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Evaluating the Top 10 Groups of FBS Returning Starters in 2017

By Zach Bigalke

Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Norman, OK, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs the ball past Oklahoma Sooners defensive end D.J. Ward (87) in the fourth quarter at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the 103rd Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

USC impressed everyone in the Rose Bowl victory against Penn State, and they couldn’t have done it without Sam Darnold. The freshman quarterback set a new record for the Granddaddy of ’em All when racked up 473 all-purpose yards on the Nittany Lions. He will be back for at least two more seasons with the Trojans, which should make head coach Clay Helton very happy indeed.

The quarterback will have to find a new supporting cast, especially with guys like receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster declaring for the NFL Draft. The Trojans have just five returning starters on offense, including Darnold. The defense is in better shape, with seven more players back for another year and hoping to start again. The question is whether the Rose Bowl is a stepping stone or an aberration will be seen quickly in Los Angeles.

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