[OutsiderFan]

Coaches usually are more concerned about mitigating risk and operating in the known, than a player's upside and ability to improvise. This is why they usually error on the side of playing a guy who "knows the system" more than someone who can make plays when the structure breaks down.  The plays always look great when they are drawn up.

Darnold didn't know the system as well as Browne, but he could make things out of nothing, or otherwise make plays Browne couldn't.  Stanford beat USC 27-10 with Browne.  Had Darnold started, I doubt Stanford wins that game.  USC hasn't lost another game since Darnold became the starter the following week.

[OutsiderFan]

Coaches usually are more concerned about mitigating risk and operating in the known, than a player's upside and ability to improvise. This is why they usually error on the side of playing a guy who "knows the system" more than someone who can make plays when the structure breaks down.  The plays always look great when they are drawn up.

Darnold didn't know the system as well as Browne, but he could make things out of nothing, or otherwise make plays Browne couldn't.  Stanford beat USC 27-10 with Browne.  Had Darnold started, I doubt Stanford wins that game.  USC hasn't lost another game since Darnold became the starter the following week.