#3 USC at #7 Ohio St

[Hawkeye]

Expect a better game than last year.

[The Gopher]

I really wish i could watch this game... but i work saturday nights...

I'm predicting an upset with Ohio State bouncing back after the poor showing against navy. I base this off absolutely nothing other than a gut feeling :)

[OSU8085]

I really wish i could watch this game... but i work saturday nights...

I'm predicting an upset with Ohio State bouncing back after the poor showing against navy. I base this off absolutely nothing other than a gut feeling :)
Nah I'm pretty sure you are also predicting it based on your love for the Big Ten.

I meanwhile I have no such connections when I pick USC to win ;).

Seriously though I think the SC oline will be far too much for Ohio State to handle

[MarvinMartian]

If the real OSU defense shows up, it'll be a close game.

If the same team that played Navy shows up, USC wins going away, freshman QB or not,lol.

[GatorsRock]

The only reason why I say USC doesn't win big is because they have a freshman QB in his first real test of his career and it's in the Horseshoe. I'll go with USC 31 Ohio State 20.

[l.a. no-teamers]

The only reason why I say USC doesn't win big is because they have a freshman QB in his first real test of his career and it's in the Horseshoe. I'll go with USC 31 Ohio State 20.

I highly doubt SC's defense will give up 20 points. I might be wrong, but I really really doubt it. The only way they give up that many points is if Barkley throws a couple of pick 6's, or the offense puts the defense in terrible field position all game.

SC is going to dominate on the ground like they did last year. SC returns their Oline from last year, and OSU returns their Dline from last year. So we're going to see the same matchups, and we will likely see the same result. The game will be low scoring early, and SC will wear down that OSU defense and blow it open early 3rd quarter.

[MarvinMartian]

Well, if the OSU offense is as good as I thought they would be this year with Pryor, I could easily see them getting 20+ points...of course if that defense gives up 30+ it won't matter.

I want to see that SC defense against some quality opponents before saying they won't be giving up 20+.

[GatorsRock]

I highly doubt SC's defense will give up 20 points. I might be wrong, but I really really doubt it. The only way they give up that many points is if Barkley throws a couple of pick 6's, or the offense puts the defense in terrible field position all game.

SC is going to dominate on the ground like they did last year. SC returns their Oline from last year, and OSU returns their Dline from last year. So we're going to see the same matchups, and we will likely see the same result. The game will be low scoring early, and SC will wear down that OSU defense and blow it open early 3rd quarter.

It's a fairly inexperienced defense playing their first HUGE game as starters. I expect Terrell Pryor to make some plays by himself now that he's much more comfortable then he was last year. I know it's different situations and none of the players are the same, but visions of an agile QB like Vince Young stay in my mind against USC. Pryor is no VY right now, but I think he can make a couple of similar plays based on his athleticism. I also think Barkley makes at least 1 turnover that gives Ohio State a short field. I contemplated making it even higher scoring for both teams, something like 42-27.

[l.a. no-teamers]

It's a fairly inexperienced defense playing their first HUGE game as starters. I expect Terrell Pryor to make some plays by himself now that he's much more comfortable then he was last year. I know it's different situations and none of the players are the same, but visions of an agile QB like Vince Young stay in my mind against USC. Pryor is no VY right now, but I think he can make a couple of similar plays based on his athleticism. I also think Barkley makes at least 1 turnover that gives Ohio State a short field. I contemplated making it even higher scoring for both teams, something like 42-27.

SC's scheme has changed quite a bit since VY, adjusting to counter scrambling QBs, it's comparing apples to oranges. You could ask Juice Williams if you like. I remember all those 'visions of Vince Young' right before he faced the Trojans, and he ended up with 15 carries for negative 19 yards... besides, that defense 4 years ago had terrible personnel, they are the same unit that gave up like 40 points to Fresno St a couple weeks before they ran into VY. This is a whole different defense this year, these guys are very good.

Saying SC's defense is inexperienced is generalizing the whole unit. SC's front 7 is young - yes, but they are faster as well. Ohio St's biggest weakness is their O-line , so I dont think there will be an advantage up front, inexperience or not. Their secondary however, is a veteran laden secondary (3 seniors). Ohio St will need to be able to throw the ball to beat the Trojans, and I just don't think Pryor is ready to do it against this Trojan secondary.

27 points is just ridiculous ...

[MarvinMartian]

Umm...Juice Williams ain't Vince Young either, l.a.


Point is, that's a relatviely young defense, faster or not, going against a pretty experienced Ohio ST team that's at home, will be fired up, and is definately good enough to break 20 points.

Faster is nice, but experience is better, especially if they are overruning their lanes, and not keeping containment of Pryor, which I think will be hard to do.

I think 27 points was being quite fair to the USC defense considering the quality of their opponent.

And I'm still picking SC for the win, because I'm not sold on this year's buckeye's defense as of yet.

BTW, that USC defense of 4 years ago was chock full of NFL talent wasn't it? It's nuts to say they were terrible personell, LMFAO.

[GatorsRock]

SC's scheme has changed quite a bit since VY, adjusting to counter scrambling QBs, it's comparing apples to oranges. You could ask Juice Williams if you like. I remember all those 'visions of Vince Young' right before he faced the Trojans, and he ended up with 15 carries for negative 19 yards... besides, that defense 4 years ago had terrible personnel, they are the same unit that gave up like 40 points to Fresno St a couple weeks before they ran into VY. This is a whole different defense this year, these guys are very good.

Saying SC's defense is inexperienced is generalizing the whole unit. SC's front 7 is young - yes, but they are faster as well. Ohio St's biggest weakness is their O-line , so I dont think there will be an advantage up front, inexperience or not. Their secondary however, is a veteran laden secondary (3 seniors). Ohio St will need to be able to throw the ball to beat the Trojans, and I just don't think Pryor is ready to do it against this Trojan secondary.

27 points is just ridiculous ...

Understood about the difference. I didn't realize the secondary was as senior laden as it was. I knew Taylor Mays obviously, but not the rest. Good defensive breakdown with the front 7 being more inexperienced compared to the secondary.

Juice Williams team wasn't anywhere near as talented as the Buckeyes is now, plus his coach is one of the worst big game coaches. He's no Terrell Pryor at all. Look at his performance against Missouri last week....

I'm actually expecting this to be a fairly sloppy game both ways. I'm expecting at least 2 turnovers from each QB and some scoring opportunities off of turnovers. Plus like I said, I expect Terrell Pryor to show flashes and make some unbelievably athletic plays in his first game of this magnitude of the season. 14 points from the Ohio State offense and 6-7 points off of a short field, I don't think is as ridiculous as you think.

[Chris Raiden]

vBookie event is posted. Good luck fellas.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Umm...Juice Williams ain't Vince Young either, l.a.

And Pryor is?



BTW, that USC defense of 4 years ago was chock full of NFL talent wasn't it? It's nuts to say they were terrible personell, LMFAO.

No it wasn't. It's more nuts to say they were good. They gave up 42 points to Fresno freakin' St.

Their starters? Besides Lawrence Jackson and Keith Rivers (who was a first year starter), who exactly is 'NFL Talent' ? .. To compare that defense to the one this year, now that's a LMFAO moment.

DT Manual Wright
DT LaJuan Ramsey
DE Frostee Rucker
DE Lawrence Jackson

LB Dallas Sartz
LB Oscar Lua
LB Keith Rivers

S Darnell Bing
S Scott Ware

CB Justin Wyatt
CB Terrell Thomas

[l.a. no-teamers]

Understood about the difference. I didn't realize the secondary was as senior laden as it was. I knew Taylor Mays obviously, but not the rest. Good defensive breakdown with the front 7 being more inexperienced compared to the secondary.

Juice Williams team wasn't anywhere near as talented as the Buckeyes is now, plus his coach is one of the worst big game coaches. He's no Terrell Pryor at all. Look at his performance against Missouri last week....

I'm actually expecting this to be a fairly sloppy game both ways. I'm expecting at least 2 turnovers from each QB and some scoring opportunities off of turnovers. Plus like I said, I expect Terrell Pryor to show flashes and make some unbelievably athletic plays in his first game of this magnitude of the season. 14 points from the Ohio State offense and 6-7 points off of a short field, I don't think is as ridiculous as you think.

I said 27 points is ridiculous... 20 points is only very unlikely.

[OSU8085]

I see something in the range of 20-7 or 27-10 or so. I realize the spread is really -7 (with 3 points going for the home team to make it -4) but damn if I weren't too lazy to bet I would take that. I don't think there's a chance usc doesn't cover that

[MarvinMartian]

And Pryor is?




No it wasn't. It's more nuts to say they were good. They gave up 42 points to Fresno freakin' St.

Their starters? Besides Lawrence Jackson and Keith Rivers (who was a first year starter), who exactly is 'NFL Talent' ? .. To compare that defense to the one this year, now that's a LMFAO moment.

DT Manual Wright
DT LaJuan Ramsey
DE Frostee Rucker
DE Lawrence Jackson

LB Dallas Sartz
LB Oscar Lua
LB Keith Rivers

S Darnell Bing
S Scott Ware

CB Justin Wyatt
CB Terrell Thomas

Pretty sure Darnell Bing is on an NFL roster, maybe a starter.

Having 3 of your starters go on to start in the NFL is pretty darn good isn't it?


And of course Pryor isn't Vince Young, but he's better than Juice already IMO.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Pretty sure Darnell Bing is on an NFL roster, maybe a starter.

Having 3 of your starters go on to start in the NFL is pretty darn good isn't it?


And of course Pryor isn't Vince Young, but he's better than Juice already IMO.

Bing is terrible, he's been on 4 different teams and as far as I know, has yet to play a meaningful down in the NFL, let alone start.

[Sascha]

I highly doubt SC's defense will give up 20 points. I might be wrong, but I really really doubt it. The only way they give up that many points is if Barkley throws a couple of pick 6's, or the offense puts the defense in terrible field position all game.

You know it was merely a week ago someone "highly doubted" that NAvy would score points on Ohio State (Raiden), so don't count your chickens.


And Pryor is?

No, I think he'll be better.


I liked when Pryor was in the game last year, it made Ohio State look a lot more dangerous, then without him. With this being his team completely now, and it being in Ohio, with a team that wants to prove the Navy game was a fluke, and I'm going to go on the limb, and pick the Buckeyes to win this game.

31-21

[MarvinMartian]

Slow your horsers ruuudi, Pryor has a LONG way to go before even being compared to Vince, lol.

[Sascha]

Slow your horsers ruuudi, Pryor has a LONG way to go before even being compared to Vince, lol.


That's why I said that he'll be better, not is better.

[OSU8085]

I don't think he'll be close to as good as Vince was.

Are you guys really arguing about USC's defense in that 05 rose bowl? It was awful, hence why carroll made sure its been elite ever since

[l.a. no-teamers]

You know it was merely a week ago someone "highly doubted" that NAvy would score points on Ohio State (Raiden), so don't count your chickens.

What does RD's poor prediction have to do with me? That's a serious question too! I was the one that predicted SC would beat Ohio St by multiple scores last year! (I put my money where my mouth was too ... in Vegas).. Perhaps that's a more relevant reference point??

I dont think Ohio St will put it in the endzone more than once. Their offensive line isn't good enough to take advantage of SC's inexperienced front 7, and Pryor - as good as he is - isn't a good enough passer yet to carry an offense through the air, especially against a very skilled and experienced secondary.

And as I keep harping on, Ohio St returns their defensive line. USC returns their offensive line. These are the same guys as last year, the same matchups up front, which resulted in a very one sided destruction. Even if SC's offensive line somehow didn't improve at all from last year (which is hard to believe given 13 more games of experience), and Ohio St's d line improved a reasonable amount, that would still not be close to closing the gap there.

I have yet to hear any argument with substance on why Ohio St will win this game, other than 'gut.' 'Gut' picks = picks without rationale = irrational picks


Are you guys really arguing about USC's defense in that 05 rose bowl? It was awful, hence why carroll made sure its been elite ever since

I dont get it either.

Carroll in regards to the matter almost half a decade ago


"We've come so much further scheme-wise in that time," Carroll said. "We've changed so much over the years. We had to adjust

Stopping run USC's Pryor-ity - LA Daily News (http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_13284691)

[Chris Raiden]

And as I keep harping on, Ohio St returns their defensive line. USC returns their offensive line. These are the same guys as last year, the same matchups up front, which resulted in a very one sided destruction.

You're partly wrong here. The defensive line that went up against your fellas last season isn't the same one USC will face this weekend.

Starting personnel are not the same this year. Thad Gibson, then in his second game at defensive end (he'd been a linebacker the year before), was a backup. This year, he's the starter and a junior with more experience at defensive end. The tackle rotation's lost a man, but the same three guys (Denlinger, Worthington, and Larrimore) should get the bulk of the snaps there.

Nathan Williams is now the top backup at defensive end, and Lawrence Wilson (coming off an ACL tear that ended last season) is the other backup. He was one of the starters last year.

So yeah, pretty much other than the loss of Nader Abdallah, same personnel, much more experience, and in the case of Thad Gibson, a guy who is much more talented than the guy he replaced in the starting lineup.

Realistically, this is more the line that harassed the heck out of Colt McCoy in the Fiesta Bowl and sacked him four times than the line that got crushed by USC last season.

[MarvinMartian]

^Nice shot on Texas and Colt Raiden...but Texas still got the win, lol.

[Chris Raiden]

^Nice shot on Texas and Colt Raiden...but Texas still got the win, lol.

Yes, but they didn't dominate the game, and it was a very close one that was in doubt for Texas until Anderson Russell (see my elated post in the Big Ten forum on him being benched for this game) went for a pick instead of a tackle with 16 seconds left.

Trust me, it's etched in my mind. I remember it like it was yesterday.

It's not intended as a shot on Texas Marv, it's a credit to an improving Ohio State defensive line.

[MarvinMartian]

Yeah, I was very surprised Ohio ST showed up like that, and lead me to believe that that was a MUCH better team at the end of the season, than at the beginning when they were throttled by USC, lol.

[Chris Raiden]

Yeah, I was very surprised Ohio ST showed up like that, and lead me to believe that that was a MUCH better team at the end of the season, than at the beginning when they were throttled by USC, lol.

And LA's argument (if I'm reading it correctly) is that it's roughly the same team that did get throttled by USC.

It's not. It's an improved one in terms of the defensive line that was much maligned (and rightfully so) at the beginning of last season.

That said, the linebackers are green behind the ears, the secondary is replacing two pro caliber corners with one pro caliber corner and one unknown (to the point where gun to my head I can't name the starter opposite Chekwa right now, and I look it up and it's Andre Amos or Devon Torrence), and the safeties are now better than the pair that got torched by Texas, namely because the guy who got torched (have I harped on this one enough?) on the last play of the Texas game was benched this week in favor of Jermale Hines, who, while a 4.6 guy, is better in coverage and would play the man, not the ball, thus saving both the tackle against Texas and the tackle against Navy on the 85 yard touchdown pass that changed the game.

The touchdown pass came right after the botched fourth and short by the by. The fourth and short where Tressel would have kicked the field goal if he felt he wouldn't have been embarrassing Navy by going up three scores.

I digress. And yes, I'm believing that explanation for my sanity (plus Sweatervest is a very honorable man and it does fit his character).

Where was I again?

[OSU8085]

difference that I see between texas and usc....mccoy was texas' leading rusher....while usc has three guys who could start (and more). The USC offensive line is scary good and in my opinion the best in the nation.

Ohio State has to hope Barkley keeps the offense inconsistent while hoping to score early on the Trojans.

[l.a. no-teamers]

And LA's argument (if I'm reading it correctly) is that it's roughly the same team that did get throttled by USC.

It's not. It's an improved one in terms of the defensive line that was much maligned (and rightfully so) at the beginning of last season.


The much improved line that Navy worked over last week?

I dont think you understand. The trojans have arguably the BEST offensive line in the entire nation. I don't doubt that Ohio St's D line may have improved with a years experience, but that gap in talent and skill is too great to close, especially when the Trojan O line has improved in that same period as well

Here is a video from last week's game... please watch the run by Marc Tyler at the 1:18 mark... nevermind the opponent, nevermind Tyler himself, just look at where these big lineman are in relation to the field. This is without Kris O'dowd, the best lineman of them all... they're all sprinting 30-40 yards downfield until the end of the play. Hell, they all sprinted ran past Tyler as he was crossing the grain. Even the clip before on McKnight's TD, you see all of them running downfield with him. These guys are very special ..

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[Chris Raiden]

The much improved line that Navy worked over last week?


You're completely discounting the blocking scheme there. It was a triple option attack, which means, cut blocks, which means, linemen trying to get through the week healthy without getting their knees chopped out from under them and ending up with a medical redshirt for their trouble.

Same concept as all those linemen in the pros who HATED going up against the Broncos' zone blocking scheme. It puts you on your heals.

When they had the freedom to attack, they were effective. When they were on their heals and attempting to protect their legs, they were ineffective. Plain and simple.

Even with all that, Navy only put up 4.2 yards per carry on the ground. Not great, but not horrible either.


I dont think you understand. The trojans have arguably the BEST offensive line in the entire nation. I don't doubt that Ohio St's D line may have improved with a years experience, but that gap in talent and skill is too great to close, especially when the Trojan O line has improved in that same period as well

I get that, but you discount just as easily that Ohio State's line has improved. You're just as guilty here as I am if I am in fact guilty of overlooking this.

And nothing's too great to close, especially with a cocky freshman quarterback playing behind them in a hostile environment. Take his feelings he's showing right now for all you want, the fact of the matter is neither of us (or anyone for that matter) can say with any certainty that the first third and long Barkley faces where he's under pressure to make a play to continue a drive in a crowd of 100,000+ Buckeye fans screaming at the top of their lungs in his general direction, he's going to hold up or crack under that pressure. Lines can only block for so long before someone gets free and lays out a quarterback if he holds the ball too long.

[l.a. no-teamers]

You're completely discounting the blocking scheme there. It was a triple option attack, which means, cut blocks, which means, linemen trying to get through the week healthy without getting their knees chopped out from under them and ending up with a medical redshirt for their trouble.

That's a cop out IMO. It's similar to what he heard last year when Ohio St struggled in their opening game prior to the SC game. A million reasons why they didn't perform, and not shockingly, they didn't perform again. If they are trying playing not to get hurt, then further advantage SC.


I get that, but you discount just as easily that Ohio State's line has improved. You're just as guilty here as I am if I am in fact guilty of overlooking this.

And nothing's too great to close, especially with a cocky freshman quarterback playing behind them in a hostile environment. Take his feelings he's showing right now for all you want, the fact of the matter is neither of us (or anyone for that matter) can say with any certainty that the first third and long Barkley faces where he's under pressure to make a play to continue a drive in a crowd of 100,000+ Buckeye fans screaming at the top of their lungs in his general direction, he's going to hold up or crack under that pressure. Lines can only block for so long before someone gets free and lays out a quarterback if he holds the ball too long.

How am I discounting it when I mentioned it like 3 times in this thread. Their line was dominated last year, they face the same group this year. It's not like OSU lineman had 12 months to improve, and the SC lineman were frozen in time! That's just not reality.

If Barkley under performs, it definitely will not be because of the O line. It will be because of Barkley himself. But I dont think it will come down to that. I think SC wins if Barkley struggles, they embarrass them if he plays well

[Chris Raiden]

That's a cop out IMO. It's similar to what he heard last year when Ohio St struggled in their opening game prior to the SC game. A million reasons why they didn't perform, and not shockingly, they didn't perform again. If they are trying playing not to get hurt, then further advantage SC.

There's a big difference between playing to not get hurt (even if it's in the back of your mind) against guys that are dropping down trying to chop your legs out from under you on every play to playing against guys who aren't doing it on every play. Big difference there you're missing.

Harshest cut - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_475846.html)

There's one of many articles on it. USC's not planning on using it much Saturday right? If so, that'd be the first I'd heard of it, and would make this argument of trying to avoid injury relevant for this game.


How am I discounting it when I mentioned it like 3 times in this thread. Their line was dominated last year, they face the same group this year. It's not like OSU lineman had 12 months to improve, and the SC lineman were frozen in time! That's just not reality.

If Barkley under performs, it definitely will not be because of the O line. It will be because of Barkley himself.

Game group with new backups, a starting end who isn't a completely inexperienced second game at the position sophomore, and guys who are now a year older and more mature?

Yeah, you're still dismissing it. Both teams have had equal time to improve, this is true, however, USC with a better starting point had less room to improve, and OSU with a complete crap starting point had a lot further to go and more room to improve, thus narrowing the gap a bit.

And yeah, these guys could be great, but they're also (if I'm reading you correctly) the very same group that managed 1.7 yards per carry against Penn State in January. It can be done apparently, regardless of how great these guys are.

[l.a. no-teamers]

There's a big difference between playing to not get hurt (even if it's in the back of your mind) against guys that are dropping down trying to chop your legs out from under you on every play to playing against guys who aren't doing it on every play. Big difference there you're missing.

Harshest cut - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_475846.html)

There's one of many articles on it. USC's not planning on using it much Saturday right? If so, that'd be the first I'd heard of it, and would make this argument of trying to avoid injury relevant for this game.



Game group with new backups, a starting end who isn't a completely inexperienced second game at the position sophomore, and guys who are now a year older and more mature?

Yeah, you're still dismissing it. Both teams have had equal time to improve, this is true, however, USC with a better starting point had less room to improve, and OSU with a complete crap starting point had a lot further to go and more room to improve, thus narrowing the gap a bit.


SC having a better starting point is interesting, considering they ran FOUR spankin' new starters out last year versus the Buckeyes. Those guys were extremely inexperienced. Capping their ceiling after two games is quite extreme and wishful thinking



And yeah, these guys could be great, but they're also (if I'm reading you correctly) the very same group that managed 1.7 yards per carry against Penn State in January. It can be done apparently, regardless of how great these guys are.

I can tell you didn't really watch the Rose Bowl, you're just looking at the boxscore. Let me brief you.

1) You included a special teams snap that went over the punter's head in your yards per carry, which was like a 40 yard loss. Very nice to include to support your argument, but very misleading . I'd hardly blame the Oline, when it happened on special teams, and it was a bad snap. I think we could agree on that

2) This is the big one ... Yes, the O-line utterly dominated Penn St's defensive line. Stats or no stats. 31 points in the 1st half, a USC Rosebowl record. Only two plays went for negative yardage in that half. A bunch of dive plays in the second half with a big lead .... You might want to pop in the tape for that one

[Hawkeye]

Gosh it's hot in here. :D

What do we know? USC returns a very good O line and deep group of RBs as well as some good WRs. The defense only returns like three starters from last year.

OSU returns three starters on offense (three of them on the O line). Questions at RB (not sold on Herron) and youth at WR. Seven starters on the defense (four up front and three on the back end, but Russell was demoted).

That may look like an obvious mismatch, but you can't discount the youth factor of Barkley in a hostile environment nor the improvement of Terrelle Pryor.

I don't agree with RD that USC has less of a ceiling for improvement than OSU does, BUT........how do you know what to work on (if you're SC) after a total domination like last year? USC comes in planning to do what worked well last time. OSU had several areas for improvement. It basically comes down to whether or not Tressell can make the necessary adjustments from last year to bridge the gap.

I think that Pryor's danger as a runner makes OSU more dangerous than last year now that he has a year under his belt. The Shoe is also not a great place to play. I like OSU in a slight upset for those reasons. No.....that's not a Big 10 homer pick either. If you remember last summer, I liked OSU to beat USC in LA, but in the weeks leading up to the game, I changed my mind and went USC by +17. I would take USC again this year......if Sanchez was playing. I don't think the youth of Barkley can be discounted though.

[OSU8085]

I don't agree with RD that USC has less of a ceiling for improvement than OSU does, BUT........how do you know what to work on (if you're SC) after a total domination like last year? USC comes in planning to do what worked well last time. OSU had several areas for improvement. It basically comes down to whether or not Tressell can make the necessary adjustments from last year to bridge the gap.
If thats the question then I have to wonder when the last time Tressel had his team fully ready to go for a big game....I guess they played alright in the home loss to penn state last year but I felt they had more talent last year and they certainly played above expectations in the fiesta bowl but still lost....the last time I can think of for a win was that win over #2 michigan from like 2006. Lets see when was the last time carroll had his team ready...hmm...

So if it really comes down to tressel's adjustments...I'm picking carrol and the trojans

As far as the true freshman thing, I think everyone is making way too big a deal about that. And I realize Pryor is at home, but he is just a sophomore...a true sophomore...he is not so experienced that he won't make a mistake (kevin riley was the same age when he ****ed up against my beavs at home). With barkley's line, barkley's backs and a solid recieving corps I think the offense will be plenty good. Its the ohio state offense vs the usc defense that is the matchup to watch in my mind.

[OSU8085]

obviously it'll depend on how each team looks on national tv....but if ohio state wins, where are they ranked? Do they move ahead of texas as best chance (not in rankings just likelihood) to face florida seeing that Ohio state is less likely to lose to penn state as texas is to lose to ou and ok state?

[l.a. no-teamers]

It was the same argument we heard about Sanchez last year - the experience factor. Obviously this is a different situation, in that it's a road game and Barkley is a true freshman, but I think Barkley's inexperience will make it a solid road win, as opposed to a blowout road win.

I think Barkley will take a couple of bad sacks, probably throw a pick, but McKnight will come up huge and the defense will shut down the Buckeye offense. I expect the final score to be something like 24-13 Trojans, with most of the scoring in the 2nd and 3rd quarters ...

[l.a. no-teamers]

Marc Tyler is out with a sprained toe. Kris Odowd, USC's best O lineman, will start and make his season debut.

I was looking forward to Tyler, but he can't avoid the injury bug it seems. I think we'll see a lot of Allan Bradford, who I'm not a big fan of.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Not to sound like a complete A hole, but if your dream since entering high school is to be the one that dots the I in ohio st's band's formation .. well . okay, im not going to be an a hole

[Chris Raiden]

Not to sound like a complete A hole, but if your dream since entering high school is to be the one that dots the I in ohio st's band's formation .. well . okay, im not going to be an a hole

Don't rip on dotting the I, you clearly don't get it.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Don't rip on dotting the I, you clearly don't get it.

you're right .. I dont .

[Chris Raiden]

Dotting the I has been an Ohio State tradition since the Great Depression. It's an honor for a senior souzaphone player every home game, or rarely, a celebrity. Script Ohio is a big deal here in this state, to the point where a lot of high school bands replicate it (my alma mater included).

[l.a. no-teamers]

Taylor Mays looks HUGE standing there with the other guys with the coin toss

[Chris Raiden]

Good return on the opening kickoff by LaMarr Thomas. Terrelle Pryor's got the ball.

[Chris Raiden]

Terrelle failed to read the linebacker, bad throw.

[GatorsRock]

Just like that USC is in business to strike first. Does Ohio State have the mental aspect to not look at this and go "not again".

[l.a. no-teamers]

My heart skipped two beats when Barkley threw that ball .. wow, that was too close for comfort

[Chris Raiden]

YEAH BRIAN ROLLE!!!

[Chris Raiden]

Good call by Carroll there.

[GatorsRock]

Went for it on 4th and goal and converted. 7-0 USC. Agreed with the announcers that OSU has that "not this again" mentality. You hate to say a possession is huge at this stage in the game, but Ohio State has to get points on this drive.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Havali missed a block on that 3rd down play .. he's got to keep his eyes open and not just block air and fall down

[GatorsRock]

Big time play there by Pryor to get some confidence to push it inside the 3.

[Chris Raiden]

TOUCHDOWN DANNY HERRON!!!

Oh yes, BOOM!

[GatorsRock]

That was a huge statement drive for the Buckeyes to take the momentum. 7-7, but play is under review and it looks like he's short.

[GatorsRock]

Probably not enough evidence. Ruled a TD. 7-7.

[l.a. no-teamers]

that was a big drive by OSU ..

Now we'll get a good look at SC's offense outside of the 2 TE set they ran at the goal line.

[l.a. no-teamers]

everytime I see McKnight with the ball all I can think is ... don't fumble!

[Chris Raiden]

Hey, the freshman looked like a freshman there.

[Chris Raiden]

Good decision by Pryor to throw it away there.

[GatorsRock]

OSU starts with great field position after the short punt. They are around the USC 40.

[Chris Raiden]

Ohio State defense looking good when they're not up against their own goalline.

[Chris Raiden]

Taylor Mays is hurting. Not good.

[l.a. no-teamers]

ahhh mann...

[l.a. no-teamers]

they really need mays in there .. people don't throw floaters in the middle of the secondary with mays there without WRs getting decapitated...

[GatorsRock]

You gotta go for this. Bring Pryor off on the bootleg run/throw option like the first down play.

[GatorsRock]

Very dumb decision, IMO. If you miss, you have a freshman QB at the 1 yard line that is struggling right now. 10-7 Ohio State.

[Chris Raiden]

Take the field goal and the points, I disagree with the decision, but after last week, can't blame him at all.

[Chris Raiden]

ROSS HOMAN!!!

The one returning starter at linebacker makes a BIG play there.

[DWinsRespect]

Who was that d-bag who bumped Barkley as he was walking off of the field? Nimrod.

[GatorsRock]

This is a huge possession right here. OSU needs to keep USC off the board before the half.

[GatorsRock]

Wow, not enough leg from 44 as it hit the crossbar. Ohio State keeps the momentum and it looks like things may be going there way.

[GatorsRock]

Great play by Amos there to stop the TD. 4 secs left, you gotta kick the FG right?

[GatorsRock]

Uh oh, Barkley came alive on the last drive to tie the game 10-10. Big momentum boost for USC, especially since they get the ball to start the 2nd half.

[l.a. no-teamers]

A close game favors OSU .. their kicker can hit from 60 yards out .. SC's kicker can't even clear 44 yards .. so the Trojans really need to put some distance in the 3rd quarter or they will be in trouble..

Barkley needs to step up ... OSU is sending everyone down, and Barkley hasn't been able to stretch them back out and give the backs room.. The trojans lost 17 points on literally inches - Williams out of bounce on a TD, Auberry out of bounce on a TD, and the kicker hitting the goal post from being up .. so I think they'll be okay .. but they need Barkely to be better than he has. I also don't like the play calling. They typically get a ton of yards on screens to the backs and bubble screens to the WRs, but we haven't seen them run either .. not even ONCE! With a struggling QB, give him some easy throws!

[TAMC2011]

This is one of those games where I have no idea on who I want to win. It's just a great game and fun to watch. I love these big match ups.

[Chris Raiden]

SAFETY!!!

12-10 Buckeyes baby! Woooo!!1

[william00777]

And that's why so often it's better to be conservative. They could of gone for it on fourth and one. They miss it and USC has all the momentom and a short field they kick it and they get three and out 2pts and the ball back.

[Chris Raiden]

Good decision there. Shaky freshman quarterback, pin him back deep, let your defense go to work.

[GatorsRock]

What a perfectly thrown pass there by Pryor. Ohio State is inside the 25 now.

[GatorsRock]

Pryor to Saine is working really well. 3rd and goal from the 5, big time play here.

[Chris Raiden]

15-10 Buckeyes on the field goal. Good drive :)

[GatorsRock]

They at least got 3, but that was a missed opportunity to take a 2 possession lead and put even more pressure on the freshman. 15-10 OSU.

[GatorsRock]

Poor tackling there by the Buckeyes allowing McKnight to get a 20 yard 1st down after a holding penalty put the Trojans in a bad situation.

[GatorsRock]

Big momentum play here. 3rd and 8 for the Trojans.

[GatorsRock]

Great tackling there to put them just short right at the 50. Carroll's got balls, do they go for it here?

[GatorsRock]

The Trojans say yes and Barkley QB sneaked it for the first down.

[GatorsRock]

Barkley is wincing and Aaron Corp is warming up. Should be interesting what they choose to do on a big 3rd down here if Barkley is hurt.

[GatorsRock]

Short screen pass and the punt goes in the end zone. Buckeyes get the ball at the 20.

[GatorsRock]

Think Barkley stays in for the next possession?

[Chris Raiden]

15-10 Buckeyes entering the fourth quarter, this has been one heck of a game thus far.

[GatorsRock]

With how well the Buckeyes have played minus the first 3 minutes of the game, they have to be uneasy that a TD would win it for the Trojans. They need to put some points on the board here to really put pressure on USC.

[Chris Raiden]

This is a key third down, pick it up, pressure's on USC with a bit of uncertainty at quarterback on the next drive.

[Chris Raiden]

Barkley's out on the field. He looks to be in a bit of pain.

[GatorsRock]

3rd and 9 at the 14. Barkley needs to make a play.

[GatorsRock]

Great job by OSU's defense to read the screen. Buckeyes with great field position.

[l.a. no-teamers]

They need to pull Barkley now .. it's obvious he's not ready ... they can't keep putting the defense on the wrong side of the field all game and expect them to hold every single time ...

[william00777]

That should of been a block either he was worried about roughing or just really miss read the kickers placement.

LA you saying pull barkley because of the injury or poor play? I didn't think the injury was the reason they went three and out. Looked like he had nothing to work with on that short drive.

[l.a. no-teamers]

That should of been a block either he was worried about roughing or just really miss read the kickers placement.

LA you saying pull barkley because of the injury or poor play? I didn't think the injury was the reason they went three and out. Looked like he had nothing to work with on that short drive.

poor play .. i said he's not ready yet

[william00777]

There's not a true freshman QB in the nation that would be ready for this. Away game at Ohio State?

Question if you pull him does it mess with his head? is the guy behind him any more ready? He would just be coming into this huge game that's a lot of pressure.

[l.a. no-teamers]

^they can worry about his psyche on Monday .. they need to move the chains now

[GatorsRock]

Disappointing play by Pryor there to get sacked and out of FG range.

[Chris Raiden]

It's the kid's game right now, you can't pull him unless he's hurt.

[l.a. no-teamers]

It's the kid's game right now, you can't pull him unless he's hurt.

Was it wrong of me that I hoped he was more seriously hurt than he was? Not like a serious injury, just serious enough to get pulled :(

[william00777]

Was it wrong of me that I hoped he was more seriously hurt than he was? Not like a serious injury, just serious enough to get pulled :(

lol yes it was

[l.a. no-teamers]

that was a sad attempt at blocking my McKnight

[GatorsRock]

Well so much for the USC's offensive line dominating Ohio State's DL again.

[GatorsRock]

2nd and 19, Barkely not helping himself at all.

[william00777]

that sure is a lot of red

[GatorsRock]

Big run by McKnight to make it 3rd and somewhat manageable 9.

[william00777]

big first down USC really needed that.

[GatorsRock]

McKnight is really coming alive on this drive. Big time play right there to give them some breathing room and at worst flip the field.

[GatorsRock]

Big catch by the TE holding on when he got sandwiched. USC is on the move.

[william00777]

great touch on that pass. Good protection on the last two plays.

[GatorsRock]

2 good plays there from the OSU D to make it 3rd and 10. Is this 2 possession territory right now?

[GatorsRock]

Williams is a yard short. I think that's a pretty generous spot for OSU. 4th and 1, they are gonna go for it. 3:38 left with the ball around the 27.

[GatorsRock]

Does Carroll put it in the hands of the true freshman on 4th and 1?

[GatorsRock]

Yep, another QB sneak and he gets the 1st down.

[l.a. no-teamers]

Barkley is going to throw a pick or take a bad sack .. i can feel it .... call me pessimistic

[GatorsRock]

This is Joe McKnight's coming out party. What a drive for him so far. Inside the 15 now with under 2 to play.

[GatorsRock]

McKnight right up the gut for 9 yards. What tough running for him. Just inside the 5 right now, but it's 3rd and 1 with 1:14 left. Ohio State used 1 of their 2 TO's.

[william00777]

great drive for USC so far they just have to finish

[Chris Raiden]

We should have kicked the field goal.

[l.a. no-teamers]

i hope they run 4 dive plays .. i hope Pete doesn't get too daring ...

[GatorsRock]

QB sneak for the 1st down down to the 3. 1:11 to go now. Ohio State uses their last TO. Jim Tressel is out on the field and fired up. They gotta run it at least once right? If they don't get it they can take a huge chunk off the clock.

[GatorsRock]

That was way too easy by Stafon Johnson. 16-15 1:05 left for Ohio State. Gotta go for 2. No TO's, but still a lot of time left especially with Pettrey as the kicker.

[GatorsRock]

Converted. 18-15 with 1:05 for the Buckeyes.

[william00777]

that Oline won this game for them if USC closes this out. They had how many Qb sneaks for first down? I didn't care who won but now I'm upset that USC came back. I think I've just gotten into upset mode after the ND and OSU games.

[GatorsRock]

They start from the 36.

[GatorsRock]

Terrell Pryor, do you want to get in the Heisman race? This is your opportunity.

[william00777]

See LA you didn't have to take Barkley out of the game just out of the plays.

[GatorsRock]

Not a good start with the intentional grounding. Then the 2nd play is a scramble that stays in bounds. Very dumb first 2 plays by Pryor. 3rd and 16 right now.

[GatorsRock]

Not to mention they wasted 30+ secs. 4th down and 10. This is the ball game. 28 secs left.

[GatorsRock]

Throws it deep and #9 makes a great effort to try to catch it. USC wins 18-15.

[william00777]

They almost had it they just didn't stop them when they had to.

[Chris Raiden]

Congrats USC, we gave you hell and you gave it back.

[l.a. no-teamers]

woohoo!

Great game by OSU .. they went toe to toe until the very end .... battled more than I expected

great win for the Trojans. They usually don't win these gritty grind out game, so this was very different ... That oline and Joe McKnight came through at the end when it mattered most

[l.a. no-teamers]

Everyone is talking about Barkley and McKnight, but the DEFENSE won this game. They played freakin AMAZING .. the field position they were given all game was awful, and they held strong all game ..

[GangGreen2008]

Congrats USC!

[MarvinMartian]

OSU showed there mettle, and shouldn't be ashamed at all for losing this game.

This loss, coupled with the close Fiesta Bowl Loss have shown that these Buckeye's are different from the ones who got rolled in the Championship games and at the Rose Bowl/Colesium.

[OSU8085]

ohio state outplayed them I thought....USC looked very average on offense, defense came through big time especially stopping pryor's runs

[OSU8085]

OSU showed there mettle, and shouldn't be ashamed at all for losing this game.

This loss, coupled with the close Fiesta Bowl Loss have shown that these Buckeye's are different from the ones who got rolled in the Championship games and at the Rose Bowl/Colesium.
I agree but at what point do they need to WIN one of these top 5 games?

Todays game helped, not hurt, Ohio state's national perception but eventually coming close won't be good enough

[MarvinMartian]

I agree but at what point do they need to WIN one of these top 5 games?

Todays game helped, not hurt, Ohio state's national perception but eventually coming close won't be good enough

Of course they have to win one of those games, and a few more than that, eventually, lol.

But as you said...this game didn't hurt my perception of them.

[DWinsRespect]

Very dumb first 2 plays by Pryor.
That's because he's overrated. He's never done anything spectacular against a decent team, and I honestly think that tOSU will never be in contention for a national title with him at the helm.

[l.a. no-teamers]

That's because he's overrated. He's never done anything spectacular against a decent team, and I honestly think that tOSU will never be in contention for a national title with him at the helm.

That's a bit harsh.

I think Pryor has the skills to be a dominant college QB down the line, but I do think people are giving him too much credit right NOW. He's clearly still very raw

Everyone was saying how he would be able to run on SC and compared him to VY, but he's not ready for that. All the talk right now is on Barkley, which has overshadowed how awful Pryor actually played. But he played exactly how I thought he would. An young under developed passer who had his running lanes taken away and was forced to pass against a veteran secondary. It wasn't that hard to predict the outcome of that matchup

Like I kept saying about Barkley, the same applies to Pryor as well .. he'll probably be end up very good, but it's obvious he's not ready for that type of game yet.

[DWinsRespect]

That's a bit harsh.

I think Pryor has the skills to be a dominant college QB down the line, but I do think people are giving him too much credit right NOW. He's clearly still very raw

Everyone was saying how he would be able to run on SC and compared him to VY, but he's not ready for that. All the talk right now is on Barkley, which has overshadowed how awful Pryor actually played. But he played exactly how I thought he would. An young under developed passer who had his running lanes taken away and was forced to pass against a veteran secondary. It wasn't that hard to predict the outcome of that matchup

Like I kept saying about Barkley, the same applies to Pryor as well .. he'll probably be end up very good, but it's obvious he's not ready for that type of game yet.

He obviously has the athletic ability, I agree with you wholeheartedly there. However, it's almost like he doesn't pay attention. He strikes me as stupid whenever he's on the field. He's a true sophomore, I get it, but still. He's nowhere near as good as Ryan Perrilloux a few seasons back, and even Perrilloux wasn't too impressive.

Pryor's receivers made plays for him last night. Had he not hit Sanzenbacher or whatever on that huge play, Pryor should've gotten booed as he was walking out of the stadium. I can look up and down his game logs from last season and point out a whole bunch of 4 and 5 yards per attempt passing games from Pryor. To put in essence how bad that actually is, Joey Harrington's NFL career yards per attempt: 5.8.

[OSU8085]

I thought pryor looked solid most of the game but usc's defense was playing very well