Game Thread Ohio State 3, Southern Cal 35 (Sept. 13)

[methomps]

For the Trojan fans did USC's offense change much Sanchez was in there?

The offense got a lot more conservative when Sanchez was in, to the point of running the football on third and long. That won't carry over into this year. Sanchez was a little more creative and mobile when the play broke down, buying time or scrambling for yardage more than JDB.

By the Oregon game, Sanchez was also much more comfortable with the WRs, especially Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton. Of course, it could just be that Turner coincidently had his annual spectacular game that makes the rest of his showings so frustrating.

 

[BuckeyeGanoosh]

The offense got a lot more conservative when Sanchez was in, to the point of running the football on third and long. That won't carry over into this year. Sanchez was a little more creative and mobile when the play broke down, buying time or scrambling for yardage more than JDB.

By the Oregon game, Sanchez was also much more comfortable with the WRs, especially Patrick Turner and Vidal Hazelton. Of course, it could just be that Turner coincidently had his annual spectacular game that makes the rest of his showings so frustrating.

With Sanchez in the questionable status, the beginning of the season for USC reminds me of when we were split between Zwick and Smith before the Texas game in '05. Hindsight is 20/20, but the 2 quarterback system was only temporary due to the situation. If Mustain plays against Virginia well, do you anticipate a similar situation for Sept. 13th?

 

[generaladm]

With Sanchez in the questionable status, the beginning of the season for USC reminds me of when we were split between Zwick and Smith before the Texas game in '05. Hindsight is 20/20, but the 2 quarterback system was only temporary due to the situation. If Mustain plays against Virginia well, do you anticipate a similar situation for Sept. 13th?

Good point, 'noosh. How quickly Sanchez can get back onto the practice field will have a big impact on the first two games. If he misses more than a week, you'd have to expect that Mustain would get the start in week one. Sanchez is far from a seasoned veteran. The time he's missing in practice is taking away very valuable reps to get comfortable with his WRs. If Mustain starts against Virginia, he would have to lay a huge egg to get pulled for game two. I like the parallel to the 05 season, although, they are not entirely similar. Troy was not injured, and Zwick was the highly touted HS QB before his injury. Either way, if Sanchez does not return very quickly, it does not bode well for USC. Of course, there's always the possibility that Mustain will prove to be the better of the two. If Mustain does start against OSU, it will be interesting to see how the media portrays it.

 

[generaladm]

The "rash" of injuries to USC players continues. Joe McKnight had to make a trip to the emergency room after a dorm room door was closed on two of his fingers.

USC's Joe McKnight injures hand in dorm accident - Los Angeles Times

Found on The Wizard of Odds

 

[pokey]

The "rash" of injuries to USC players continues. Joe McKnight had to make a trip to the emergency room after a dorm room door was closed on two of his fingers.

USC's Joe McKnight injures hand in dorm accident - Los Angeles Times

Found on The Wizard of Odds

Payback for giving everyone jock itch?

 

[troy#1]

Good point, 'noosh. How quickly Sanchez can get back onto the practice field will have a big impact on the first two games. If he misses more than a week, you'd have to expect that Mustain would get the start in week one. Sanchez is far from a seasoned veteran. The time he's missing in practice is taking away very valuable reps to get comfortable with his WRs. If Mustain starts against Virginia, he would have to lay a huge egg to get pulled for game two. I like the parallel to the 05 season, although, they are not entirely similar. Troy was not injured, and Zwick was the highly touted HS QB before his injury. Either way, if Sanchez does not return very quickly, it does not bode well for USC. Of course, there's always the possibility that Mustain will prove to be the better of the two. If Mustain does start against OSU, it will be interesting to see how the media portrays it.

I seen pictures of Sanchez throwing the football on the sidelines at practice thursday, and the knee wasnt wrapped, and the reporter said when MS walked, there was no noticeable limp. The only problem he is said to be having is alittle swelling, and thats going to happen when going thru rehab.

 

[generaladm]

I seen pictures of Sanchez throwing the football on the sidelines at practice thursday, and the knee wasnt wrapped, and the reporter said when MS walked, there was no noticeable limp. The only problem he is said to be having is alittle swelling, and thats going to happen when going thru rehab.

Yeah, I've heard he's throwing, but not allowed on the field. Sounds like he'll be fine before the first game, but these practices are immensely important. If he's unable to go full speed next week, it's going to give Mustain a big advantage, if you can call it that. I personally hope that USC is %100 healthy (OK, maybe %92) when we play. If they're banged up for the game, it will give people a reason to raise doubts, if we beat them. If we lose, it would just be embarrassing. At least all the injuries have been fairly minor to this point.

 

[BuckeyeGanoosh]

Payback for giving everyone jock itch?

This is nuts!

There is a "let my people go" ring to all the mishaps.

 

[AKAK]

Payback for giving everyone jock itch?

It wasn't him.

Blame that on whoever is sitting out practice with the "chin itch"

 

[smithlabs]

Sounds like the dirty Sanchez is making its rounds.

 

[methomps]

With Sanchez in the questionable status, the beginning of the season for USC reminds me of when we were split between Zwick and Smith before the Texas game in '05. Hindsight is 20/20, but the 2 quarterback system was only temporary due to the situation. If Mustain plays against Virginia well, do you anticipate a similar situation for Sept. 13th?

It will be a tough situation, but I doubt that Carroll would go into the game expecting to play both QBs. One would start and play, giving way only if completely ineffective. The ideal, of course, is that Sanchez is back in time for the Virginia game.

 

[DaytonBuck]

How would an SC fan compare Sanchez's mobility versus Palmer, Leinart and Booty?

 

[methomps]

Closer to college Palmer, better than Leinart and Booty.

 

[PlanetFrnd]

A worthwhile article on Maualuga.

Maualuga hoping to gain respect on and off the field

LOS ANGELES - As a kid, in much the same way he has become perhaps college football's most feared defensive player, Southern California senior linebacker Rey Maualuga was always on the move.

He was born in Oklahoma, where his father, Talatonu, a native of American Samoa, was serving in the U.S. Army. Two months later, his family moved to Honolulu. In the sixth grade, he moved to Oxnard, Calif., a gritty distant suburb of Los Angeles. After his first year in high school in Ventura, Calif., he moved to Eureka, Calif., a remote town in the far northern part of the state amid giant redwoods.

Cont'd ...

usatoday

Thongs are a tough way to get respect... maybe he should try lactating...

 

[BuckeyeGanoosh]

It will be a tough situation, but I doubt that Carroll would go into the game expecting to play both QBs. One would start and play, giving way only if completely ineffective. The ideal, of course, is that Sanchez is back in time for the Virginia game.

That definitely seems to be the best fit. I will be very honest here and admit I thought that it was a draw between Smith and Zwick since we saw Smith come out and drop the hammer on TSUN, and Zwick play well against Okie State and the 'hat' back in '04. I think many were very critical of the dual QB's after the loss to Vince, but mind you Zwick was billed as the next superstar for the Bucks, and Troy was the last scholarship (athlete) given out the same year. You know the rest of the story. It's not always about how many stars you collected next to your name on the recruiting websites.