DALLAS -- Ohio State star defensive linemen Joey Bosa and Michael Bennett gave Oregon the requisite plaudits Saturday when asked about their film sessions watching the Ducks' 59-20 Rose Bowl win over Florida State. As for the Seminoles, the two weren't nearly as impressed.
In fact, both indicated that the FSU defense not only lost its composure, but eventually, its will to compete as well.
"They were in the game all the way to halftime. Then right in the third quarter they just started falling out of it. They were exhausted. The D-line wasn't even playing really hard at all," said Bosa, a Buckeyes defensive end and one of the nation's most talented sophomores. "That showed us we really need to get in shape for this game."
You can bet that if Bosa noticed an effort problem on the FSU defensive line, NFL scouts will notice it, too. Florida State's defensive line features two of the top underclassmen in the nation in Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman. Edwards has reportedly decided to apply for early eligibility into the 2015 NFL Draft. Goldman has yet to announce his intentions.
Bennett wasn't much more complimentary of FSU.
"I think that was a big part of the game. You could see after the first or second big play, Florida State's guys were pointing fingers at each other and getting really mad," Bennett said. "Oregon sees that. They see it, and they're just going to hurry it up to get you even more frustrated."
This isn't the first time FSU's defensive line has had its Rose Bowl effort questioned. Earlier in the week, Oregon star center Hroniss Grasu -- who got a much closer look in blocking the Seminoles than did Bosa and Bennett observing film -- said much the same.
"They won't quit on a play. Florida State, they'd stop after one move," Grasu told USA Today. "These guys, they won't quit on a play."
So how does Ohio State's defensive line intend to make sure it remains fresh and aggressive against Oregon's fast-paced offense? Bosa said rotations will come frequently and starters aren't likely to get more than 50-60 snaps against a fast-paced UO offense that has averaged 74.8 plays per game this season.
Too many, it would appear, for the Seminoles.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
