USC quarterback JT Daniels struggled mightily in a 17-3 loss to Stanford on Saturday, and he made no excuses for the poor performance. However, it has become clear that the freshman was dealing with a hand injury.
Daniels left for a full series in the first quarter after his throwing hand hit a helmet on USC’s opening drive. X-rays were negative, and an MRI revealed on Sunday that Daniels has a hand contusion.
JT Daniels has a hand contusion after undergoing an MRI earlier today. Clay Helton said he will be reevaluated Tuesday. X-rays during the game were negative.
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) September 10, 2018
While USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin praised Daniels for fighting through the injury, the QB downplayed it.
“I didn’t do my part,” he said, per J. Brady McCollough of the Los Angeles Times. “I think the biggest blame goes on me. Age is not an excuse and neither is experience. Coach put me as starter and I had to get the job done, and I didn’t get it done tonight.”
Daniels, a 5-star recruit, is a true freshman. He completed 16-of-34 passes for 215 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions against Stanford. The injury likely played a role, but you have to admire him not using it as a crutch.
