Ohio State-USC 2009: Secondary Matchup

(Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

On Saturday, I highlighted the matchup of the receiving corps for the USC/Ohio State game. Today, I'd like to highlight another matchup.

The second position matchup break down is the defensive secondary.

I will break down the secondary for both Ohio State and USC, end in a wrap up, and declare who has the advantage in this matchup in my opinion.

USC

There is one player in USC's secondary that stands out. Senior Taylor Mays is a 6'3", 235-pound, All-American safety.

While not posting outstanding numbers in 2008, with only 53 tackles and no interceptions, any player with his size and speed at safety will make an impact in a game. Expect Mays' numbers and draft stock to sky-rocket this season.

To complement Mays' in the secondary, USC relies on seniors Josh Pinkard and Will Harris. Pinkard recorded 39 tackles along with an interception in 2008, while Harris recorded 38 tackles with two interceptions.

Expect Pinkard to play more of a safety role, while Harris will most likely play all around the defense.

Sophomore duo Drew McAllister and T.J. Bryant will also make a big impact in 2009 for the Trojans.

McAllister played in 12 games in 2008, recording 16 tackles and a team high three interceptions, while Bryant registered seven tackles and one interception in seven games last season.

Last but not least for the Trojans are their two projected senior starters at cornerback, Shareece Wright and Kevin Thomas.

While Wright was only able to play in two games in 2008, he played in 11 games in 2007 and recorded 29 tackles. Kevin Thomas, unlike Wright, was able to make an impact in 2008, recording 15 tackles and three interceptions, taking one of those INTs for a touchdown against Arizona State.

Expect big things from the Trojans secondary throughout 2009 and the Ohio State game.

Ohio State

Like USC, Ohio State has one player that stands out in the secondary in 2009. That player for the Buckeyes is senior safety Kurt Coleman.

While he may not be as intimidating, Coleman's numbers were better than Mays' in 2008, even though Coleman played one less game.

Coleman recorded a total of 78 tackles and four interceptions in only 12 games in 2008. Look for him to take a captain-like approach and have even better numbers as a senior in '09.

Anderson Russell is a senior safety playing alongside Coleman. The man with two first names, Russell had 67 total tackles with two interceptions in 13 games in 2008. He and Coleman should take up almost all of the time at the two safety spots.

Junior Chimdi Chekwa and senior Andre Amos will likely take most of the playing time at cornerback for the Buckeyes in 2009.

Chekwa totaled 30 tackles in 2009 along with an interception against USC in 2008, and while Amos didn't get much playing time last season, he is high on Ohio State's current depth chart.

Incoming freshmen Corey Brown and C.J. Barnett may also have to make an immediate impact for the Buckeyes' secondary. Expect their playing time to increase with each game they play.

The last player I'd like to highlight for the Buckeyes is one of my personal favorite Buckeyes going into 2009.

Jermale Hines played all over the field in 2008 at safety, cornerback, and, sometimes, linebacker, recording 31 tackles and a 48-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Michigan State in only 10 games in 2008.

Expect Hines to be playing all over again in 2009, and making an impact in the USC game.

Wrap Up

Along with the receivers matchup, this matchup was pretty dead even.

Both of these groups should have great seasons making plays for their teams, but I have to decide who has the advantage.

Advantage: Ohio State

I understand I'm gambling on this one, as I may get some major flack for this. But before you criticize my decision, just look at the numbers.

USC's secondary, as of now, looks like all hype to me.

Jermale Hines, Kurt Coleman, Anderson Russell, and Chimdi Chekwa all had big seasons last year for the Buckeyes, and should have big ones again in '09.

Check back in on Wednesday for the next position breakdown!

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?