LOS ANGELES -- USC quarterback Sam Darnold set a bar that will be nearly impossible to reach.
The lasting memory he left the country during an eight-month offseason was one of the greatest performance in Rose Bowl history. As time passed, the legend grew. He was billed as a heavy favorite for the Heisman Trophy and to be No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. It’s why this week, in the wake of his so-so showing in the season opener against Western Michigan, Darnold was an easy target for criticism.
In a 42-24 win against No.