Matt Fink Comes on for Injured Kedon Slovis, Leads USC to Upset of Utah

Slovis absorbed a big hit on the opening drive, and third-string QB Fink lead the Trojans to 30–23 win over the No. 10 Utes. 
Matt Fink Comes on for Injured Kedon Slovis, Leads USC to Upset of Utah
Matt Fink Comes on for Injured Kedon Slovis, Leads USC to Upset of Utah /

USC quarterback Kedon Slovis exited the Trojans' matchup with No. 10 Utah on Friday after taking a hard hit early in the first quarter. But that didn't slow down USC, which went on to upset No. 10 Utah, 30–23 on Friday.  

Slovis made his first career start against Stanford on Sept. 7, one week after opening-day starter J.T. Daniels suffered an ACL injury and meniscus tear. Slovis was 2-for-2 for 17 yards before exiting the game. 

Content is unavailable

The Trojans offense kept pace with the Utes in Slovis's absence. Redshirt junior Matt Fink completed 13 of 17 passes for 203 yards in the first half, tossing two touchdowns in consecutive drives upon entering the game. The Trojans had a 14–10 lead at halftime. 

Fink looked comfortable throwing the ball for much of the game, finishing 21-for-30 with 351 passing yards and three touchdowns, though he did give up one interception. Michael Pinkman Jr. was Fink's top target with 10 receptions for 232 yards. The Utes kept things interesting in the second half of the game, which saw a total of 27 penalties for 137 yards between the two teams. But the Trojans pulled away with the win with its third-string quarterback at the helm. 

USC coach Clay Helton told reporters after the game that Slovis got "dinged" and was not cleared to return, adding that the team should have an update on his status on Tuesday. 


Published
Michael Shapiro
MICHAEL SHAPIRO

Michael Shapiro is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated. He is a Denver native and 2018 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.