Just got my tickets for OSU-USC next year and I'm so pumped for this game. This is probably going to be the game of the year, kudos to USC and Ohio State for scheduling it.
Coach Pete Carroll stays true to his word when he says he is ready to play anybody, anywhere. Of course things can change during the actual season. This will be USC's second game and Ohio State's third, so you never know what's going to happen.
Ohio State, after having a cake-walk of a schedule last year will be tested. Their non-conference schedule was a joke and their conference was just as bad.
They played Troy, Ohio, and Youngstown State winning their zillionth mythical State of Ohio championship. They stumbled once on the way to the BCS title game against Illinois, a team which USC annihilated at the Rose Bowl.
Anyway, this is a small preview analyzing the different aspects of the team.
Coaching: Right off the bat this is a tough one. Each coach has won national championships, multiple conference titles, and BCS games.
Tressel is an offensive genius and Carroll is a Defensive guru. Carroll has won six straight conference titles and earned six straight top five finishes, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Bobby Bowden and Florida State.
Also if you look at the losses of each coach over the last few years, Coach Carroll has never been blown out of the water. In chronological Order the losses go: Texas, Oregon State, UCLA, Stanford, and Oregon.
In all of these games the point differential was never more than a touchdown. The guy knows how to make adjustments during the game to give his team a fighting chance.
Tressell, on the other hand, has been embarassed by SEC schools in the last two years. Carroll has gone into the south and beaten quality SEC teams like Arkansas and Auburn. The guy dropped 70 points on Arkansas one year and 50 the next.
With that said, I've got to give the edge to Coach Pete Carroll.
Quarterback: It looks like Mark Sanchez has beaten out Mitch Mustain to earn the starting QB position. The Parade All-American was the No. 1 prospect coming out of high school.
Coach Carroll said Sanchez has the biggest arm of any quarterback he's had since Carson Palmer. That's all fine and dandy and he very well may be the next great USC quarterback, but he's going to go through some growing pains.
While he looked great against Notre Dame, he looked extremely shaky when playing up in Eugene, Oregon.
The Buckeyes, on the other hand, return Todd Boeckman under center. This 6'6" quarterback started all 13 games for OSU and threw for almost 2400 yards. His TD-INT ratio was 25-14 and had a passing accuracy of 64 percent.
So based on experience and the physical tools, Ohio State has an advantage.
The Running Game: Another tough one. It boils down to Beanie Wells vs USC's Running Back by company.
Beanie Wells returns with most of his Offensive Line in tact, only losing Kirk Barton who went in the seventh round of the draft. He's set to have another great season of 20+ TDs and over a 1,500 yds rushing.
However, this isn't to say USC has a bunch of scrubs at that position. After being unable to establish a stable Running Back Starter in the 2006 season (and the departure of Chauncey Washington to the NFL), USC developed its young talent in the 2007 season.
I predict that Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson will bring flashes of brilliance much the Reggie Bush-LenDale White duo did a few years back. On the O-Line, USC lost Sam Baker (All-American) and Chilo Ranchal (Pac-10 First Team) to the draft in the first and second rounds respectively.
Ohio State wins this position battle barely, even though I have a lot of confidence in the USC defense which brings me to my next point...
DEFENSE & SPECIAL TEAMS: Yea, yea, yea it's great that OSU has so many returning starters coming back for this season. James Laurinaitis is a beast at LB.
But...the USC defense is what's been carrying the team for the last two seasons. Even with the departures of Sedrick Ellis and Keith Rivers, their Defense is damn scary.
Hard-hitting LineBackers Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing (the last two Rose Bowl MVPs) are monsters. Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays prowl the secondary and they are bonafide studs. Ohio State is going to have a tough time passing and running against them.
Sorry Buckeyes, the USC defense is just too athletic for you guys.
Receiving: I have a lot of respect for OSU wideout Robiskie. Dude had 11 TD catches and almost a 1000 yds receiving in '07. Props. USC wideout Patrick Turner had a mediocre season last year.
And, with Fred Davis (their leading receiver last year) gone, Vidal Hazelton and Ronald Johnson are going to have to step up. They're young and I wonder if they'll have the jitters against the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes take this one based on experience of play.
Overall, the Buckeyes have better skill positions on the offensive side of the ball. But, I say this game will be won on the defensive side and I think the Trojans will be victorious.
Coach Carroll relishes a challenge and gets excited to play against great offensive minds like Coach Tedford of Cal and Charlie Weis of Notre Dame. Jim Tressel will be no exception.
Plus, Ohio State just doesn't possess the speed and athleticism to compete with the SEC schools. USC is very much like an SEC school. They're overloaded with speed that will ultimately overwhelm the Buckeyes.
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3 months ago
What a misleading intro. OSU just finished up a home and home w/ Texas and have home and homes w/ Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, California, Miami, Tennessee over the next decade.
Just b/c one year the played the back end of a home and home w/ Washington, which is a shell of its former self, all the sudden OSU isn't tested annually.
Get some perspective beyond last season.
3 months ago
The author makes the same intellectually dishonest mistake of implying that Ohio State's 2007 schedule is an accurate representation of their schedule every year. Anyone with one eighth of a brain knows that Ohio State is one of the only elite programs willing to schedule other elite programs each and every year.
I think Ohio State's key advantage is that they're essentially the same team as last year, while USC will have to work through some turnover in major areas. After only one game together, we can't expect USC to be completely gelling as a team. OSU, on the other hand, should be much more comfortable having played 13 games together last year.
That doesn't mean I think OSU will win - but I think our chances on the road are a LOT better than they would be in Week 10 or 11. Can't wait for the game.
from 3 months ago
"The author makes the same intellectually dishonest mistake of implying that Ohio State's 2007 schedule is an accurate representation of their schedule every year"
"I think Ohio State's key advantage is that they're essentially the same team as last year"
They played an easy schedule last year, you obviously agree according to your first statement, that being said why get so excited over a team that did well against an easy schedule? You say that there advantage is having the same team as last year, but they played a weak schedule last year, so what does that prove? I think those two statements contradict each other. I honestly don't see OSU competing against USC, I think the rose bowl showed the real difference between the 2 teams, they both played Michigan, and USC blew them out. Seems to me like OSU doesn't even have a chance, but I hope I'm wrong because I would like to see a good game, especially since everyone is saying this should be a big game.
from 3 months ago
Ohio State's schedule was not difficult last year. Nobody would deny that. But that doesn't automatically mean it was dogshit. Let's not pretend they played a MEAC schedule or something.
It's never easy beating Michigan on the road. It's never easy beating Penn State on the road at night. It's never easy beating Wisconsin. The lack of a "marquee" non-conference game doesn't automatically make it a putrid schedule. It merely makes it less difficult than usual.
So yeah, there's reason to be excited in Columbus. Last year's team exceeded expectations by winning the Big Ten, let alone going to New Orleans. Now the entire team is back. What isn't there to be excited about?
"You say that there advantage is having the same team as last year, but they played a weak schedule last year, so what does that prove? I think those two statements contradict each other."
Well, you thought wrong.
OSU won 12 games and made the national title game despite being largely inexperienced. Now, the entire team is back, and they are very experienced. With essentially no new faces on either side of the ball playing key minutes, OSU will have no real "transition" period to fight through. USC had a good amount of turnover on both sides of the ball. OSU will be facing a team with several key players only starting for the 2nd time. It's advantageous to be playing a relatively inexperienced group of players.
from 3 months ago
"So yeah, there's reason to be excited in Columbus. Last year's team exceeded expectations by winning the Big Ten"
Winning the Big 10, is that really hard to do, isn't that a pretty weak conference? and they got blown out in the NC, kind seems a little suspect to me thats all. You have starters with game time experience, thats great, and I really hope that translates into a good game on the 13th, I really do. The last thing I want to see is a blow out, its pretty disappointing even if your team wins.
from 3 months ago
You're borderline retarded if you think it's "easy" to win any major conference title. If it were as easy as you make it out to be, the Big Ten wouldn't be a BCS conference to begin with. Yes, the Big Ten was down last year. You know what? The SEC was an atrocious conference in 2004 and 2005. Now it's considered a monster conference. It's all cyclical. For all we know, the Big Ten may bounce back this year. It's impossible to know. All we can do is go out and play our conference schedule.
from 3 months ago
Compared to the Pac 10 and SEC it is the weakest of the 3 conferences, thats what I meant by easy, your right, non are easy to win, but I would say the Big 10 is the easiest of the 3 recently. As for the retarded comment, thats a nice opinion. I do agree the weight shifts from conference to conference, and that it really is all irrelevant when it comes down to it as both teams have had major or at least some change, making it a completely different match up. I hope your right, I hope it will be a good game.
Thanks for the convo man
from 3 months ago
I am tired of people thinking the Pac-10 is a great conference. ITS NOT! I believe OSU would cruise through that conference schedule, just like USC. And for the author to compare the Pac-10 to the SEC is just downright comical.
from 3 months ago
I completely agree CB.
If anything I think the Big Ten may be a more difficult conference to win because you need to have a balanced offense and defense to win every game because you never know what kind of weather conditions you are going to get.
Plus, it is much more difficult to win road games in the Big Ten. I dont think of any PAC-10 stadiums as being very intimidating like Happy Valley, Camp Randell or the Horseshoe.
3 months ago
i stopped reading after he said, "they have beaten quality SEC teams like auburn and arkansas". Come on, those teams are not that good and neither one was in a National Championship game. There is no need to try and hype this game up any more than it already is, especially if you are going to start your article off talking down about one program.
from 3 months ago
The dude gave OSU the QB, RB, and WR spots, it seemed like a pretty fair write up. You could also argue against OSU and their schedule, but we don't need to. Don't get me wrong Timmy, I like your posts for the most part, its just this one game that seems a little over hyped considering the way both teams played against Michigan.
from 3 months ago
To USCfbfan: Yes, the author did give advantages to OSU at those positions, but the QB and WR spots were given solely on "experience", not skill. I am not looking for a pro-OSU article, nor looking for advantages at more positions. I took it as USC's players are better, just not proven yet.
With your arguments of USC dismantling of Illinois and beating Michigan by wider margins are pointless. So with that logic, I guess Stanford would make OSU look like a bunch of choir boys correct? There are different gameplans for different games, different circumstances and so forth. All that matters is how USC will play OSU and vice versa.
from 3 months ago
To: Cody, I understand what your saying, and using the Stanford as an example, honestly made me laugh, I know we have NO excuse for that game, point taken. I realize the game plans are unique to each game. At this point all we can do is speculate, hence this write up on the game. I was just pointing out whatever comparison I felt were most relevant, but the bottom line is we have to wait and see. May the best team win.
3 months ago
First, Ohio State did not play Troy or Ohio last year, that is this years slate of games.
Second, please stop with the "speed and athleticism" arguments, Ohio State has plenty of both to hang with even SEC teams. It comes down to how those athletes are used, and I will be the first to admit, the coaching has not been schemed to the strengths of our players. Again, just stop with the lack of speed and athleticism non-sense.
It just seems you have bias toward USC or against OSU, which is fine, but it hardly makes it a "preview".
3 months ago
This is possibly the worst article I have ever read in my life. It's even worse than anything that Mark May has ever said. The claims made by the author seem like they were formed through a series of logic that don't make any sense. "Plus, Ohio State just doesn't possess the speed and athleticism to compete with the SEC schools. USC is very much like an SEC school. They're overloaded with speed that will ultimately overwhelm the Buckeyes." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Only an irrational SEC fan or seven year old actually believes that. EVERY TEAM is athletic and possesses speed. OSU hasnt been given a shot in this game. People have seriously become blinded about Ohio State. It's going to be a reality check for college football fans across the nation when OSU goes into LA and beats USC.
3 months ago
I read the article and now I think it is even worse than before. I think that the defenses for both teams are going to be better than the offenses they are playing against. I think Boeckman is going to be the deciding factor. He is the only guy either team (off or def) that can single handedly lose the game. If he can not get any sort of passing game going then USC will be able to stack the box and they will be able to successfully contain Beanie. If Boeckman tries to do too much and starts forcing turnovers than OSU will have a long night.
Now what brings me to my last point about this article that I did not like, the last sentence. USC is not like an SEC team and they are not any faster than Ohio State. USC does not have a running threat option, they do not have amazing players at the skill positions (this year). I would say that USC is more like a traditional Big Ten team this year and that is the main reason why I think Ohio State has a good chance of going to LA to beat USC.
Lastly, different teams, different players, and different coaches get their players up for different games differently (especially when you are talking about non-conference and bowl games). So the way that Ohio State played Michigan, Texas, LSU, Florida, or Illinois over the past 2 years is not going to determine the way they are going to play against USC.
It is going to be a great game and I dont think either team will score over 30 points.
3 months ago
If going by what's on paper (roster, last year's stats and whatnot) Ohio State should win this game by a touchdown.
Mental issues, however are an entirely different story. Boeckman's passing accuracy is questionable when you consider the last three games of last season (Illinois, Michigan, LSU) when he actually had to perform under pressure (meaning Hartline and Robiskie will be spending a lot of time wondering who the hell Boeckman intended to throw the ball to), and Beanie won't get past USC's defense if that's the only offensive trick the Buckeyes stick to. USC's defense will see that one coming a mile away, unlike certain teams in the Big Ten (see last year's Michigan game) not to mention LSU after the first quarter of the 2008 BCS Championship.
Toss in the fact that OSU's defense can't stop a spread offense if their life depended on it, and you've got all the makings of a very disappointed fanbase on September 14, and further validation from the pundits (Mark May especially) that Ohio State is not an elite team among the likes of others from the SEC and Pac-10 powerhouses.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: At best, the 2008 Ohio State Buckeyes are a 9-2 team.
from 3 months ago
Agreed!
from 3 months ago
Ryan, you should change you picture if you really think that Ohio State is going to lose to USC.
First off, USC does not run a spread offense and also, there are no way that OSU is only winning 9 games, especially since there are 12 games in the regular season (not 11).
Also, last year, Michigan did see the run coming a mile away, they just couldnt stop it.
You make a few good points but overall, you have no clue.
The absolute WORST Ohio State will do this year is 10-2.
from 3 months ago
That's a pretty irrational thing to say. The team could absolutely lose two or more games. But to say they're not capable of losing less than two games? That's just irrational.
from 3 months ago
Don't know where I got 9-2 from, but clearly that was an error on my part. 10-2 is the best I think they'll do, and who ever really knows how the Michigan game will turn out, especially if RichRod makes the best out of what he has this season.
Tressel is an offensive genius, as the writer stated. However, USC has the best defense in the nation (on a side note, how can Ohio State claim to have the #1 defense last year based on stats when it was obvious they played a weak schedule...of course the defensive stats are going to be inflated...) and it doesn't help that Ohio State is playing in hostile territory. All-in-all, USC is going to be too much for the Buckeyes to handle in that game.
3 months ago
Just so everyone knows, Ohio State is playing Troy University this year who is located in Alabama. Troy also plays LSU in their second game of the season.
3 months ago
Ryan and Jeff, you are saying that there is absolutely no chance that Ohio State can go undefeated in the Big Ten????? Because there is no way they are going to lose any of their other non-conference games.
You are saying that they have 0% chance of winning in LA, and i guess you are saying that they have a 0% chance of winning in Madison????? Because there is no way Penn State can come to Columbus at night at beat the Buckeyes, and you know Tressel owns Michigan, even their good teams.
I would bet everything I own that Ohio State will not lose more than 2 games this year in the regular season.
You guys are just dumb if you really think that. I am done with this one, I didn't realize I was talking to a bunch of short-bus riders.
from 3 months ago
Timmy, read carefully before lumping me in with people you're calling "stupid". I never said anything you've accused me of saying.
Have you re-read my comments yet? I'm guessing you feel even stupider than the guy in your picture looks.
And that's pretty stupid.
from 3 months ago
Sorry Jeff, you just came into that conversation at the wrong time.....do you really think that the very best OSU can do is 10-2?????? You dont even have to answer that, I know what you really think.
Yeah the guy does look pretty stupid, and funny I might add.
Check out
http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/favorites/index.shtml#cat=1
Go to "If They Mated"....there are much better ones that the one I picked out.
from 3 months ago
I think OSU can go 12-0 and win the national title. I also think they can go 10-2. For Ryan to say that they are "at best" a 2-loss team is stupid.
from 3 months ago
I'd love for the Bucks to run the table, but based on what I saw in the team last year (since almost everyone is returning0 I'm anticipating not only a loss at USC, but also a loss at either Wisconsin or Illinois. I'm sorry, but I don't think this team is capable of a 12-0 season in 2008 with Boeckman at the helm.
from 3 months ago
I don't think any level-headed fan *expects* 12 and 0. In fact, many level-headed fans *expect* 10 and 2. But I don't know any level-headed fans that think 10 and 2 is the best-case scenario.
3 months ago
Did USC stop Mendenhall last year in the Rose? I can't remember....
3 months ago
Wait, I think I do remember now. If I'm not mistaken USC "slaughtered" Illinois because of capitalizing on turnovers made in the redzone. Mendenhall had 155 yards on USC that night. The running game for Illinois was not inhibited at all, it just wasn't enough to win. I think everyone can agree here that Ohio State is going to need the QB to play well and make this a complete offensive effort. Beanie cannot do it alone, just like Mendenhall couldn't do it alone.
from 3 months ago
Jill,
You dont think that Illinois came into Columbus all fired up, getting a chance to play the #1 ranked team in the country at the time. Yeah, they did and to them that was the biggest game of the year while Ohio State was looking ahead to Michigan and a possible undefeated season.
When Illinois had their bowl game, they were just happy to be there, happy to be out in LA rather than freezing their asses off in Illinois.
If you really think that USC is going to beat Ohio State just because they rolled all over Illinois last year, then you belong on the short bus as well.
3 months ago
I found it funny how he stated we played Ohio U. and troy last year. He lost any respect from the sports nation with an uninformed comment such as that. I believe USC has less of a chance in this one. Ohio State is a run away train this year and is loaded with players that have been to two national title games.
Beanie is by far and away the best player on either team and for this clown to just give a slight edge shows he doesn't watch college football just looks at scores and highlights like a mark may clone. If LSU, Michigan, Wisconsin d's couldn't stop him what makes you think USC's D can?
Futhermore since when was the Pac 10 better than the Big ten. If the Illini don't turn the ball over 5 times in the RoseBowl"home-game" its a much closer game. If you couldn't control that offense what do you think Beanie and Pryor, the next vince young , will do? Face the facts your replacing key players on both sides of the ball for you to come on here with your "preview" or "USCview" is laughable.
Having said all that the buckeyes win easily at your place. Then we fuck all your women too.
from 2 months ago
This is in regard to bobs comment, YES the bucks will win. And YES we will then fuck all your women too, and we will fuck them much better than any of you LA pussies ever could.
3 months ago
Oh yea, and congratulations to USC for beating a "quality" SEC team in Arkansas. Wisconsin has been there, done that too.
In my honest opinion, with a healthy Dennis Dixon, Oregon would have beaten LSU in the National Championship game. Oregon was the king of the Pac10 last year and was robbed when Dixon went down. LSU fans have told me straight up, they can't defend against the spread either!
from 3 months ago
Arkansas won the SEC West the year that USC put up a 70 spot on them. Oh and who did Arkansas beat last year...seems like I remember them beating every SEC fanboy's favorite and the eventual National Champion LSU...at home...on senior day.
SEC fans love to talk up their conference and how strong it is across the board, but then conveniently talk down about teams like Arkansas and Auburn when it helps prove their point. Which way do you want to have it?
3 months ago
I don't see the Buckeyes winning in "easy" fashion - not a chance. We could win, though.
Even mentioning the USC-Illinois game is stupid to begin with. Nobody except Illinois fans thought that they belonged on the same field as USC. But the Rose Bowl wanted that Big Ten/Pac Ten matchup, so there ya go.
3 months ago
Bob, you can't take away the turnovers made by Illinois in the Rose Bowl. USC defense forced those turnovers, so you have to give them credit. Of course if the turnovers aren't made, it's a different ballgame. But the turnovers were a key factor in Illinios loosing the game and they weren't because the WR decided to drop untouched.
3 months ago
Jill,
You dont think that Illinois came into Columbus all fired up, getting a chance to play the #1 ranked team in the country at the time. Yeah, they did and to them that was the biggest game of the year while Ohio State was looking ahead to Michigan and a possible undefeated season.
When Illinois had their bowl game, they were just happy to be there, happy to be out in LA rather than freezing their asses off in Illinois.
If you really think that USC is going to beat Ohio State just because they rolled all over Illinois last year, then you belong on the short bus as well.
3 months ago
Timmy....just for the record, I'm an Ohio State fan and want this win at USC more than anyone.
No one ever considers the fact that nearly every single team in the Big10 plays Ohio State with everything they have in them. It makes the entire seasons of every one of them, except maybe Wisconsin and Michigan. So yea, Illinios came in and brought a great gameplan with them. Shame on our D-coordinators for not making adjustments and allowing that agonizing 4thQ drive to even occur, let alone last 4(?) minutes! Illinois' turnovers in the Rose were so frustrating. I wished they didn't have the mentality that they didn't belong with USC....I know Mendenhall didn't think that way.
But we need to beat USC in the trenches. We need our o-lineman to be in top form. Quit committing stupid false start penalties and allow Boekman to make a play. Hopefully we engage the tight ends more, throw some screen passes and setup the deep ball. I don't know anything about USC corners, but the fact that Robiskie and Hartline could not get any separation against LSU has me worried. USC will be prepared for Beanie, but I really hope the gameplan uses him. I got so frustrated against LSU why we didn't use Beanie more. He'll get the first downs, he's that powerful.
3 months ago
Jill... everyone already knew that.... and did the author really claim that Tressel was an offensive genius?!... never heard that before
3 months ago
Now there is a comment that agree with. I think that one of the biggest reasons for Ohio State's losses in the last couple years have been due to the lack of in-game adjustments made by the OSU coaching staff.
That is the only thing that I think the coaching staff really needs to work on.
3 months ago
Yes, they really need to work on in-game adjustments!!! Especially on defense. I was yelling at Heacock through the TV a couple times last year. I know he heard me. :)
3 months ago
all you guys are idiots.
3 months ago
First off, I'd like to appologize for the last post - my 16 year nephew thought it would be funny to post that comment under my name. I'll just have to leave him in the closet a few more hours as punishment (kidding, of course). Please don't take the comment or him seriously.
As for college football and my fellow Buckeye fans, let's all be honest. It's really hard to predict who's going to beat who in a game like this. Both teams are very good, both coaches recruit extremely well, and both coaches know how to win games. I think this is going to be one heck of a game. To tell you the truth, out of all the teams we're playing this year, I'm most fearful of playing USC. Except on a few occasions, they always seem to dominate schools that bring them a challenge (unlike Stanford, where they might have gotten a bit complacent). They have that aura about them that you don't really find in any other team. I think we need to prepare extra hard to play those guys and win. True, USC may be faster than us, but we have more starters returning, and therefore more experience. And perhaps it is true of what they say, that Pete Carroll is the better coach of the two. Afterall, how likely is it that Pete Carroll would get blown out, twice in a row even, in the NC game? This is our game to win. We're already the laughing stock of the nation having been blown out by two SEC teams in the NC games. Let's be honest - we really didn't put up much of a challenge. And if we can't admit that, then we're not as tough or as competive as we say we are. We can only pretend and stick our heads in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. I think Tressell has what it takes to beat those guys. This game will be a pivotal game for us and will either propell us into NC contention or push us down even lower.
GO BUCKEYES!!! BEAT USC!!!
3 months ago
I think USC's lack of experience on offense is going to hurt them in this matchup. Facing a defensive unit that is as athletic and fundamentally sound as the Bucks D is going to be this year is a tall order in just the second game of the season. Bucks fans will smile when I say that I think this game will resemble a lot of the 2002 games. The Bucks D will force a couple early turnovers and allow the offense to score with a short field. Once the Bucks get a double digit lead Tressel will lean on the strong legs of Beanie to wear out the USC D and shorten the game. The Bucks take Troy by storm and firmly entrench themselves as the top rated team in the country. Bucks 27 Trojans 14.
3 months ago
I would have to say that would the ideal situation for us Buckeye fans. I think it is safe to say that Tressel is a much better coach when he has the lead rather than coming from behind.
3 months ago
haha you suckeye fans amuse me !!
Check out what happened to the NON PAC 10 teams the last 4 years that played USC
and what RANK they had BEFORE playing USC.
Then go back and watch the USC -OKLAHOMA Nat ch. game a few years back...
THAT game will give you a really GOOD idea of what you have in store for you
and how your team will be feeling after the humiliation that USC is going to put on your team.
2nd issue: look at the NON CONFERENCE ROAD WINS against TOP 25 teams to find
the REAL strength of a Team and Conference.
Tell me how you stack up against USC and the PAC-10 after THAT.
Until then, shut the H up !!
3 months ago
The issue is that he is comparing the same units to each other (e.g. RBs vs. RBs). The comparisons should be Olines vs Dlines, receivers vs secondaries, how the skill players can exploit the defenses and so on.
As for the comment about speed, DUDE, you need to get over it. OSU and many non-SEC schools have speed to compete at any level. OSU was just as fast as LSU last year all over the field. It was OSU mistakes and LSU's SHORT RUNNING GAME (speed not required) that beat the Buckeyes.
from 3 months ago
okay. I was doing a position-by-position battle. But i'll do it your way....
-beanie wells & the OSU O-Line vs Fili Moala (ESPN.com & Mel Kiper Jr's projected #1 pick for next year's draft) and proven blue-chipper Everson Griffen at DE. Not to mention the tremendous LB crew of Maualuga, Cushing, and Clay Mathews)...Umm Advantage USC
-OSU receiving corps. led by Robiskie vs a USC secondary that features Kevin Ellison & Taylor Mays. With all the pressure coming in from the D-Line and LBs, and those 2 beasts prowling the secondary....again USC takes it.
Face it dude, SC is nasty on the Defensive side. The Big 10 as a whole lacks speed. A GREAT example of this is Michigan (a favorite to win the title at the beginning of last year) losing to Appalachian State. Illinois was one of the speedier teams in the Big 10 n' the Buckeyes struggled against them.
And to everyone who thinks Tressel is great when he has the lead? Can I get the number of ur guys' dealer, cuz that's some strong pot you guys are smokin. How quickly do you guys forget? Wasn't OSU up 10-0 on LSU in the BCS title game? What happened to leaning on beanie there with a 2-possession lead? Oh yea, as far as LSU'S SHORT RUNNING GAME goes...didn't Matt Flynn, MVP of the game, tossed 4 TDs in that game. lol besides you don't think USC is capable of creating a SHORT RUNNING GAME?! lol plz
Doesn't matter at this point but OSU also had the lead 2x in the Illinois game and Tressel managed to mess that one up too.
I understand that OSU is returning a boatload of players that went 10-2 last season. But they also lost 2 of its 3 last games. I never said the Buckeyes have absolutely no chance of winning this game. Their experience, skill, and performances of last year say that they will have a puncher's chance. I just like SC based on their coaching and D
3 months ago
Jay, I'll give USC's D some props, but you aren't giving nearly enough to OSU's. The best defensive player on the field is Laurinaitis. Period. He was a top 5 pick last year but came back. And Malcolm Jenkins was a projected top 10 pick, too. At USC, all of your projected first rounders leave. OSU had 3 projected first rounders come back on D alone.
Okay, OSU won't waltz through your D like swiss cheese. But they've faced tough defense before, and have always managed to put up points. And Charlie Wells is consensus one of the top 3 players in the country, so you lose credibility by saying that he is only a slight edge over USC's unproven backs.
My question is: how is your offense going to score? Do you really think Sanchez is going to perform well against a D that will likely have four first-rounders in next year's draft? And your RBs don't have a lot of experience, so it's hard to judge, but I think it's fair that it would be a surprise to see a good game against our extremely stingy run D.
On a neutral field, I think OSU is a touchdown favorite. But your article fails to mention the factor that should make this game a toss-up -- it is being played in the Coliseum. That may just allow your inexperienced team to play with enough confidence to win this game.
It will likely come down to which QB performs better under the pressure, and I like the experience of Boeckman (and the game-changing play of Terrel Pryor -- you know, the top athlete to come out of high school in the last dozen years -- when he is on the field for two series) over Sanchez (who did not look good against Oregon last year and will be facing a MUCH more difficult D in OSU).
OSU wins 17-14.
3 months ago
Look the bottom line is if OSU can't get off in the running game then their passing game WILL NOT OPEN UP!!! They are a run first offense and that is not an easy task in the Coliseum, early in the year, against maybe the best linebacking corps in the country. OSU can not open the pass via the run, thats why they get spanked in NC games. They wont run on SC, and hence, they wont be able to pass. USC has a warm up against Virginia on the road for their first game. The same Virginia team that went 9-4 last year and only lost one game at home, minus Chris Long. OSU opens with powerhouse programs like Youngstown State and Ohio, both at home. So to say that USC might not GEL as quickly as OSU based on it being an early season game is just asinine.
Secondly, Sanchez is better than Booty and has been for about 2 years. Problem was, he had a few off field issues that somewhat burned him. From a talent standpoint, Steve Sarkisian was ready to start Sanchez over Booty 2 years ago but coach Carroll is extremely loyal to his senior players and those who have stuck with the program. Sanchez will be fine because he has a run game that will make that USC play action almost unstoppable.
As far as James Laurinaitis being a BEAST. Well USC has a way of making really good middle linebackers look really bad. Most of their run plays are stretch plays and that just sems to fed perfectly into the play action and bootleg rollouts. OSU has a stout defense, but I feel they will be tested and tested often.
As far as all the SEC/Pac-10/Big-10 talk and who is better. Who cares? It means zilch. This is USC and OSU. Possibly the two most successful programs since the turn of the century. Instead of yapping that same old "what conference is better" discussion, why don't we all just set back and watch the fireworks. And if you really break down the Pac-10 vs Big 10, it's VERY equal in regards to team by team talent. If you place OSU in the Pac-10 and remove USC, the Bucks would dominate. If you place USC in the Big 10 and remove OSU, USC would dominate. These programs mirror each other in nearly every way, except playing style. I am stoked and can't wait to watch this epic showdown.
3 months ago
Look the bottom line is if OSU can't get off in the running game then their passing game WILL NOT OPEN UP!!! They are a run first offense and that is not an easy task in the Coliseum, early in the year, against maybe the best linebacking corps in the country. OSU can not open the pass via the run, thats why they get spanked in NC games. They wont run on SC, and hence, they wont be able to pass. USC has a warm up against Virginia on the road for their first game. The same Virginia team that went 9-4 last year and only lost one game at home, minus Chris Long. OSU opens with powerhouse programs like Youngstown State and Ohio, both at home. So to say that USC might not GEL as quickly as OSU based on it being an early season game is just asinine.
Secondly, Sanchez is better than Booty and has been for about 2 years. Problem was, he had a few off field issues that somewhat burned him. From a talent standpoint, Steve Sarkisian was ready to start Sanchez over Booty 2 years ago but coach Carroll is extremely loyal to his senior players and those who have stuck with the program. Sanchez will be fine because he has a run game that will make that USC play action almost unstoppable.
As far as James Laurinaitis being a BEAST. Well USC has a way of making really good middle linebackers look really bad. Most of their run plays are stretch plays and that just sems to fed perfectly into the play action and bootleg rollouts. OSU has a stout defense, but I feel they will be tested and tested often.
As far as all the SEC/Pac-10/Big-10 talk and who is better. Who cares? It means zilch. This is USC and OSU. Possibly the two most successful programs since the turn of the century. Instead of yapping that same old "what conference is better" discussion, why don't we all just set back and watch the fireworks. And if you really break down the Pac-10 vs Big 10, it's VERY equal in regards to team by team talent. If you place OSU in the Pac-10 and remove USC, the Bucks would dominate. If you place USC in the Big 10 and remove OSU, USC would dominate. These programs mirror each other in nearly every way, except playing style. I am stoked and can't wait to watch this epic showdown.
3 months ago
Although I am a MICHIGAN fanatic, I think OSU will put up a very good fight in this game, and ultimately Beanie Wells will be too strong for the Trojan D.
3 months ago
Jay, put down the kool-aid and stop reciting what every other talking head has posted the past 2 years about OSU.
As for the game, it should be great, and yes, each team has a decent chance of winning. USC does have a great defense and will be playing at home. But the offense still has question marks with new personnel at key positions.
OSU returns 18 starters but maybe more important in a game like this, they return most of their two-deep players which IMHO, gives them a decided edge considering both teams will be extremely amped up. Let's also not forget that OSU also has a great defense and that USC does not run a spread offense that has caused OSU trouble the past 2 years.
As for the NC game, Wells DID have 146 yds on 20 carries. But after LSU's comeback and OSU's mistakes (turnovers and stupid penalties), running was less of an option.
And why must "you people" always bring up Illinois? Every team has trouble from time to time with a team of "lesser" ability. USC - Stanford, LSU - Arkansas/UK to mention 2 prominant teams from last year.
3 months ago
jamieson,
I don't understand your logic. First, you simply assume that a team returning all but one offensive lineman and the best running back in the country won't be able to establish the run.
Then you simply assume that USC's completely unproven backfield will be able to run the ball just fine against two All-American linebackers and a D-line that returns all but one starter.
Sounds a little hypocritical to me . . .
3 months ago
Just keep thinking that way USC fans. It's going to be a long day come September 14th with that attitude. The biggest worry I have is if OSU jumps out early and Tressel gets too conservative and lets USC stay in the game, like they did with Texas in the shoe.
“Plus, Ohio State just doesn't possess the speed and athleticism to compete with the SEC schools. USC is very much like an SEC school. They're overloaded with speed that will ultimately overwhelm the Buckeyes.” And “Coach Carroll relishes a challenge and gets excited to play against great offensive minds like Coach Tedford of Cal and Charlie Weis of Notre Dame.” First, this is just plain stupid to think OSU as no speed and athleticism. Second, Weis is even more overrated than USC. Cal and Notre Dame don't come close to having the talent Tressel has at OSU.
OSU 28
USC 17
3 months ago
It will all have to be settled on the field - USC's weakest spot is an untried quarterback and a new offensive line. It will come down to whether or not OSU's defense can exploit that weakness faster than USC's defense swarms OSU's offense - this will be evident in the number of turnovers. The team with the fewest turnovers will likely win - Sanchez's likelihood to throw interceptions under pressure versus USC's outstanding defense. Should be an interesting game - two great teams slugging it out in one of the best matchups of the 2008 season. I plan to be at the game rooting on USC, but have the utmost respect for OSU's very experienced team. Fight On!
3 months ago
I stopped reading after the auther tried to justify how USC's running backs might be on the same level as Chris Wells
3 months ago
All I have to say is stupid people say stupid thing, and smart people out smart each other. Both teams are great, but I have USC as the Winner.
USC - 35
OSU - 21
about 1 month ago
Way to go jamieson on your insightful comment that although OSU is starting the season against Youngstown and Ohio University, USC us starting it's season against Virginia, who was 9-4 last season in the ACC. Whoopee. Look at who Virginia beat last year to get to 9 wins. Only 3 of their victories came against teams that had winning records last year. Two of their 4 losses came against 5-7 teams Wyoming (should I be impressed) and NC State. And not only is the game between USC and OSU on USC turf, USC has two weeks to prepare. If this is a no brainer win for USC, why not schedule a game on September 6th. In fact, during the course of USC's season, they have more than 7 days to prepare for their upcoming opponent.
8-30 - Virginia then 2 weeks off
9-13 - Ohio State then 11 days off
9-25 - Oregon State, then 9 days off
11-15 Stanford, then 2 weeks off.
Man - Ohio State starts their schedule and they play EVERY WEEK, no bi-weeks or extended weeks. No extra time for the injuries to heal. You play with what you got. Kudos to USC for the brain children that to their scheduling. They schedule extra time between all their opponents with winning records, and of their last 7 opponents this season, only one has a winning record, and that is just barely (California at 7-6, but they were only 3-6 in the Pac 10). Talk about a team with an easy schedule. If they make it through the first 5 games, they should be able to coast to a PAC 10 title.
about 1 month ago
My bad. OSU does have a week off between Penn State and Northwestern, but that's after playing 9 straight Saturdays. USC's opponents overall record last year = 82-70, with only 4 regular season opponents with winning records, then throw in a fifth with the win over Illinois in their bowl game. OSU's opponents this year were 90-60 overall last year. Of all of Ohio State's combatents this year, ONLY the Minnesota Golden Gophers finished with a sub .500 reocrd.
I'm also sick of all you who keep saying the Big 10 is weak. Last year EVERY Big10 Team except Minnesota finished the season .500 or better. Name me one other conference in America that can boast only 1 team under .500. Sorry - You can't do it, unless you want to count the 1-AA 4 Team Independents. Can't see that that should really be considered a conference.
Division 1 - A
ACC 5 of 12 under.500
Big East 2 of 8
Conf USA 6 of 12
Big 12 5 of 12
Independents 2 of 4
Pac 10 5 of 10 were under .500
Sunbelt 5 of 8
WAC 6 of 9
MAC 9 of 13
Mountain West 4 of 9
SEC 2 of 12
1 - AA
Big Sky 5 of 9
CAA 5 of 12
Big South 4 of 5
Great West 2 of 5
Ivy League 5 of 8
MEAC 5 of 10
MAAC 2 of 4
Missouri Valley 2 of 7
Ohio Valley 6 of 10
Pioneer 3 of 8
Southland 4 of 8
Northeast 4 of 7
Patriot 3 of 7
Southern 2 of 8
SWAC 5 of 10
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