Buckeye Bearings: Reasons to and Not to Worry About The USC Game

(Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Naval Academy put on quite a show this past Saturday, combining for 58 points and over 900 total yards. Any neutral observer, and maybe some Ohio State and Navy fans sprinkled in, would enjoy the overall performance and quality of the game.

The Buckeyes, who were listed to be a three-touchdown favorite over Navy, squeaked out a four-point win that has left fans, and maybe players, shaking in their boots.

The Buckeye fans that we have all come to know and love, though, probably got the h-e-double-hockey-sticks scared out of them. And it is probably because of who is waiting in the wings for them next weekend.

The mighty USC Trojans, who terrorized the San Jose State Spartans 56-3, will be the Buckeye's opponents in prime-time on Saturday night.

But what if it is not such a bad thing? What if the fans are worrying about all the wrong reasons?

I completely agree with the fact that the Buckeyes will be in a lot of trouble if they do not step it up numerous notches, but what is key is what notches those are.

When asked about the Buckeye's game, most fans will, understandably, only speak of the negatives. Then some will say what bright spots appeared.

I am here to tell you both, and to hopefully ease the pain your consciences are in right now.

Reasons to Worry

1. USC's stable of tailbacks

The Trojans run six deep at the tailback position, and the corps combined for 342 rushing yards in their game against the Spartans. They have the great balance of speed and elusiveness, with a hint of power and pop. USC head coach Pete Carroll will filter in Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable, Allen Bradford, etc. to wear down the Buckeye front seven.

It is imperative that the defensive line improves and that the linebackers keep the backs in check in case they get to the second level.

2. Red Zone should be TD zone

The Buckeyes woes of not being able to produce touchdowns in the red zone showed again against Navy. Field goals of 23 and 25 were taken, and Dan Herron was stuffed on a fourth-and-one inside the 15-yard line.

Whether is be conservative play-calling, or just poor execution, the Buckeyes cannot settle to trade three for seven each time if they want to put pressure on USC.

3. Block for the rock

One of, if not THE main concern for the Buckeyes during the offseason was the play of the offensive line. The left tackle spot was the big question mark as the season approached, and Andy Miller beat out J.B. Shugarts and Mike Adams who was suspended. Miller did decent, but along with the rest of the line, needs some tuning.

The line needs to get more of a push for the backs, and needs to make sure that Pryor does not have to rely on his feet the whole time.

4. Secondary concerns

Navy is a run-first team, obviously. Yet the Buckeyes allowed a big 85-yard touchdown pass from Ricky Dobbs to Marcus Curry. Anderson Russell, the senior safety, is a hard worker, but has been known to give up big plays, as in last year's Fiesta Bowl.

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