2008 Southern California Trojans Game Preview
written by: BB73, BuckeyeRyn, Buckeyeskickbuttocks, Bucklion, DaddyBigBucks, JCOSU86, jwinslow, and 3yardsandacloud
Preface
After a lackluster performance against Ohio, the Buckeyes head to the West Coast for the most eagerly anticipated non-conference game in college football's 2008 season. Before looking at the history between these two teams, let's send out a big Thank You to the athletic departments of both universities for scheduling this marquee matchup.
Ohio State is 50-23-2 overall against the Pac-10; the Buckeyes have faced every conference school at least twice in football. In regular season games, Ohio State is 44-16-2 against the Pac-10.
The Buckeyes are 16-13-1 all-time in games played in the state of California. Ohio State's first game there was a 28-0 loss to California in the Rose Bowl concluding the 1920 season. The first Ohio State win in California came in 1941, when Paul Brown's first OSU club won 33-0 at Southern Cal.
Against USC, the Buckeyes are 9-11-1 all time, with the Trojans winning the last 5 outings. Three of those games were Rose Bowls, with the contests after the '74 and '79 seasons costing tOSU a National Championship. Buckeye fans old enough to remember Pat Haden's late bomb to J. K. McKay and the diving 2-point conversion catch by Shelton Diggs; or the late drive led by Charles White and Anthony Munoz had less than Happy New Years in '75 and '80, respectively. The last game between the two teams was stopped with a couple minutes to go when lightning was endangering the fans in the 'Shoe in 1990. USC coach Pete Carroll was a tOSU assistant during Earle Bruce's initial Buckeye squad in 1979.
tOSU has played an opponent ranked #1 in the AP football poll 12 times. The Buckeyes record in those 12 games is 3-3 in Columbus, 1-1 in Bowl Games, and 0-4 on the road.
Wins against AP #1 (N/R = Not Ranked)
10-11-1952 N/R tOSU 23, #1 Wisconsin 14...Columbus
10-12-1968 #04 tOSU 13, #1 Purdue 0.......Columbus...NC year for tOSU
11-02-1985 #08 tOSU 22, #1 Iowa 13........Columbus
01-03-2003 #02 tOSU 31, #1 Miami 24 (2OT).Tempe......NC year for tOSU
Losses against #1 (N/R = Not Ranked)
10-26-1940 N/R tOSU 07, #1 Cornell 21....Ithaca, NY
11-22-1947 N/R tOSU 00, #1 Michigan 21...Ann Arbor
11-20-1948 #18 tOSU 03, #1 Michigan 13...Columbus...NC year for TSUN
10-06-1951 #07 tOSU 20, #1 Mich. St. 24..Columbus
10-15-1966 N/R tOSU 08, #1 Mich. St. 11..Columbus
01-01-1973 #03 tOSU 17, #1 USC 42........Pasadena...NC year for USC
10-29-1994 #21 tOSU 14, #1 Penn St. 63...State College
11-22-1997 #04 tOSU 14, #1 Michigan 20...Ann Arbor..NC year for TSUN
Games when tOSU was AP #1 and opponent was AP #2
01-01-1969 #1 tOSU 27, #2 USC 16.........Pasadena...NC year for tOSU
09-09-2006 #1 tOSU 24, #2 Texas 7........Austin
11-18-2006 #1 tOSU 42, #2 Michigan 39....Columbus
01-08-2007 #1 tOSU 14, #2 Florida 41.....Glendale, AZ
01-07-2008 #1 tOSU 24, #2 LSU 38.........New Orleans
Combined with the games vs #1, this means that tOSU is 7-10 all-time when playing their highest-ranked possible opponent. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 30-9 on the road overall, and 9-4 on the road against ranked teams.
This game will have an impact on which team may soon be able to claim the spot on top of this list.
Weeks at #1 in the AP poll all-time
95 - Notre Dame
95 - Oklahoma
93 - Ohio State
88 - USC (through poll issued 9/7)
70 - Nebraska
68 - Miami, FL
59 - Florida State
42 - Texas
34 - Michigan
31 - Alabama
Date and TimeThe Buckeyes are 16-13-1 all-time in games played in the state of California. Ohio State's first game there was a 28-0 loss to California in the Rose Bowl concluding the 1920 season. The first Ohio State win in California came in 1941, when Paul Brown's first OSU club won 33-0 at Southern Cal.
Against USC, the Buckeyes are 9-11-1 all time, with the Trojans winning the last 5 outings. Three of those games were Rose Bowls, with the contests after the '74 and '79 seasons costing tOSU a National Championship. Buckeye fans old enough to remember Pat Haden's late bomb to J. K. McKay and the diving 2-point conversion catch by Shelton Diggs; or the late drive led by Charles White and Anthony Munoz had less than Happy New Years in '75 and '80, respectively. The last game between the two teams was stopped with a couple minutes to go when lightning was endangering the fans in the 'Shoe in 1990. USC coach Pete Carroll was a tOSU assistant during Earle Bruce's initial Buckeye squad in 1979.
tOSU has played an opponent ranked #1 in the AP football poll 12 times. The Buckeyes record in those 12 games is 3-3 in Columbus, 1-1 in Bowl Games, and 0-4 on the road.
Wins against AP #1 (N/R = Not Ranked)
10-11-1952 N/R tOSU 23, #1 Wisconsin 14...Columbus
10-12-1968 #04 tOSU 13, #1 Purdue 0.......Columbus...NC year for tOSU
11-02-1985 #08 tOSU 22, #1 Iowa 13........Columbus
01-03-2003 #02 tOSU 31, #1 Miami 24 (2OT).Tempe......NC year for tOSU
Losses against #1 (N/R = Not Ranked)
10-26-1940 N/R tOSU 07, #1 Cornell 21....Ithaca, NY
11-22-1947 N/R tOSU 00, #1 Michigan 21...Ann Arbor
11-20-1948 #18 tOSU 03, #1 Michigan 13...Columbus...NC year for TSUN
10-06-1951 #07 tOSU 20, #1 Mich. St. 24..Columbus
10-15-1966 N/R tOSU 08, #1 Mich. St. 11..Columbus
01-01-1973 #03 tOSU 17, #1 USC 42........Pasadena...NC year for USC
10-29-1994 #21 tOSU 14, #1 Penn St. 63...State College
11-22-1997 #04 tOSU 14, #1 Michigan 20...Ann Arbor..NC year for TSUN
Games when tOSU was AP #1 and opponent was AP #2
01-01-1969 #1 tOSU 27, #2 USC 16.........Pasadena...NC year for tOSU
09-09-2006 #1 tOSU 24, #2 Texas 7........Austin
11-18-2006 #1 tOSU 42, #2 Michigan 39....Columbus
01-08-2007 #1 tOSU 14, #2 Florida 41.....Glendale, AZ
01-07-2008 #1 tOSU 24, #2 LSU 38.........New Orleans
Combined with the games vs #1, this means that tOSU is 7-10 all-time when playing their highest-ranked possible opponent. Under Coach Jim Tressel, the Buckeyes are 30-9 on the road overall, and 9-4 on the road against ranked teams.
This game will have an impact on which team may soon be able to claim the spot on top of this list.
Weeks at #1 in the AP poll all-time
95 - Notre Dame
95 - Oklahoma
93 - Ohio State
88 - USC (through poll issued 9/7)
70 - Nebraska
68 - Miami, FL
59 - Florida State
42 - Texas
34 - Michigan
31 - Alabama
Date: Saturday, September 13th, 2008
Time: 8:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
Constructed: 1923
Seating Capacity: 92,516
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Television: ABC-TV: Brent Musberger, Kirk Herbstreit, Erin Andrews, Lisa Salters.
National Radio: ESPN Radio
Local Radio: WBNS (AM 1460 TheFan) - Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (anaylist), and Marty Bannister (sidelines)
Events: ESPN College GameDay
2007 Southern California Trojans Offensive PreviewTime: 8:00 EDT Kick-off
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
Constructed: 1923
Seating Capacity: 92,516
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Television: ABC-TV: Brent Musberger, Kirk Herbstreit, Erin Andrews, Lisa Salters.
National Radio: ESPN Radio
Local Radio: WBNS (AM 1460 TheFan) - Paul Keels (play-by-play), Jim Lachey (anaylist), and Marty Bannister (sidelines)
Events: ESPN College GameDay
Returning starters: 4
The Buckeye offense floundered much of the game Saturday, and the team will have no chance of success Saturday if they don't pull their weight, because they have to keep the ball away from a USC juggernaut that annihilated Virginia in Charlottesville on opening weekend and has been resting comfortably since then. Any fears of a USC drop-off after continuously losing players to the NFL were seemingly laid to rest as they piled up points in bunches and 558 yards against the Cavaliers. The Buckeyes defense will have to be firing on all cylinders all night on Saturday to give the Buckeyes a chance.
Quarterbacks
QB #6 Mark Sanchez (6-3, 225, JR, Mission Viejo HS, Mission Viejo, CA)
After 3 straight outstanding QBs running the USC offensive machine, the man at the helm now is Sanchez, who had some game experience when John David Booty got hurt last season. In his 3 starts, USC edged Arizona, blew out Notre Dame, and then came up just short of a big win over Oregon. He completed over 60% of his passes in 2007 for 695 yards, with 7TDs, 5 INTs, and 4 sacks. That experience has, at least on the basis of one game, paid off, as he put up 338 yards while completing almost 3/5 of his passes (26/35) with 3 TDs and an INT, was not sacked, and won numerous offensive player of the week awards. He has a good arm, good instincts, and can find the open receiver, of which USC often has many. Where he fits in to the recent USC QB lineage remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that he is off to a good start. He gained 6 yards on his only carry in week 1, so he is not a huge threat to run unless forced.
Sanchez has 2 QBs behind him, including much heralded Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain (#16) and freshman Aaron Corp (#15). Corp threw 2 passes in week 1, completing 1 for 2 yards. Despite being 8-0 as a starter, Mustain put up considerably average numbers (52% completions, 894 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs) in 2006 at Arkansas, and eventually transferred. He obviously has more game experience, but the coaching staff seems high on the young freshman as well, and his mobility adds another dimension to the offense.
QB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU QB
Sanchez had a monster first game, and showed he was capable of leading the team last season in Booty's absence. Boeckman has reasonably good numbers for the year and has yet to throw a pick, but he looked shaky at times on Saturday and wasn't as crisp delivering the ball on time. Pryor also looked like a freshman on his series in the first half after looking dynamic in week 1. Boeckman has played in plenty of big games, but Sanchez looks like the more solid pick right now, based solely on 2008 performance thus far. This is one that will ultimately show up on the field, and will be a huge key to the game. The backups are somewhat of an unknown commodity in a game of this stature for both teams.
Edge: USC
Running Backs
RB #4 Joe McKnight (6-0, 200, SO, John Curtis HS, River Ridge, LA)
RB #2 C.J. Gable (6-0, 200, SO, Sylmar HS, Sylmar, CA)
RB #13 Stafon Johnson (5-11, 215, JR, Dorsey HS, Compton, CA)
RB #21 Allen Bradford (5-11, 225, JR, Colton HS, San Bernadino, CA)
FB #31 Stanley Havili (6-0, 225, SO, Cottonwood HS, Salt Lake City, UT)
USC is often referred to as "Tailback U" and this year, they are throwing volume at people, rather than one major superstar getting the bulk of the carries. Make no mistake though, it is quality volume. Johnson was 2nd on the team with 673 yards and 5 TDs a year ago while averaging almost 7 yards a carry, so he provides leadership and experience in the backfield. McKnight was similarly productive with 540 yards and 3 scores at 5.7 yards per carry, and he caught 23 passes, proving him as a major dual threat.. Gable and Bradford played sparingly, getting about 15 touches each, with Gable starting the first 2 games before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with an injury. In week 1, the 4 backs shared the load, and all contributed as the Trojans basically ran roughshod over the Cavs. Gable had 73 yards and a score on only 9 carries, McKnight busted for 60 yards on just 6 carries, while Bradford and Johnson (who had 3 100 yard games in 2007) had 9 carries and a TD apiece. McKnight also caught 4 passes for 24 yards and a TD, so whenever he is in the game, he is dangerous from anywhere, run or pass. Basically, the Trojans can throw any of their 4 backs out there, and they can cause some trouble, but look for McKnight and Gable to be the explosive playmakers.
Havili is an absolute nightmare to deal with. Not only is he a bulldozer in the running game, he can carry the ball himself, and is a lethal weapon catching the ball out of the backfield. He didn't do much offensively in week 1 (1 carry, 1 catch), but that belies his playmaking ability, as he carried the ball 21 times for 134 yards and 2 TDs (over 6 yards per carry for a FB) and caught 34 passes for 248 yards and 5 TDs in 2007. He absolutely forces defenses to scheme for an extra playmaker on the field, while opening lanes for the other backs and protects the QB in passing situations. He is a very, very high quality FB, certainly one of the best in the country.
RB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU RB
Were Chris Wells certain to be 100% healthy, this would be a very fun debate. Is the Heisman caliber TB that gets the bulk of the carries on a run-oriented team and dominates in big games "the man", or is "slaughter by committee" a more effective approach? The health of Wells is uncertain, so the edge here has to go to USC by default in a sense. But if Wells is 100% healthy, the Buckeyes also have plenty of quality depth with Dan Herron, Brandon Saine, and Maurice Wells to come in. As seen on Saturday, however, Beanie is the glue that holds the Buckeye offense together and makes the engine churn, and he makes everyone around him better. Basically both teams are loaded at tailback, so the versatility and extra dimension that Havili adds at the FB position puts USC over the top.
Edge: USC
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Patrick Turner (6-5, 220, SR, Goodpasture HS, Nashville TN)
WR #18 Damian Williams (6-1, 190, SO, Springdale HS, Springdale, AR)
WR #7 Vidal Hazelton (6-2, 210, JR, Hargrove Military Academy, New York, NY)
This was actually a position of relative weakness last season, as the Trojan receiving corps accounted for less than half of the receptions. Though leading receiver Fred Davis is gone at the TE position, the Trojans have their 2 main players back from 2007 at the WR position that were significant and relatively equal contributors to the offense, as well as all of the main reserves. Patrick Turner caught 48 passes for 569 yards and 3 TDs, and Hazelton caught 50 for 40 yards and 4 TDs, so both came into 2008 as leading contenders to have big seasons at the receiver spot. Williams, another Arkansas transfer, has emerged as a big weapon already, catching 7 passes for 91 yards in week 1, both team highs. Turner caught only 2 passes, but they went for 62 yards and a TD, while Hazelton caught 5 for 33 yards in week 1. Look for both to be much more heavily involved on Saturday as the Trojans look to fire up the passing attack with their experienced players in a big game setting.
The primary backups are a pair of sophomores, one being flanker Ronald Johnson (#8). After catching 7 passes for 100 yards a year ago, he broke out with 3 catches for 78 yards and a score in week 1 of 2008, so he looks to be yet another weapon on the wings for the Trojans. David Ausberry (#9) was 5th on the team in 2007 when he caught 26 passes for 240 yards and 2 TDs, so he also has plenty of game experience and adds even more depth.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU WRs
Robiskie and Hartline are very good and seasoned players for the Buckeyes. Neither had their best game Saturday, either catching the ball or running routes, but they have played in enough big games that there should be no problem with them stepping up on Saturday night. Ray Small needs to continue to emerge as another weapon in the passing game...he leads the team so far in 2008 in catches with 8. The Trojans also run 2 very good starters onto the field, though their clear advantage is in depth, where they have 3 playmakers who appear poised to contribute significantly in 2008. If Hartline and Robiskie play their best, they can play with anyone...on the other hand, the Trojans just have more options to have to prepare for and a more explosive passing game in general.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #86 Anthony McCoy (6-5, 255, JR, Bullard HS, Fresno, CA)
McCoy is a very good blocker, though filling the shoes of Mackey Award winner Davis will be no small task. He will be one of the keys to making the Trojan machine work as efficiently as in previous seasons, opening lanes for the tailbacks and protecting the QB. He has good size and could be a very dangerous target over the middle and in the red zone. It is unclear exactly how much he'll be utilized in the passing game, as he equaled his 2007 catch and yardage totals (2 for 21) in week 1 of 2008. Given how explosive Fred Davis was, and how much of an impact he had on the passing game by being the leading receiver in catches, yardage, and TDs in 2007, McCoy has big shoes to fill, but should have ample opportunity to contribute significantly.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU TE
Both teams have quality TEs that contribute to the blocking schemes. How much of a threat McCoy will be in the passing game remains to be seen, but if he gets anywhere near the number of opportunities that Davis had, he should contribute quite a bit to the passing attack. The Buckeyes have 2 quality TEs with experience and Ballard in particular is a good route runner and can contribute to the passing game.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #71 Charles Brown (6-6, 295, JR, Diamond Ranch HS, Chino Hills, CA)
LG #53 Jeff Byers (6-4, 285, SR, Loveland HS, Fort Collins, CO)
C #61 Kristofer O'Dowd (6-5, 300, SO, Salpointe Catholic HS, Tuscon, AZ)
RG #74 Zach Heberer (6-5, 300, SO, San Pedro HS, San Pedro, CA)
RT #68 Butch Lewis (6-5, 300, SO, Regis Jesuit HS, Denver, CO)
The line has been completely revamped, as only one starter returns from 2007. Byers is the leader of the group, and is a senior and team captain. Having also spent time at center, he's the best of the lot and is a smart, versatile player with very good footwork and lateral movement. There is experience among the rest of the players, as many filled in because of injury in 2007, and all started at least 1 game. Lewis started 3 games (at LT) in 2007, Heberer started 2 at RG, O'Dowd started 3 games at center, and Brown started a single game as well. They all have good size and good movement. As a unit, they looked very good both run blocking and pass protecting in week 1, and they look like a very solid and formidable group. However, depth is a prime concern, as several players with little experience are now the primary backups, so injuries could be devastating to the offense here more than anywhere else.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU OL
USC is almost starting anew and has a number of players entering their first full year as starters. The Buckeyes are solid up front, though their performance Saturday was not nearly as good as many had hoped going into this game. Both teams are excellent at run blocking and the key to this game will probably come down to the pass protection on both sides...as neither starting QB is especially mobile, both will need time to throw. The Buckeyes have the edge in depth.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
This is one of those situations where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, which is reflected in the grading. Individually, the Trojans are loaded at the skill positions, and can run player after player out to keep everyone fresh and ready to go in the 2nd half. Replacing Davis is a concern, but there appear to be plenty of playmakers for Sanchez to choose from. The line is rebuilt, but they looked very good in the first game, and there's no indication that there will be much of a drop-off. Collectively, the threat of all the things they can do with as many players as they can run out there makes for a defensive coach's nightmare. All in all, people may not look back and say there were as many #1 draft picks as there have been in previous years, but this unit, as a whole unit, fired on all cylinders in week 1, and will be very hard for the Buckeyes to stop.
Overall Offensive Rating: A
2007 Southern California Trojans Defensive PreviewQuarterbacks
QB #6 Mark Sanchez (6-3, 225, JR, Mission Viejo HS, Mission Viejo, CA)
After 3 straight outstanding QBs running the USC offensive machine, the man at the helm now is Sanchez, who had some game experience when John David Booty got hurt last season. In his 3 starts, USC edged Arizona, blew out Notre Dame, and then came up just short of a big win over Oregon. He completed over 60% of his passes in 2007 for 695 yards, with 7TDs, 5 INTs, and 4 sacks. That experience has, at least on the basis of one game, paid off, as he put up 338 yards while completing almost 3/5 of his passes (26/35) with 3 TDs and an INT, was not sacked, and won numerous offensive player of the week awards. He has a good arm, good instincts, and can find the open receiver, of which USC often has many. Where he fits in to the recent USC QB lineage remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that he is off to a good start. He gained 6 yards on his only carry in week 1, so he is not a huge threat to run unless forced.
Sanchez has 2 QBs behind him, including much heralded Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain (#16) and freshman Aaron Corp (#15). Corp threw 2 passes in week 1, completing 1 for 2 yards. Despite being 8-0 as a starter, Mustain put up considerably average numbers (52% completions, 894 yards, 10 TDs, 9 INTs) in 2006 at Arkansas, and eventually transferred. He obviously has more game experience, but the coaching staff seems high on the young freshman as well, and his mobility adds another dimension to the offense.
QB Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU QB
Sanchez had a monster first game, and showed he was capable of leading the team last season in Booty's absence. Boeckman has reasonably good numbers for the year and has yet to throw a pick, but he looked shaky at times on Saturday and wasn't as crisp delivering the ball on time. Pryor also looked like a freshman on his series in the first half after looking dynamic in week 1. Boeckman has played in plenty of big games, but Sanchez looks like the more solid pick right now, based solely on 2008 performance thus far. This is one that will ultimately show up on the field, and will be a huge key to the game. The backups are somewhat of an unknown commodity in a game of this stature for both teams.
Edge: USC
Running Backs
RB #4 Joe McKnight (6-0, 200, SO, John Curtis HS, River Ridge, LA)
RB #2 C.J. Gable (6-0, 200, SO, Sylmar HS, Sylmar, CA)
RB #13 Stafon Johnson (5-11, 215, JR, Dorsey HS, Compton, CA)
RB #21 Allen Bradford (5-11, 225, JR, Colton HS, San Bernadino, CA)
FB #31 Stanley Havili (6-0, 225, SO, Cottonwood HS, Salt Lake City, UT)
USC is often referred to as "Tailback U" and this year, they are throwing volume at people, rather than one major superstar getting the bulk of the carries. Make no mistake though, it is quality volume. Johnson was 2nd on the team with 673 yards and 5 TDs a year ago while averaging almost 7 yards a carry, so he provides leadership and experience in the backfield. McKnight was similarly productive with 540 yards and 3 scores at 5.7 yards per carry, and he caught 23 passes, proving him as a major dual threat.. Gable and Bradford played sparingly, getting about 15 touches each, with Gable starting the first 2 games before being sidelined for the remainder of the season with an injury. In week 1, the 4 backs shared the load, and all contributed as the Trojans basically ran roughshod over the Cavs. Gable had 73 yards and a score on only 9 carries, McKnight busted for 60 yards on just 6 carries, while Bradford and Johnson (who had 3 100 yard games in 2007) had 9 carries and a TD apiece. McKnight also caught 4 passes for 24 yards and a TD, so whenever he is in the game, he is dangerous from anywhere, run or pass. Basically, the Trojans can throw any of their 4 backs out there, and they can cause some trouble, but look for McKnight and Gable to be the explosive playmakers.
Havili is an absolute nightmare to deal with. Not only is he a bulldozer in the running game, he can carry the ball himself, and is a lethal weapon catching the ball out of the backfield. He didn't do much offensively in week 1 (1 carry, 1 catch), but that belies his playmaking ability, as he carried the ball 21 times for 134 yards and 2 TDs (over 6 yards per carry for a FB) and caught 34 passes for 248 yards and 5 TDs in 2007. He absolutely forces defenses to scheme for an extra playmaker on the field, while opening lanes for the other backs and protects the QB in passing situations. He is a very, very high quality FB, certainly one of the best in the country.
RB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU RB
Were Chris Wells certain to be 100% healthy, this would be a very fun debate. Is the Heisman caliber TB that gets the bulk of the carries on a run-oriented team and dominates in big games "the man", or is "slaughter by committee" a more effective approach? The health of Wells is uncertain, so the edge here has to go to USC by default in a sense. But if Wells is 100% healthy, the Buckeyes also have plenty of quality depth with Dan Herron, Brandon Saine, and Maurice Wells to come in. As seen on Saturday, however, Beanie is the glue that holds the Buckeye offense together and makes the engine churn, and he makes everyone around him better. Basically both teams are loaded at tailback, so the versatility and extra dimension that Havili adds at the FB position puts USC over the top.
Edge: USC
Wide Receivers
WR #1 Patrick Turner (6-5, 220, SR, Goodpasture HS, Nashville TN)
WR #18 Damian Williams (6-1, 190, SO, Springdale HS, Springdale, AR)
WR #7 Vidal Hazelton (6-2, 210, JR, Hargrove Military Academy, New York, NY)
This was actually a position of relative weakness last season, as the Trojan receiving corps accounted for less than half of the receptions. Though leading receiver Fred Davis is gone at the TE position, the Trojans have their 2 main players back from 2007 at the WR position that were significant and relatively equal contributors to the offense, as well as all of the main reserves. Patrick Turner caught 48 passes for 569 yards and 3 TDs, and Hazelton caught 50 for 40 yards and 4 TDs, so both came into 2008 as leading contenders to have big seasons at the receiver spot. Williams, another Arkansas transfer, has emerged as a big weapon already, catching 7 passes for 91 yards in week 1, both team highs. Turner caught only 2 passes, but they went for 62 yards and a TD, while Hazelton caught 5 for 33 yards in week 1. Look for both to be much more heavily involved on Saturday as the Trojans look to fire up the passing attack with their experienced players in a big game setting.
The primary backups are a pair of sophomores, one being flanker Ronald Johnson (#8). After catching 7 passes for 100 yards a year ago, he broke out with 3 catches for 78 yards and a score in week 1 of 2008, so he looks to be yet another weapon on the wings for the Trojans. David Ausberry (#9) was 5th on the team in 2007 when he caught 26 passes for 240 yards and 2 TDs, so he also has plenty of game experience and adds even more depth.
WR Rating: B+
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU WRs
Robiskie and Hartline are very good and seasoned players for the Buckeyes. Neither had their best game Saturday, either catching the ball or running routes, but they have played in enough big games that there should be no problem with them stepping up on Saturday night. Ray Small needs to continue to emerge as another weapon in the passing game...he leads the team so far in 2008 in catches with 8. The Trojans also run 2 very good starters onto the field, though their clear advantage is in depth, where they have 3 playmakers who appear poised to contribute significantly in 2008. If Hartline and Robiskie play their best, they can play with anyone...on the other hand, the Trojans just have more options to have to prepare for and a more explosive passing game in general.
Edge: Even
Tight Ends
TE #86 Anthony McCoy (6-5, 255, JR, Bullard HS, Fresno, CA)
McCoy is a very good blocker, though filling the shoes of Mackey Award winner Davis will be no small task. He will be one of the keys to making the Trojan machine work as efficiently as in previous seasons, opening lanes for the tailbacks and protecting the QB. He has good size and could be a very dangerous target over the middle and in the red zone. It is unclear exactly how much he'll be utilized in the passing game, as he equaled his 2007 catch and yardage totals (2 for 21) in week 1 of 2008. Given how explosive Fred Davis was, and how much of an impact he had on the passing game by being the leading receiver in catches, yardage, and TDs in 2007, McCoy has big shoes to fill, but should have ample opportunity to contribute significantly.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU TE
Both teams have quality TEs that contribute to the blocking schemes. How much of a threat McCoy will be in the passing game remains to be seen, but if he gets anywhere near the number of opportunities that Davis had, he should contribute quite a bit to the passing attack. The Buckeyes have 2 quality TEs with experience and Ballard in particular is a good route runner and can contribute to the passing game.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #71 Charles Brown (6-6, 295, JR, Diamond Ranch HS, Chino Hills, CA)
LG #53 Jeff Byers (6-4, 285, SR, Loveland HS, Fort Collins, CO)
C #61 Kristofer O'Dowd (6-5, 300, SO, Salpointe Catholic HS, Tuscon, AZ)
RG #74 Zach Heberer (6-5, 300, SO, San Pedro HS, San Pedro, CA)
RT #68 Butch Lewis (6-5, 300, SO, Regis Jesuit HS, Denver, CO)
The line has been completely revamped, as only one starter returns from 2007. Byers is the leader of the group, and is a senior and team captain. Having also spent time at center, he's the best of the lot and is a smart, versatile player with very good footwork and lateral movement. There is experience among the rest of the players, as many filled in because of injury in 2007, and all started at least 1 game. Lewis started 3 games (at LT) in 2007, Heberer started 2 at RG, O'Dowd started 3 games at center, and Brown started a single game as well. They all have good size and good movement. As a unit, they looked very good both run blocking and pass protecting in week 1, and they look like a very solid and formidable group. However, depth is a prime concern, as several players with little experience are now the primary backups, so injuries could be devastating to the offense here more than anywhere else.
OL Rating: B
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU OL
USC is almost starting anew and has a number of players entering their first full year as starters. The Buckeyes are solid up front, though their performance Saturday was not nearly as good as many had hoped going into this game. Both teams are excellent at run blocking and the key to this game will probably come down to the pass protection on both sides...as neither starting QB is especially mobile, both will need time to throw. The Buckeyes have the edge in depth.
Edge: Even
Overall Offensive Analysis
This is one of those situations where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, which is reflected in the grading. Individually, the Trojans are loaded at the skill positions, and can run player after player out to keep everyone fresh and ready to go in the 2nd half. Replacing Davis is a concern, but there appear to be plenty of playmakers for Sanchez to choose from. The line is rebuilt, but they looked very good in the first game, and there's no indication that there will be much of a drop-off. Collectively, the threat of all the things they can do with as many players as they can run out there makes for a defensive coach's nightmare. All in all, people may not look back and say there were as many #1 draft picks as there have been in previous years, but this unit, as a whole unit, fired on all cylinders in week 1, and will be very hard for the Buckeyes to stop.
Overall Offensive Rating: A
Returning Starters: 7
This will come as a shock, I'm sure. USC is the best defense Ohio State will face in 2008. Like Ohio State, USC returns the bulk of their outstanding 2007 unit, including Senior LBs Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing who shore up the middle of the field as well as any other tandem in the nation, including Ohio State's James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman. Like Ohio State, a veteran secondary seeks to improve on last year's performance - which was good enough for PAC 10 best and was among the leaders in the nation, including 2nd to Ohio State in Total Yards. Finally, also like the Buckeyes, if the Trojans have a weakness - a relative term this week for sure - it is the D line, which replaces Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson from last year's unit. Ellis and Jackson both were first round NFL selections. Ohio State, meanwhile, lost Vernon Gholston to the NFL, but returns the remaining three positions.
Statistically, the Trojans dominated the Virginia Cavaliers, allowing only 7 points and 187 total yards (155 through the air, 32 rushing) while picking off one pass, recovering 3 fumbles, and recording 2 sacks. However, it is hard to place much meaning on these numbers so early in a season. That said, there is hardly any need to evaluate and discern the meaning of any traditional statistics for one to realize this unit is afforded a high reputation for a legitimate reason. The attacking 4-3 scheme seeks to take offenses out of their plan. USC, when playing to it's very high potential, does not wait on you to determine what it will be doing, instead forcing the action and ultimately dictating precisely what you will do. While it is not impossible to move the ball on the Trojans, it takes 100% effort on each and every play to make those yards count. It's seldom that the "Men of Troy" are caught napping, and the chances of them sleeping on the Buckeyes are surely zero. These guys live for big games, and they demand that you play your best - or you will be embarrassed.
Defensive Line
LE #84 Kyle Moore (6-6 270 SR)
NT #99 Avarell Spicer (6-2 295 JR)
DT #75 Fili Moala (6-5 295 SR)
RE #93 Everson Griffen (6-3 265 SO)
As mentioned above, USC's D line is replacing two NFL caliber players off of the 2007 unit. Spicer and Moore represent the replacements and, as should come as little surprise to anyone with even a passing interest in college football, are very talented. Because USC has little trouble rotating lineman in and out of the game, both have also seen plenty of live and meaningful action. Spicer is a solid run stopper who can get to the QB in a hurry. Playing with excellent leverage, Spicer doesn't stay in one place very long. Moore has enough speed off the edge to make Tackles cheat to the outside, but then he also has enough power that cheating outside makes a bull-rush all but a straight line in to the backfield. He keeps his hands up and will bat down passes when he can't make the play otherwise. Moala is integral to stopping the run, using his 295 pounds to occupy two blockers. Like Spicer, Moala can get up field in a hurry and represents far more a threat to the quarterback than a simple run stuffer. Moala had 32 tackles last season. Griffen is the youngest member of the unit, but he's already established himself as a speedy pass rusher who opposing tackles have a difficult time slowing down. As a Freshman last season, Griffen made 5.5 sacks along with his 21 tackles. Surprisingly, of these 4, only Griffen made a tackle against Virginia, recording 2.
Depth on the line is provided by DEs; #81 Gerald Washington (6-6 255 SR), #96 Wes Horton (6-5 245 FR), #47 Clay Matthews (6-3 240 SR) and #97 Malik Jackson (6-5 230 FR) and DTs; #44 Christian Tupou (6-2 280 SO), #91 Jurrell Casey (6-1 280 FR), #98 DaJohn Harris (6-4 285 FR) and #94 Armond Armstead (6-5 290 FR). Tupou is pushing Spicer for the starting job and regardless of who is in on the first series will play plenty this year in the rotation. He was the "Scout Team Player of the Year" last season and looks to make his mark in 2008. Washington recovered a fumble against Virginia and brings with him senior leadership. Matthews is a former walk-on who just keeps making his way on to the field. At 240 Matthews may also stand up as a LB and provides USC with another speed rush option whether his hands up or down. He is the current team leader in tackles with 6 and has already pounced on 2 fumbles. Jackson and Armstead, both True Freshman, played against Virginia recording 2 tackles and a sack and one tackle respectively.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU DL
As mentioned above, this is USC's weakness. What that says is that USC has an outstanding unit because the relative weakness of the overall defense still rates an A- here. Fast, big, strong and deep, USC represents a significant challenge for the Buckeyes O-line. There will be fresh motors coming at the QBs and RBs all evening long. This line is probably not quite as good as LSUs 2008 BCS Championship game line was and it is missing the two most prolific sack-masters from last year as they seek their NFL fortunes, but there are far and away the best line the Buckeyes will face in the rest of 2008. Assuming he plays, Beanie Wells could make a statement if he were to run well against such a defense. But he will need his linemen to perform at their best to see much room on September 13. While Ohio State has enough at the DE positions in Heyward and Wilson, along with the speed rushing Thad Gibson to match the Trojans, SC has an advantage on the interior in terms of overall consistent production. The gap is not huge, and the Buckeyes did out stat the Trojans in 07, but the edge goes to USC.
Edge: USC
Linebackers
OLB #10 Brian Cushing (6-3 255 SR)
MLB #58 Rey Maualuga (6-2 260 SR)
WLB #43 Kaluka Maiava (6-0 230 SR)
Quick, name two teams in college that sports at least 2 starting LBs who very easily could be earning NFL paychecks this weekend. If you said USC and Ohio State, you're at least a casual fan of college football, congratulations. Like Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, Maualuga returns for his senior year and is simply a beast in the Middle. At 260 pounds, he will make a man pay for coming over the middle. While Maualuga can get to the QB (6 sacks in 2007), speed is not his attribute. That's not to say he's slow, of course, but if he is made to miss, his recovery isn't a sure thing. To his credit, Maualuga doesn't miss very often and recorded 2 Tackles in the opener. Cushing is a specimen. With freakish strength, Cushing has the speed to get to the ball no matter which side of the field it goes. He poses a serious threat on blitzes but was hampered by a nagging injury in 2007. Cushing had two tackles against Virginia, including .5 for loss. Gone is Keith Rivers who is replaced by Maiava. Almost tiny compared to Cushing and Maualuga, he will hit like a ton of bricks and has a nose for the football. With 44 tackles in 2007, Maiava - a senior - is a "new starter" in name only having had years in the program, learning all the way. He recorded 6 tackles in the opener, including one for loss, to tie Clay Matthews (and S Taylor Mays (below)) for the team lead thus far in 2008.
The back-ups include; #17 Michael Morgan (6-4 220 SO), #57 Nick Garratt (6-1 235 JR), #6 Malcolm Smith (6-1 225 SO), #37 Jordan Campbell (5-11 230 FR), #52 Luthur Brown (6-2 235 JR), #54 Chris Galippo (6-2 255 FR), and #35 Uona Kaveinga (6-1 235 FR). While USC has talented depth, they suffer a similar "problem" as Ohio State in that the core of the LBs, that is to say Cushing and Maualuga, have been hard to get off the field owing to their high caliber of play over a long period of time. That being so, the depth, particularly behind them is something of a question mark. But, make no mistake, this is USC and whoever they have will have already passed the "look test" before signing an LOI. Brown will provide a challenge to Maiava for minutes and may even work his way in to the starting role as he was pressing for the job during the spring and fall camps. Brown has been nursing a strained back, but depending on how he responds to contact this week is expected to play against the Buckeyes. Both Smith and Kaveinga saw action against the Cavaliers with Smith recording 3 tackles, while Kaveinga enjoyed his first college sack. It should be noted, Galippo and Morgan are nursing injuries and are not expected to play.
LB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU LBs
Aside from the 32 NFL teams, there is really on one team in America which can challenge Ohio State for the title of best LB corps and that team is the Trojans. Both Cushing and Maualuga could be cashing paychecks this week instead of participating in their final years of college. Like the Buckeyes, each unit also has a new face at the remaining LB position, with the Trojans manning the spot with a senior and the Buckeyes with a Sophomore (Ross Homan). The Buckeyes may be slightly deeper, however, though as it was with the D Line, the difference is not measured in chunks. As it stands in 2008, Freeman, Laurinaitis and Homan have been more productive (Ranking 1, 2, 3 in tackles with a pick (Laurinaitis)), but it's way to early to call that edge particularly meaningful. When 100% there is little to differentiate these units, both being nothing short of dominant. If it were not for the Buckeyes slight advantage with depth, the edge would be "Even." As it is, the Buckeyes get the tip of the hat here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #7 Cary Harris (6-0 180 SR)
FS #2 Taylor Mays (6-3 230 SR)
SS #4 Kevin Ellison (6-1 225 SR)
LCB #24 Shareece Wright (6-0 180 JR)
Starting with the return of both Safety's from the 07 unit, the Trojans enjoy a strong middle to their secondary. Both Mays and Ellison are huge and both bring the wood. Ellison earned First Team All Pac 10 in 07, and recorded 57 tackles. He began 08 with two tackles against Virginia. Mays, like Cushing, is just a specimen. At 230 pounds and with 4.3 40 speed, Mays has few peers. Entering his 3rd year as a starter, he is expected to be a vocal leader for the Trojans this season and can be expected to be seen on the post season awards circuit. With 1.5 TFLs, he is tied for the team lead in tackles with 6. Harris is also a 3rd year starter and is SC's most reliable cover corner. Harris has excellent timing on incoming passes, knocking them away and preventing receptions. He is said to be among the fastest of USC's players and is therefore able to recover quickly when a WR gets past him. Harris had 3 Tackles and one for loss in the opener. Replacing outgoing DB Terrell Thomas is Wright. Wright will lower the boom like a safety and is clearly the more physical of USC's CBs. In back-up time Wright recorded 29 tackles with 3.5 for loss in 2007. He began 2008 with 5 Tackles during week 1.
Reserves include Corners; #15 Kevin Thomas (6-1 185 JR), #30 Brian Baucham (5-11 190 FR), #36 Josh Pinkard (6-2 210 SR), #1 T.J. Bryant (6-1 190 FR), and Safeties; #36 Will Harris (6-1 200 JR), #19 Drew McAllister (6-1 200 FR) and #27 Marshall Jones (6-0 185 SO). Both Thomas and Pinkard have struggled for the past two seasons with injury and have therefore not been able to live up to their potential. Pinkard was known for his ability to stay with anyone and managed 2 tackles against the Cavs, while Thomas was a starter before the injury bug got a hold of him (2006). Thomas has USC's lone pick in 08 and also recorded a tackle in the opener. Jones is the heir apparent to Mays and is simply biding his time behind one of the best. When he gets his chance, it's anticipated he will quickly earn a reputation as a hard hitter who can keep up with any receiving option he's assigned to.
DB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU DBs
Here again, both units return expirience and excellence. Both units are outstanding, but excel in slightly different ways. For example, while SC doesn't have a cover corner as good as Malcolm Jenkins, OSU does not have a Taylor Mays in the middle. USC has had some trouble, as has OSU, in getting picks despite the wealth of talent in the secondary and both units seek to make an improvement on that score in 08. The Buckeyes recorded 4 picks against Ohio (though one was made by D-Lineman Lawrence Wilson) and appear to be moving in the right direction. The Buckeyes will get their chances against USC who is not afraid to throw the ball against anyone. Likewise, USC may be licking their chops at the prospects of some balls that might be off their mark coming form Ohio State's QBs on Saturday. Whatever the case, both Ohio State and USC enjoy 4 of the better men at their positions and thus the determination of the edge explores the depth of each unit. The Buckeyes have a slight edge in this area in as much as the suspensions of Donald Washington and Jamario O'Neal have expired and the development of Jermale Hines and Chimdi Chekwa continue to advance towards future All America potential. If Pinkard and Thomas were reliable health wise these units are closer to even. In the final assessment, however, the Buckeyes win the CBs while the Trojans field the better Safeties. As with the units above, neither margin of superiority is vast. When 100%, these groups are even. Ohio State has a slight depth advantage in terms of reliability, but not enough to bump the edge while Pinkard and Thomas are healthy.
Edge: Even
Overall Defensive Analysis
What else can you say about a Defense which you examine relative to itself? It's hard finding problems with the Trojans and pointing out areas which are weaknesses sound silly considering how good these guys are. That is to say, of course, a weakness does not always mean easy exploitation and the Trojans' weakest link is some teams strongest. While the 2008 LSU Tigers defense was probably a bit better on the whole than the 08 Trojans, this is an impressive group who will make Ohio State pay for taking plays off. You cannot make mistakes against this team and they rarely back off their intensity and pressure. It will take outstanding individual and team effort, but it can and has been done before. USC is not invincible or impenetrable, but the Buckeyes will have to work for every yard and twice as hard for every point. Considering that the Buckeyes are being given essentially no chance in this contest, expect them to give USC their best shot.
Overall Defensive Rating: A
2007 Southern California Trojans Special Teams PreviewStatistically, the Trojans dominated the Virginia Cavaliers, allowing only 7 points and 187 total yards (155 through the air, 32 rushing) while picking off one pass, recovering 3 fumbles, and recording 2 sacks. However, it is hard to place much meaning on these numbers so early in a season. That said, there is hardly any need to evaluate and discern the meaning of any traditional statistics for one to realize this unit is afforded a high reputation for a legitimate reason. The attacking 4-3 scheme seeks to take offenses out of their plan. USC, when playing to it's very high potential, does not wait on you to determine what it will be doing, instead forcing the action and ultimately dictating precisely what you will do. While it is not impossible to move the ball on the Trojans, it takes 100% effort on each and every play to make those yards count. It's seldom that the "Men of Troy" are caught napping, and the chances of them sleeping on the Buckeyes are surely zero. These guys live for big games, and they demand that you play your best - or you will be embarrassed.
Defensive Line
LE #84 Kyle Moore (6-6 270 SR)
NT #99 Avarell Spicer (6-2 295 JR)
DT #75 Fili Moala (6-5 295 SR)
RE #93 Everson Griffen (6-3 265 SO)
As mentioned above, USC's D line is replacing two NFL caliber players off of the 2007 unit. Spicer and Moore represent the replacements and, as should come as little surprise to anyone with even a passing interest in college football, are very talented. Because USC has little trouble rotating lineman in and out of the game, both have also seen plenty of live and meaningful action. Spicer is a solid run stopper who can get to the QB in a hurry. Playing with excellent leverage, Spicer doesn't stay in one place very long. Moore has enough speed off the edge to make Tackles cheat to the outside, but then he also has enough power that cheating outside makes a bull-rush all but a straight line in to the backfield. He keeps his hands up and will bat down passes when he can't make the play otherwise. Moala is integral to stopping the run, using his 295 pounds to occupy two blockers. Like Spicer, Moala can get up field in a hurry and represents far more a threat to the quarterback than a simple run stuffer. Moala had 32 tackles last season. Griffen is the youngest member of the unit, but he's already established himself as a speedy pass rusher who opposing tackles have a difficult time slowing down. As a Freshman last season, Griffen made 5.5 sacks along with his 21 tackles. Surprisingly, of these 4, only Griffen made a tackle against Virginia, recording 2.
Depth on the line is provided by DEs; #81 Gerald Washington (6-6 255 SR), #96 Wes Horton (6-5 245 FR), #47 Clay Matthews (6-3 240 SR) and #97 Malik Jackson (6-5 230 FR) and DTs; #44 Christian Tupou (6-2 280 SO), #91 Jurrell Casey (6-1 280 FR), #98 DaJohn Harris (6-4 285 FR) and #94 Armond Armstead (6-5 290 FR). Tupou is pushing Spicer for the starting job and regardless of who is in on the first series will play plenty this year in the rotation. He was the "Scout Team Player of the Year" last season and looks to make his mark in 2008. Washington recovered a fumble against Virginia and brings with him senior leadership. Matthews is a former walk-on who just keeps making his way on to the field. At 240 Matthews may also stand up as a LB and provides USC with another speed rush option whether his hands up or down. He is the current team leader in tackles with 6 and has already pounced on 2 fumbles. Jackson and Armstead, both True Freshman, played against Virginia recording 2 tackles and a sack and one tackle respectively.
DL Rating: A-
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU DL
As mentioned above, this is USC's weakness. What that says is that USC has an outstanding unit because the relative weakness of the overall defense still rates an A- here. Fast, big, strong and deep, USC represents a significant challenge for the Buckeyes O-line. There will be fresh motors coming at the QBs and RBs all evening long. This line is probably not quite as good as LSUs 2008 BCS Championship game line was and it is missing the two most prolific sack-masters from last year as they seek their NFL fortunes, but there are far and away the best line the Buckeyes will face in the rest of 2008. Assuming he plays, Beanie Wells could make a statement if he were to run well against such a defense. But he will need his linemen to perform at their best to see much room on September 13. While Ohio State has enough at the DE positions in Heyward and Wilson, along with the speed rushing Thad Gibson to match the Trojans, SC has an advantage on the interior in terms of overall consistent production. The gap is not huge, and the Buckeyes did out stat the Trojans in 07, but the edge goes to USC.
Edge: USC
Linebackers
OLB #10 Brian Cushing (6-3 255 SR)
MLB #58 Rey Maualuga (6-2 260 SR)
WLB #43 Kaluka Maiava (6-0 230 SR)
Quick, name two teams in college that sports at least 2 starting LBs who very easily could be earning NFL paychecks this weekend. If you said USC and Ohio State, you're at least a casual fan of college football, congratulations. Like Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, Maualuga returns for his senior year and is simply a beast in the Middle. At 260 pounds, he will make a man pay for coming over the middle. While Maualuga can get to the QB (6 sacks in 2007), speed is not his attribute. That's not to say he's slow, of course, but if he is made to miss, his recovery isn't a sure thing. To his credit, Maualuga doesn't miss very often and recorded 2 Tackles in the opener. Cushing is a specimen. With freakish strength, Cushing has the speed to get to the ball no matter which side of the field it goes. He poses a serious threat on blitzes but was hampered by a nagging injury in 2007. Cushing had two tackles against Virginia, including .5 for loss. Gone is Keith Rivers who is replaced by Maiava. Almost tiny compared to Cushing and Maualuga, he will hit like a ton of bricks and has a nose for the football. With 44 tackles in 2007, Maiava - a senior - is a "new starter" in name only having had years in the program, learning all the way. He recorded 6 tackles in the opener, including one for loss, to tie Clay Matthews (and S Taylor Mays (below)) for the team lead thus far in 2008.
The back-ups include; #17 Michael Morgan (6-4 220 SO), #57 Nick Garratt (6-1 235 JR), #6 Malcolm Smith (6-1 225 SO), #37 Jordan Campbell (5-11 230 FR), #52 Luthur Brown (6-2 235 JR), #54 Chris Galippo (6-2 255 FR), and #35 Uona Kaveinga (6-1 235 FR). While USC has talented depth, they suffer a similar "problem" as Ohio State in that the core of the LBs, that is to say Cushing and Maualuga, have been hard to get off the field owing to their high caliber of play over a long period of time. That being so, the depth, particularly behind them is something of a question mark. But, make no mistake, this is USC and whoever they have will have already passed the "look test" before signing an LOI. Brown will provide a challenge to Maiava for minutes and may even work his way in to the starting role as he was pressing for the job during the spring and fall camps. Brown has been nursing a strained back, but depending on how he responds to contact this week is expected to play against the Buckeyes. Both Smith and Kaveinga saw action against the Cavaliers with Smith recording 3 tackles, while Kaveinga enjoyed his first college sack. It should be noted, Galippo and Morgan are nursing injuries and are not expected to play.
LB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU LBs
Aside from the 32 NFL teams, there is really on one team in America which can challenge Ohio State for the title of best LB corps and that team is the Trojans. Both Cushing and Maualuga could be cashing paychecks this week instead of participating in their final years of college. Like the Buckeyes, each unit also has a new face at the remaining LB position, with the Trojans manning the spot with a senior and the Buckeyes with a Sophomore (Ross Homan). The Buckeyes may be slightly deeper, however, though as it was with the D Line, the difference is not measured in chunks. As it stands in 2008, Freeman, Laurinaitis and Homan have been more productive (Ranking 1, 2, 3 in tackles with a pick (Laurinaitis)), but it's way to early to call that edge particularly meaningful. When 100% there is little to differentiate these units, both being nothing short of dominant. If it were not for the Buckeyes slight advantage with depth, the edge would be "Even." As it is, the Buckeyes get the tip of the hat here.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
RCB #7 Cary Harris (6-0 180 SR)
FS #2 Taylor Mays (6-3 230 SR)
SS #4 Kevin Ellison (6-1 225 SR)
LCB #24 Shareece Wright (6-0 180 JR)
Starting with the return of both Safety's from the 07 unit, the Trojans enjoy a strong middle to their secondary. Both Mays and Ellison are huge and both bring the wood. Ellison earned First Team All Pac 10 in 07, and recorded 57 tackles. He began 08 with two tackles against Virginia. Mays, like Cushing, is just a specimen. At 230 pounds and with 4.3 40 speed, Mays has few peers. Entering his 3rd year as a starter, he is expected to be a vocal leader for the Trojans this season and can be expected to be seen on the post season awards circuit. With 1.5 TFLs, he is tied for the team lead in tackles with 6. Harris is also a 3rd year starter and is SC's most reliable cover corner. Harris has excellent timing on incoming passes, knocking them away and preventing receptions. He is said to be among the fastest of USC's players and is therefore able to recover quickly when a WR gets past him. Harris had 3 Tackles and one for loss in the opener. Replacing outgoing DB Terrell Thomas is Wright. Wright will lower the boom like a safety and is clearly the more physical of USC's CBs. In back-up time Wright recorded 29 tackles with 3.5 for loss in 2007. He began 2008 with 5 Tackles during week 1.
Reserves include Corners; #15 Kevin Thomas (6-1 185 JR), #30 Brian Baucham (5-11 190 FR), #36 Josh Pinkard (6-2 210 SR), #1 T.J. Bryant (6-1 190 FR), and Safeties; #36 Will Harris (6-1 200 JR), #19 Drew McAllister (6-1 200 FR) and #27 Marshall Jones (6-0 185 SO). Both Thomas and Pinkard have struggled for the past two seasons with injury and have therefore not been able to live up to their potential. Pinkard was known for his ability to stay with anyone and managed 2 tackles against the Cavs, while Thomas was a starter before the injury bug got a hold of him (2006). Thomas has USC's lone pick in 08 and also recorded a tackle in the opener. Jones is the heir apparent to Mays and is simply biding his time behind one of the best. When he gets his chance, it's anticipated he will quickly earn a reputation as a hard hitter who can keep up with any receiving option he's assigned to.
DB Rating: A
Head-to-Head: USC versus OSU DBs
Here again, both units return expirience and excellence. Both units are outstanding, but excel in slightly different ways. For example, while SC doesn't have a cover corner as good as Malcolm Jenkins, OSU does not have a Taylor Mays in the middle. USC has had some trouble, as has OSU, in getting picks despite the wealth of talent in the secondary and both units seek to make an improvement on that score in 08. The Buckeyes recorded 4 picks against Ohio (though one was made by D-Lineman Lawrence Wilson) and appear to be moving in the right direction. The Buckeyes will get their chances against USC who is not afraid to throw the ball against anyone. Likewise, USC may be licking their chops at the prospects of some balls that might be off their mark coming form Ohio State's QBs on Saturday. Whatever the case, both Ohio State and USC enjoy 4 of the better men at their positions and thus the determination of the edge explores the depth of each unit. The Buckeyes have a slight edge in this area in as much as the suspensions of Donald Washington and Jamario O'Neal have expired and the development of Jermale Hines and Chimdi Chekwa continue to advance towards future All America potential. If Pinkard and Thomas were reliable health wise these units are closer to even. In the final assessment, however, the Buckeyes win the CBs while the Trojans field the better Safeties. As with the units above, neither margin of superiority is vast. When 100%, these groups are even. Ohio State has a slight depth advantage in terms of reliability, but not enough to bump the edge while Pinkard and Thomas are healthy.
Edge: Even
Overall Defensive Analysis
What else can you say about a Defense which you examine relative to itself? It's hard finding problems with the Trojans and pointing out areas which are weaknesses sound silly considering how good these guys are. That is to say, of course, a weakness does not always mean easy exploitation and the Trojans' weakest link is some teams strongest. While the 2008 LSU Tigers defense was probably a bit better on the whole than the 08 Trojans, this is an impressive group who will make Ohio State pay for taking plays off. You cannot make mistakes against this team and they rarely back off their intensity and pressure. It will take outstanding individual and team effort, but it can and has been done before. USC is not invincible or impenetrable, but the Buckeyes will have to work for every yard and twice as hard for every point. Considering that the Buckeyes are being given essentially no chance in this contest, expect them to give USC their best shot.
Overall Defensive Rating: A
Returning Starters: 4
The Southern California Trojans bring a lot of experience in their Special Teams play. The Punter, Place Kicker, Punt Returner and Kickoff Returner are all back from last year. They hope that the experience will be enough to overcome a couple of years of average to mediocre Special Teams' play.
Special Teams
P #44 Greg Woidneck (6-0, 195, Sr., Brea, CA)
PK #18 David Buehler (6-2, 225, Sr., Anaheim, CA)
PR #4 Joe McKnight (6-0, 180, So., River Ridge, LA)
PR #80 Branddon Carswell (6-1, 185, Fr., Milpitas, CA)
KR #8 Ronald Johnson (6-1, 190, So., Muskegon, MI)+
Both Kickers return for the Trojans. In 2007, Punter Woidneck could be described as sub-par, averaging only 37.9 yards per kick, good for only 99th in the Nation. Last week against Virginia, he averaged 36 yards on 2 punts. Kicker Buehler was decent in 2007, hitting on 13 of 19 FGs (84.2%), and 52 of 54 PATs (92.3%). Against Virginia he connected on all 7 PATs and was good on his only FG attempt.
In the return game, the Trojans are also average. Speedsters Joe McKnight and Branddon Carswell are the punt returners for 2008. Last year McKnight returned 19 punts for 160 yards, an 8.42 avg. Last week he returned 3 for 28 yds and a 9.3 avg. Branddon Carswell had 1 return for 14 yds. Not intimidating numbers, to say the least.
S;ecial Teams Rating: C
Head-to-Head: McKnight/Carswell versus OSU Return teams
The USC return teams have not impressed anyone. It is a weakness that is often overlooked due to their success on Defense and Offense. This may very well be an important part of the game in OSU's favor.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Small/Saine versus USC Return Teams
The USC return defenses are better than their return teams. Their Punt Return Defense only allowed 1 return for 8 yards last week versus Virginia. In 2007 they allowed a 6.71 return average, 30th in the Nation. On kickoffs vs UVa they allowed 17.67 per return. In 2007, the kickoff return defense allowed 20.16 yards per return. Again, these stats are unspectacular. The opportunity is there for the Buckeyes to use return play to their advantage in the field position game. This could turn out to be very important
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The Trojans don't use their Special Teams to win games. It is usually not a necessity. When was the last time you saw USC win or lose on a punt block or a last second field goal? But if OSU plays even with the Trojans on Offense and Defense, Special Teams could very well spell equate to a victory for the Buckeyes.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C
PredictionsSpecial Teams
P #44 Greg Woidneck (6-0, 195, Sr., Brea, CA)
PK #18 David Buehler (6-2, 225, Sr., Anaheim, CA)
PR #4 Joe McKnight (6-0, 180, So., River Ridge, LA)
PR #80 Branddon Carswell (6-1, 185, Fr., Milpitas, CA)
KR #8 Ronald Johnson (6-1, 190, So., Muskegon, MI)+
Both Kickers return for the Trojans. In 2007, Punter Woidneck could be described as sub-par, averaging only 37.9 yards per kick, good for only 99th in the Nation. Last week against Virginia, he averaged 36 yards on 2 punts. Kicker Buehler was decent in 2007, hitting on 13 of 19 FGs (84.2%), and 52 of 54 PATs (92.3%). Against Virginia he connected on all 7 PATs and was good on his only FG attempt.
In the return game, the Trojans are also average. Speedsters Joe McKnight and Branddon Carswell are the punt returners for 2008. Last year McKnight returned 19 punts for 160 yards, an 8.42 avg. Last week he returned 3 for 28 yds and a 9.3 avg. Branddon Carswell had 1 return for 14 yds. Not intimidating numbers, to say the least.
S;ecial Teams Rating: C
Head-to-Head: McKnight/Carswell versus OSU Return teams
The USC return teams have not impressed anyone. It is a weakness that is often overlooked due to their success on Defense and Offense. This may very well be an important part of the game in OSU's favor.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Small/Saine versus USC Return Teams
The USC return defenses are better than their return teams. Their Punt Return Defense only allowed 1 return for 8 yards last week versus Virginia. In 2007 they allowed a 6.71 return average, 30th in the Nation. On kickoffs vs UVa they allowed 17.67 per return. In 2007, the kickoff return defense allowed 20.16 yards per return. Again, these stats are unspectacular. The opportunity is there for the Buckeyes to use return play to their advantage in the field position game. This could turn out to be very important
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Special Teams Analysis
The Trojans don't use their Special Teams to win games. It is usually not a necessity. When was the last time you saw USC win or lose on a punt block or a last second field goal? But if OSU plays even with the Trojans on Offense and Defense, Special Teams could very well spell equate to a victory for the Buckeyes.
Overall Special Teams Rating: C
BB73's prediction: 23-20, Ohio State
BuckeyeRyn's prediction: ??-??, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 24-17, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-17, USC
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-13, USC
jwinslow's prediction: 21-20, Ohio State
JCOSU's Prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 26-24, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 35-17, USC
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 27-13, USC
jwinslow's prediction: 21-20, Ohio State
JCOSU's Prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 26-24, Ohio State
Previous Game's Results (OSU 26 - Ohio 14)
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(28) Bucklion's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State (19 + 9 last week = 28)
(30) BB73's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State (23 + 7 last week = 30)
(32) jwinslow's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (27 + 5 last week = 32)
(35) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State (23 + 12 last week = 35)
(35) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State (19 + 16 last week = 35)
(40) JCOSU86's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (27 + 13 last week= 40)
(43) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (30 + 13 last week = 43)
(45) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-0, Ohio State (29 + 16 last week = 45)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual score versus predicted score. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
(28) Bucklion's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State (19 + 9 last week = 28)
(30) BB73's prediction: 41-6, Ohio State (23 + 7 last week = 30)
(32) jwinslow's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (27 + 5 last week = 32)
(35) 3yardsandacloud's prediction: 42-7, Ohio State (23 + 12 last week = 35)
(35) BuckeyeRyn's prediction: 41-10, Ohio State (19 + 16 last week = 35)
(40) JCOSU86's prediction: 42-3, Ohio State (27 + 13 last week= 40)
(43) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (30 + 13 last week = 43)
(45) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-0, Ohio State (29 + 16 last week = 45)
Adjusted scores for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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