“It’s hard to throw the ball when you’re on the ground."
Sam Darnold did not have fun playing quarterback for USC on Friday night vs. Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. One huge reason was Nick Bosa.
[divider]
COMPARE: CFB Teams | CFB Players
[divider]
While Darnold's final stat line wasn't entirely vomit-inducing — 26-for-45 for 356 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception — the sophomore quarterback played poorly behind an offensive line that couldn't have blocked a Pop Warner team. The Buckeyes forced four turnovers and punished Darnold with eight sacks, two of which came from sophomore defensive end Nick Bosa, though that's only the tip of his impact iceberg.
Bosa delivered one of the most dominating defensive performances of the season, registering a staggering two sacks, two hits, 10 hurries and 14 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. His two sacks fell short of a career-high three he had earlier this season vs. UNLV but the hurries and pressures were both career-highs.
MORE: 2018 Schedule: Biggest Week 1 Games
"I think I would," Bosa said two weeks ago when asked if he would be ready for the NFL in 2018 if eligible. "But an extra year of development is really important. I think I'll be a lot more ready next year."
If the Cotton Bowl was any indication, yes he would definitely be ready to wreak havoc on NFL quarterbacks next fall. Just ask Darnold.
