Let me introduce you to Larry Tashjian and Roy Manukyan, two true-blooded USC football fans. Larry is a USC graduate that graduated in 1976 and has been a long-time Trojan ticket-holder and large supporter. Roy is a Los Angeles native and current USC student, experiencing the here-and-now of Trojan football.
I’ve asked the two of them a few questions regarding the up-coming game and here is what they had to say.
What do you think is going to be USC’s greatest strength against OSU?
LT: I don’t know a lot about OSU defense but our offense will be major strength. Mark Sanchez, our quarterback, is seasoned and ready to go. Joe McKnight, one of our running backs, was compared last year to Reggie Bush. Our receiver core is considerably stronger than last year. There will be some exciting plays on offense.
RM: Defense, defense, defense. If Ohio State even wants a chance of winning this game, they are going to have to get through the best linebacker corps in the nation, not to mention a freakishly athletic secondary. In their opening game, USC showcased their defensive talent by holding Virginia to a paltry 32 yards of rushing offense. I don't care who Ohio State puts in at running back, they are going to have a tough time getting through the rock solid USC linebackers.
What do you think is going to be USC’s greatest weakness against OSU?
LT: I really don’t think we have any weakness except the kids believing too much of the hype, especially after last weekend where OSU did not look that great against Ohio.
RM: Underestimation. After seeing Ohio State stumble against Ohio last week, USC has to be careful not to let their guards down. Also, many claim that USC has a weak offensive line. Although they performed adequately against Virginia, it's difficult to gauge whether they did a good job or if Virginia's defensive line just isn't very good.
What scares you most about OSU?
LT:
5 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
BabyTate 9 months ago
This is the best article of the day. I wish more folks would work on attempting to interview outside sources.
Here goes my vote, POTD.
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JR Seau 9 months ago
Here ya go another outside interview... OHIO ST. They have lost all meaningful big games since Miami in the Championship.. In which they really lost!!! Bad Refs got payed off by OHIO Natives.. Also i wouldnt consider Michigan a meaningful win.. They have been abismal the last coupld of years..
USC wins and Covers the spread....
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Molly Gray 9 months ago
Hey thanks for the input JR, but I'd be careful before you go accusing Ohioans of paying off refs, it might have been 2002 but do you really think the NCAA or anyone for that matter, wouldn't find out about that? It's the national championship, I'm sure they get the good refs for those games, the ones that wouldn't take a bribe.
And as for Michigan, they've been in a bowl game every year since 1997 with four rose bowls, an orange bowl and three citrus bowls. As well, they beat the Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators last year in the Capital One Bowl who were ranked No. 9 when the AP Poll came out on Dec. 2, 2008. I guess if that's what you call abysmal, you're dead on, but I don't think that most people would agree with your assessment.
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Dan Boss 9 months ago
LT doesn't know a lot about OSU's defense but predicted Mark Sanchez to be seasoned and ready to go (one start this season besides filling in for Booty during his injury) after playing well against a decent at best Virginia team and then a bye week. He isn't quite seasoned yet, but is a good QB. He hasn't faced a challenge like this in his career. If USC wins behind his performance, then we may label him as seasoned. Until then, if you don't know about an opponents defense, don't predict an offensive showcase by your team.
Great article Molly, time to interview some OSU fans :)
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Scott Pusich 9 months ago
Good work, getting the views of other fans, and especially contrasting an "old school" fan (older than me, even) with a "new school" (i.e. current student) fan.
You're going to have quite the busy weekend, I take it... being from L.A. and being a student at OSU!
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