Quarterback Kedon Slovis' Intangibles Rallying USC

Slovis' team leadership in clutch situations have been the Trojans x-factor.

USC Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis burst onto the college football scene as a freshman, earning 2019 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Slovis is the nation’s most accurate returning passer (71.9% completion percentage). During an abbreviated 2020 season, Slovis has led the No. 18 Trojans to an undefeated 3-0 record, including late game wins over Arizona and Arizona.

[READ: USC Lands At No.18 In College Football Playoff Top 25 Ranks]

[READ: 10 Things to Know: USC Trojans vs. Colorado Buffaloes]

At times, Slovis' inconsistency has been concerning this season. Missed throws, particularly in the red zone have at times shaken the quarterback's confidence. 

However, Slovis' team leadership in clutch situations have been the Trojans x-factor. 

"When we needed [Slovis] the most, he made plays for us," USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said. "A lot of that has to do with stepping up as a leader and being a guy that people look to, and being a guy that can rally the team around them."

USC head coach Clay Helton has echoed that sentiment.

"He's found ways to execute down the stretch," Helton said. "And I've always said winners win and he is a winner and he found a way to win and execute when it mattered the most."

USC hosts Colorado (2-0) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum next Saturday, November 28th at 12:30 p.m. PT. Slovis and the Trojans are trying to keep a 14-game winning streak against the Buffaloes alive. A win for USC would all but wrap up a Pac-12 South title. 

If it comes down to the wire, you know who the Trojans team will turn to. 

For more USC news visit www.alltrojans.com. Follow us on Twitter.


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Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism