Written by Ernie Casanova
DALLAS, TX-- In one more day, it will be the first and last ever meeting between quarterbacks Sam Darnold and J.T. Barrett, at least in college. These two players come in representing two of the most historical institutions as the Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the USC Trojans in this year’s 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
A senior, Barrett has given the Buckeyes all he could. After getting edged by Alabama in the College Football Playoff race, those who know this young kid’s talent understand that he will put it all on the line. A Texas native, Barrett is looking for a spectacular ending to what has been a spectacular college career. USC QB Sam Darnold is on the verge of possibly declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft as this also might be his last game. After a good year, Darnold is looking to prove he deserves to be one of the top prospects despite to some that may doubt his abilities, considering how high he is on many draft boards.
Ohio State comes in as one of the best teams in the nation in terms of defensive statistical rankings. The Buckeyes sit in 8th for total defense, 15th in team passing efficiency defense, 26th in red zone defense and 18th in scoring defense. USC has failed to break into the top 30 in any of those categories and possess a scary defensive front line that looks to stop a powerful all around offense in the Trojans.
USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin is fully aware of this talented Buckeye defense.
“Athleticism, speed. They can run on the perimeter, the DBs, secondary, linebackers on the field. But even when they have those guys on the field, they all can run. And third down, obvious passing downs get after their quarterback pretty good, multiple pass rushers. A scheme that's sound, not overly complicated but gets the guys in position to make plays. And I think that's what they do well, putting their players in position to make plays and do what they do best,” Martin says on what stands out to him.
Darnold and Co. will have their work cut out for them. The Buckeyes also rank 21st in the nation in sacks, and Darnold surely will have some trouble in the pocket. How does he feel about throwing on the move?
“I've been doing it for a while now. So, you know, playing backyard football with my buddies and playing Pop Warner, just having fun with the game. I've not really been much of a robot, which can hurt me sometimes mechanically. But I think being able to play and move off my instincts has been one of my strengths in terms of playing quarterback. So I think there's a lot to learn from sometimes how my feet can get out of whack a little bit and I can be throwing a little sideways. But I think throwing on the run is one of my really good strengths and something that I always work on every off-season.”
With a backfield full of support, one that stands out is speedy tailback Ronald Jones II. Jones rushed for nearly 1500 yards and also contributed 18 touchdowns. It was the first time a USC running back has scored 18 touchdowns since 2005, and we all know who set that precedent. However, with Ohio State already facing and shutting down running backs like Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor, Jones doesn’t seem to be too worried about it.
Asked about what may have been different for those two players at the time when facing the Buckeyes, Jones states, “Maybe the game, guys in conference, things like that. So just knowing that my O-line is going to get it done and I've got a quarterback like Sam there to make the box, I'm just looking forward to it.”
Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano stresses how important it is to stop Jones and what he can do to opposing teams.
“Well, they do some things schematically that are challenging. But I think the running back is phenomenal, not just fast, strong. Has an incredible feel right before he gets tackled. Not a lot of kids that you see in college football do this. He kind of takes what you call a raised step right before he gets hit and really delivers a blow, as opposed to a guy just continuing to run. That is something that I don't know if it's coached or not. You don't see a lot of guys that are able to do that. I think that's kind of a gift. And if you make a mistake, in one thing, he's gone. I don't know what his -- I read somewhere he's a 10.3 100-meter guy. But, wow, you make one mistake he's going to split you,” Schiano stated.
This game will heavily be decided on the Buckeyes’ ability to make the Trojans’ offense one dimensional. If they can force Sam Darnold to constantly throw the ball and be under duress, this Ohio State team is looking at a high possibility of being victorious. The Buckeyes have a complete offense as well, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they start to throw USC off of their game early on and run off with the scoreboard from there. This year’s Cotton Bowl Classic is sure to be a legendary one.
A senior, Barrett has given the Buckeyes all he could. After getting edged by Alabama in the College Football Playoff race, those who know this young kid’s talent understand that he will put it all on the line. A Texas native, Barrett is looking for a spectacular ending to what has been a spectacular college career. USC QB Sam Darnold is on the verge of possibly declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft as this also might be his last game. After a good year, Darnold is looking to prove he deserves to be one of the top prospects despite to some that may doubt his abilities, considering how high he is on many draft boards.
Ohio State comes in as one of the best teams in the nation in terms of defensive statistical rankings. The Buckeyes sit in 8th for total defense, 15th in team passing efficiency defense, 26th in red zone defense and 18th in scoring defense. USC has failed to break into the top 30 in any of those categories and possess a scary defensive front line that looks to stop a powerful all around offense in the Trojans.
USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin is fully aware of this talented Buckeye defense.
“Athleticism, speed. They can run on the perimeter, the DBs, secondary, linebackers on the field. But even when they have those guys on the field, they all can run. And third down, obvious passing downs get after their quarterback pretty good, multiple pass rushers. A scheme that's sound, not overly complicated but gets the guys in position to make plays. And I think that's what they do well, putting their players in position to make plays and do what they do best,” Martin says on what stands out to him.
Darnold and Co. will have their work cut out for them. The Buckeyes also rank 21st in the nation in sacks, and Darnold surely will have some trouble in the pocket. How does he feel about throwing on the move?
“I've been doing it for a while now. So, you know, playing backyard football with my buddies and playing Pop Warner, just having fun with the game. I've not really been much of a robot, which can hurt me sometimes mechanically. But I think being able to play and move off my instincts has been one of my strengths in terms of playing quarterback. So I think there's a lot to learn from sometimes how my feet can get out of whack a little bit and I can be throwing a little sideways. But I think throwing on the run is one of my really good strengths and something that I always work on every off-season.”
With a backfield full of support, one that stands out is speedy tailback Ronald Jones II. Jones rushed for nearly 1500 yards and also contributed 18 touchdowns. It was the first time a USC running back has scored 18 touchdowns since 2005, and we all know who set that precedent. However, with Ohio State already facing and shutting down running backs like Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor, Jones doesn’t seem to be too worried about it.
Asked about what may have been different for those two players at the time when facing the Buckeyes, Jones states, “Maybe the game, guys in conference, things like that. So just knowing that my O-line is going to get it done and I've got a quarterback like Sam there to make the box, I'm just looking forward to it.”
Buckeyes defensive coordinator Greg Schiano stresses how important it is to stop Jones and what he can do to opposing teams.
“Well, they do some things schematically that are challenging. But I think the running back is phenomenal, not just fast, strong. Has an incredible feel right before he gets tackled. Not a lot of kids that you see in college football do this. He kind of takes what you call a raised step right before he gets hit and really delivers a blow, as opposed to a guy just continuing to run. That is something that I don't know if it's coached or not. You don't see a lot of guys that are able to do that. I think that's kind of a gift. And if you make a mistake, in one thing, he's gone. I don't know what his -- I read somewhere he's a 10.3 100-meter guy. But, wow, you make one mistake he's going to split you,” Schiano stated.
This game will heavily be decided on the Buckeyes’ ability to make the Trojans’ offense one dimensional. If they can force Sam Darnold to constantly throw the ball and be under duress, this Ohio State team is looking at a high possibility of being victorious. The Buckeyes have a complete offense as well, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they start to throw USC off of their game early on and run off with the scoreboard from there. This year’s Cotton Bowl Classic is sure to be a legendary one.