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

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Tresselbeliever;1249981; said:
I am concerned about those two for the same reason. We all know that SC could get steady production from their bigger and slower WRs. But these two brings field stretching abilities that SC lacked last season, and certainly weren't shy to display them. I get the since that OSU's defense will be too physical for SC's backs to pick up decent chucks of yards, so they'll have to rely on guys like Rojo to maybe get open on a playaction.
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I think both teams will get their chunk of passing yardage, but when we refer to WR production, were all presumably referencing consistent WR play that results in scores. Rojo and Damian Williams seem to add a dimension to the passing game USC didnt have last year, but this is based on ONE game against a bad opponent. The talent is there but I still feel uncomfortable simply saying "Yeah, these two unproven yet talented receivers are going to carry the passing game on their shoulders vs. OSU."
Catching balls is DAMN different when you have guys like Malcolm Jenkins draped all over you and Laurinitis and Freeman screeching accross the middle waiting to decapitate you. Same goes for OSU's receivers. The type of coverage they saw against YState and Ohio will be a far cry from what they are against with the likes of Cary Harris or Taylor Mays.
As I said before, I think the passing game will come down to two thinks: Physicality and mental preparation. Both receiving corps need to come out and impose THEIR will on the opposing secondary early. If either teams WRs come out and cant shake the coverage on the first few drives, this could be very, very problematic for USC or OSU. When defensive coordinators see a quarterback struggling to find receivers downfield, they lick their chops and start packing the box.
As a USC fan, this is why I am damned glad you dont have a guy like Anthony Gonzalez anymore. No offense to Robo or Hartline or Small, but Gonzalez was always open and was just devastating on mid yardage plays.
 
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You bring up some good points, but for SC this is a home game, and that means these guys are naturally comfortable and they are going to take some chances. I had the gut feeling before the Texas game in 06 and the recent LSU game that these teams would be able to slash for some decent yardage on the game with their multitude of backs. Perhaps it's the size of SC's current backs or the maturation of the OSU defense, but I don't see that happening for SC. So that means Carroll is going to take some chances deep, because I don't think either team has the ability to put together methodical drives with intermediate completions. And despite the maturity of OSU's defense, they have shown a tendency to get rattled when opponents make big plays, and while our DBs are good, by no means are they immune to giving up big passing plays to equally talented players.
 
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The stage is set

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My prediction 1 week before the game:

USC 20, Ohio State 13

I had Ohio State winning this game a little while ago, but I'm doubting whether or not we can do what we have to to win. On top of that, I have a bad feeling about the game, but I also had a bad feeling about Texas in '06, so don't take me seriously.:biggrin:
 
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My biggest takeaway from today was Tressel's decision not to use Pryor at all when Ohio State was struggling. Then again, he didn't exactly tear it up on the option. His scramble was great, but he needs to establish himself as a passing threat for that to continue to be effective.
 
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Buckeneye;1251151; said:
at least we have the defense - 5 turnovers on today's game and only 14 points.

I realize its Ohio - but if we can keep getting the ball back like that, and play better on 3rd down, we can do this.
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If we refuse to play man, and continue playing 10 yards off with two deep safeties and no interior pass rush, we're going to get creamed.
 
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