history as the youngest player to score five touchdowns before turning 21. He was also the youngest player to reach 150 receiving yards in a single game and 2,500 career receiving yards. In 2018, JuJu surpassed 1,400 receiving yards, becoming one of the league's brightest young stars.
However...
A series of minor but persistent injuries plagued JuJu's career. He never recaptured the momentum he had early on, failing to achieve another 1,000-yard season. Like a meteor streaking across the sky, he quickly faded, bouncing between three teams in three years.
Yet, back on the college field, JuJu's confidence wasn't without reason.
Historically, USC began the season ranked 20th nationally and finished ranked third. Under Helton's guidance, the Trojans' offense became one of the most efficient and dynamic units in NCAA, solidifying Helton's position as head coach.
Now, in the season opener, with a mix of excitement and nervousness, Helton watched as his Trojans' offense prepared to take the field for the first time.
Unlike the simplicity of his defensive tactics, Helton's offensive expertise was on full display. The Trojans' offensive system was mature and well-balanced.
—A balance between passing and running.
This is the ideal offensive model that all NFL teams strive for, but few can execute due to roster limitations. Helton, however, could pull it off.
In the passing game, Darnold and JuJu were the primary duo, supported by other wide receivers and tight ends. The variety of tactics and combinations gave the team depth.
In the running game, Donald Jones II was a reliable force, rushing for 983 yards last season, just shy of 1,000.
This allowed Helton to use the run to stabilize the game and the pass to open it up, creating a rhythm where passing and running complemented each other.
The Trojans' offense was a well-oiled machine, in stark contrast to Clemson's reliance on Watson's individual brilliance. Teamwork was the emphasis here.
Nick Saban remained calm on the sideline, knowing that the Crimson Tide's defense was no pushover. Their championship run last year was largely due to having the best players in NCAA on all four defensive lines. Saban's defensive strategies and in-game adjustments were undeniably top-tier.
Although the Trojans' mix of passing and running steadily advanced the ball, the Crimson Tide defense reacted quickly, consistently making tackles to prevent big gains. This forced the Trojans into several third-down situations.
In crucial moments, JuJu stepped up, converting three key third downs with important catches, helping the Trojans methodically cross midfield.
Humphrey was far from pleased with his performance. While he managed to make the tackles on JuJu, preventing any huge gains, allowing JuJu to convert on third downs was unacceptable in his mind.
Especially considering that just moments ago, Lance had wowed the crowd with his impressive play. The Crimson Tide defense, used to being the stars of the show, couldn't let Lance steal all the spotlight.
Humphrey glanced over and saw JuJu taunting the Crimson Tide fans, shaking his hips in front of their section, his mockery and insults blatantly obvious.
"Damn it," Humphrey muttered under his breath.
On the sidelines, Lance had already noticed what was happening. The Trojans' offense was relentless, pushing with a complex, multi-dimensional attack that put the Crimson Tide defense on the back foot. But these were the moments that mattered most—
Though Lance couldn't recall the name of the number 9 wide receiver, he had memorized his skill set.
The coaches had emphasized that number 9's ability to keep pushing after the catch was his deadliest weapon.
Just like LeSean McCoy.
Number 9 relied on speed and agility to break away. He struggled when faced with tackles, but if he could evade the initial hit, the entire field would become his playground.
In the first series of downs, Lance had used his agility to evade a linebacker's sure tackle, opening the path for a long run. Now, the Crimson Tide needed to ensure that number 9 didn't do the same.
So far, number 9 hadn't shown his burst of speed or breakaway ability, as the Crimson Tide defenders had quickly tackled him after each catch. But that only made Lance more wary—if he were in number 9's shoes, he'd be waiting for the right moment to break free.
At that moment, Humphrey caught Lance's eye. Lance simply tapped his finger to his temple, signaling: stay focused.
Humphrey grinned and pounded his chest: "Watch me."
Sure enough.
On the next play, the Trojans' offensive strategy shifted.
Up until now, they had focused on short, quick passes. Darnold had been releasing the ball in under two seconds, relying on speed to get the ball out before the defense could apply pressure, while the running game helped steadily move the chains.
But now, Darnold dropped back, standing in the shotgun formation with all his offensive weapons spread out wide. The front half of the field was completely open, and he took his time, adjusting his steps and scanning the field. It was clear they were aiming for a deep strike.
Danger!
Everything before this had been setup, leading to this moment where Helton unleashed Darnold's true weapon.
Humphrey wasn't dumb. In fact, he was more than smart—he was sharp.
As soon as the play started, he noticed something different about JuJu. Instead of trying to shake free for a quick pass, JuJu exploded off the line at full speed.
Humphrey reacted immediately, trying to keep up, but JuJu slipped away like a slippery eel. Humphrey stuck close, refusing to let him get too far.
He didn't rush to accelerate, opting instead to use constant physical contact to disrupt JuJu's speed and balance. Humphrey gritted his teeth and stayed tight on him, occasionally glancing back over his shoulder to check the ball's trajectory.
Thump thump thump.
Five yards.
Thump thump thump.
Ten yards.
In the blink of an eye, Humphrey and JuJu had sprinted nearly 15 yards downfield. As they approached the 30-yard line—
It came!
The football spiraled through the air like a missile, headed straight for JuJu.
Humphrey was half a step behind, so he used his shoulder to bump JuJu, throwing him slightly off-balance. With a sideways step, Humphrey maneuvered to block JuJu's jump.
Stay calm.
Stay calm!
Humphrey didn't jump right away.
He waited until JuJu launched himself into the air, then pressed his weight against JuJu, disrupting his leap and timing.
As the ball hurtled toward them, JuJu stretched out his hands, ready to make the catch.
But just before his fingertips touched the leather, a pair of hands shot in from the side, firm and steady, snatching the ball away in mid-air.
JuJu's mind went blank, a deafening roar echoing in his head. It was a rude awakening, like a slap to the face.
Time froze for a moment—
Interception.
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