LOS ANGELES >> The transformation of USC’s offense seemed clear midway through the third quarter on Saturday.
Facing first-and-goal at Arizona State’s 3-yard line, quarterback Sam Darnold received the snap out of a shotgun formation.
Offensive coordinator Tee Martin said the play call included a run-pass option, leaving Darnold, the redshirt freshman, with three choices. He could hand the ball to Justin Davis, the running back. He could keep it. He could pass it.
He tried the second.
When one linebacker followed Davis, Darnold held the ball, evaded a defender as he turned quickly to his right, and slipped into the end zone for a touchdown.