SB Nation Bill Connelly Ranks USC Over Washington Football
By Bret Stuter
![Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) rushes against the USC Trojans during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) rushes against the USC Trojans during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/564f5c5444b814e59695bbef690ba65342645a942754a07b0e63814c7a326a9c.jpg)
Don’t Discount Jake Browning
Much of the uberhype over the USC is the surprise success for freshman quarterback Sam Darnold. And yes, he was very impressive as a freshman. Similarly, Huskies quarterback Jake Browning had a very impressive sophomore season. But let’s compare the two, shall we?
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Stripe Hype
Darnold played in 13 games, threw for 3,086 yards for 31 touchdowns and 9 interceptions for a 161.1 passer rating. He completed 67.2 percent of his passes for an 8.4 yards per attempt. Now that’s pretty good, ole son. But sit down in that chair right there and let Jake Browning show you how it’s done.
Browning Better (Am I Biased?)
Browning played in 14 games, threw for 3,430 yards for 41 touchdowns and 9 interceptions for a 167.5 passer rating. He completed 62.1 percent of his passes for an 8.8 yards per attempt. And before we visit the entire “that’s pretty close”, keep in mind that Jake Browning played with an injury midway through the season.
While the nation “wows” over Darnold’s performance, Jake Browning has more incentive to perform well. You see, he likely is playing for an NFL contract, and he will only get one shot at impressing NFL scouts.
But then there is a matter of the Huskies losing three star defensive backs in the draft. Let’s focus on NFL Draft impacts to both teams?