Ohio State Hopes To Erase The Memories Of Big Game Busts

   On Saturday night the Ohio State Buckeyes have a chance to silence their critics and catapult their program back into college football relevance when they take the field against the third ranked USC Trojans. A victory at home against USC will move Ohio State one step closer to erasing the painful memories of recent big game failures.

   In 2006 the Buckeyes were gator rolled 41-14 by Florida in the national title game. A year later they limped out of New Orleans, tails planted firmly between their legs, after being stomped 38-24 by LSU in the national finale. And an early season pounding by USC, 35-3 and a Fiesta Bowl flop to Texas, left many media critics wondering, "will Ohio State every win another big game?"

   This past Saturday a near collapse to 21-point under dog Navy stoked the fire of another national media storm. The critics have been hitting the air waves and cyber space in full force since the Buckeyes nearly blew a 29-14 lead with 6 1/2 minutes to play. Jim Tressels' team held onto to win the game but not the hearts of critics across the country.

   The powerful Trojans storm into Ohio riding the momentum of a 56-3 drubbing of San Jose St, which included 621 yards of total offense. True Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley completed 15 of 19 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.

  If the Ohio State defense hopes to slow Barkley and the USC offense down they must do a better job then they did against Navy were they gave up 342 yards including 19 first downs.

  Ohio State players believe a victory against the Trojans is the key to changing their recent reputation as big game "chokers." "It would definitely help us out." said tailback Dan "Boom" Herron. It certainly wouldn't hurt but that's a task easier said then done.