USC QB Coach Tyson Helton Praises Sam Darnold's Poise Under Pressure

Sam Darnold kept his Heisman hopes alive by leading USC to a double-overtime victory over Texas on Saturday. 

With his team down three late in the fourth quarter, the sophomore quarterback drove the Trojans downfield in 37 seconds to set up the game-tying field goal. Although he threw two interceptions, he also avoided the upset with 397 passing yards and three touchdowns.

Following the close call, per Zach Helfand of the Los Angeles Times, USC quarterbacks coach Tyson Helton compared Darnold's stoic composure to Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

"When things are at its worst, he's at his best," Helton said. "He doesn't have to talk to you. Just like Brett. Brett could just look at you, and that look said 1,000 words."

Helton said no lead is insurmountable with Darnold—who has won his last 12 starts—under center.

"He provides one thing to your team that I think is critical no matter how adverse the situation is," Helton said. "And that's hope."