College Football

USC QB Sears to start in debut vs ASU, replacing Daniels

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:15 p.m. ET

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Third-string redshirt freshman quarterback Jack Sears will start for Southern California against Arizona State on Saturday.

USC coach Clay Helton announced the decision Friday.

Freshman starter J.T. Daniels spent the week in concussion protocol after getting hurt in the Trojans' loss at Utah. USC also is without sophomore Matt Fink, Daniels' primary backup, after he broke three ribs at Utah.

Sears practiced with the Trojans' first-team offense all week, but he will make his playing debut at the Coliseum. He is a product of Orange County's San Clemente High School, where he followed Sam Darnold.

USC (4-3, 3-2 Pac-12) has won 19 consecutive home games under Helton. The Trojans are in a first-place tie with the Utes atop the Pac-12 South.