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You won't find many defenders of the soft zones we've seen under Heacock, though part of the 'softness' comes from a sharp dropoff from the big uglies earlier in Tressel's career (esp 02 & 03). They were able to create consistent pressure with 4, or even 3 guys (even against Miami's talent). There is some hope riding on the physical and mental maturation of a very young front 7 from the past two bowls. If Heyward can be an impact player inside with Gibson rushing outside of Cam... and Wilson (one of only good performer vs UF; out all of last year) can take strides, OSU may turn a mediocre unit into a strength. Versatile DE/DT Rob Rose getting healthy for the first time since 06 (true frosh) would help as well.If you guys play a soft zone like you did against LSU and Florida he will pick you apart OSU should be sending a 3 many blitz every other play to get him out of rythm.
Definitely have that backwards, imo. They struggle in traffic and at the POA, while doing pretty well in space. Freeman and Laurinaitis have excellent athleticism and agility, and defend the pass pretty well.On to the rbs, it seems to me that your linebackers have trouble playing in space and I know Peter Carroll will do everything he can to get McKnight or Johnson one on one with your lb's, Im not as high on the Animal or Freeman as most people are.
Mendenhall ran wild with limited support from Juice and the passing game. Will that repeat itself? Debatable, but Beanie is a cut above Mendenhall, who was a stud in his own right.I just dont see OSU having success running straight at USC. Which brings me too my next point, although I think OSU WR's are good none of them have the speed to test USC secondary. Which IMO will cost OSU the game their lack of big play threats on offense. USC's LB corp is too good for you guys to just run straight ahead with wells.
Good post, GB. Interesting to see your perspective on the game. Greenies.goblue15;1185621; said:This is how I see the game going (Outsiders Perspective):
You guys obviously have a great defense coming back, granted I do think its a little overrated. Having seen USC play alot since I live on the West Coast. Sanchez is alot better than people give him credit for. I think he is a better fit than Booty was for the USC offense, kinda reminds me of Leinart with more mobility. If you guys play a soft zone like you did against LSU and Florida he will pick you apart OSU should be sending a 3 many blitz every other play to get him out of rythm. I like OSU's dline chances against a SC offensive line that only returns 2 starters granted Odowd is a stud. ADV OSU. On to the rbs, it seems to me that your linebackers have trouble playing in space and I know Peter Carroll will do everything he can to get McKnight or Johnson one on one with your lb's, Im not as high on the Animal or Freeman as most people are. I think their good, but not great. ADV USC. USC's WR have all come in with alot of hype, but for the most part they have greatly underacheived they did play well against Illinois, but Illinois is still an average team. OSU's Cb are very good and are lead by Senior all american Malcolm Jenkins kid is a beast, but I actually like Donald Washington more than Jenkins. Either way you put their both very good! USC still doesnt have a number one WR Turner is too inconistent. ADV OSU. On too OSU offense and SC defense. Im not a Big fan of Boeckman, I dont see him getting any better than he was last year. He locks on to his primary WR's too much and tries too make the big play even when its not their (EX: Illinois last year). You guys have a great oline lead by Alex Boone who should be a top 15 pick in next years draft, but your Oline has struggled with quick dline men and SC has plenty of thoem look for Everson Griffen to have a great year and Im sure you guys know who Fili Moala is. Too much talent and depth on the dline for USC. ADV USC. This might be the deciding factor of the game Chris Wells vs USC lb's. IMO Chris Wells is the best RB in the country, maybe even player. He has that rare combination of Speed and Power. We all know about Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing USC IMO has the best LB corp in the country. Rey and Brian both are fast and man do they hit with a vengance, go watch the rose bowl for evidence. Cushing looks like he is on Steriods! ADV USC, I just dont see OSU having success running straight at USC. Which brings me too my next point, although I think OSU WR's are good none of them have the speed to test USC secondary. Which IMO will cost OSU the game their lack of big play threats on offense. USC's LB corp is too good for you guys to just run straight ahead with wells.
Final Score USC 34 OSU 17
goblue15;1185621; said:This is how I see the game going (Outsiders Perspective):
You guys obviously have a great defense coming back, granted I do think its a little overrated. Having seen USC play alot since I live on the West Coast. Sanchez is alot better than people give him credit for. I think he is a better fit than Booty was for the USC offense, kinda reminds me of Leinart with more mobility. If you guys play a soft zone like you did against LSU and Florida he will pick you apart OSU should be sending a 3 many blitz every other play to get him out of rythm. I like OSU's dline chances against a SC offensive line that only returns 2 starters granted Odowd is a stud. ADV OSU. On to the rbs, it seems to me that your linebackers have trouble playing in space and I know Peter Carroll will do everything he can to get McKnight or Johnson one on one with your lb's, Im not as high on the Animal or Freeman as most people are. I think their good, but not great. ADV USC. USC's WR have all come in with alot of hype, but for the most part they have greatly underacheived they did play well against Illinois, but Illinois is still an average team. OSU's Cb are very good and are lead by Senior all american Malcolm Jenkins kid is a beast, but I actually like Donald Washington more than Jenkins. Either way you put their both very good! USC still doesnt have a number one WR Turner is too inconistent. ADV OSU. On too OSU offense and SC defense. Im not a Big fan of Boeckman, I dont see him getting any better than he was last year. He locks on to his primary WR's too much and tries too make the big play even when its not their (EX: Illinois last year). You guys have a great oline lead by Alex Boone who should be a top 15 pick in next years draft, but your Oline has struggled with quick dline men and SC has plenty of thoem look for Everson Griffen to have a great year and Im sure you guys know who Fili Moala is. Too much talent and depth on the dline for USC. ADV USC. This might be the deciding factor of the game Chris Wells vs USC lb's. IMO Chris Wells is the best RB in the country, maybe even player. He has that rare combination of Speed and Power. We all know about Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing USC IMO has the best LB corp in the country. Rey and Brian both are fast and man do they hit with a vengance, go watch the rose bowl for evidence. Cushing looks like he is on Steriods! ADV USC, I just dont see OSU having success running straight at USC. Which brings me too my next point, although I think OSU WR's are good none of them have the speed to test USC secondary. Which IMO will cost OSU the game their lack of big play threats on offense. USC's LB corp is too good for you guys to just run straight ahead with wells.
Final Score USC 34 OSU 17
Cushing looks like he is on steriods
goblue15;1185621; said:granted I do think its a little overrated.
leroyjenkins;1185641; said:LMAO.....Where to start. First I think the 15 in your username is how old you must be. Please learn the English language, it is your friend! If you dont think that Small, Sanzo, or Hartline have the speed to test SC's secondary, maybe Saine in the slot, Lamar Thomas, or Stoneburner will. Next, you should realize that last year was Boeckman's first year as a starter. I think the strides he'll make will be remarkable. Lastly you may be right about one thing
goblue15;1185662; said:Again, its just my opinion you dont have to agree with it. You really expect to see Lamar Thomas and Stoneburner play against SC? Interesting... I appreciate your comments.
We all know about Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing USC IMO has the best LB corp in the country. Rey and Brian both are fast and man do they hit with a vengance, go watch the rose bowl for evidence. Cushing looks like he is on Steriods!
goblue15;1185662; said:You really expect to see Lamar Thomas and Stoneburner play against SC? Interesting...
goblue15;1185662; said:Again, its just my opinion you dont have to agree with it. You really expect to see Lamar Thomas and Stoneburner play against SC? Interesting... I appreciate your comments.
I don't expect Thomas to play unless its on special teams or on specifically designed packages... but Stoneburner may end up starting that game.goblue15;1185662; said:Again, its just my opinion you dont have to agree with it. You really expect to see Lamar Thomas and Stoneburner play against SC? Interesting... I appreciate your comments.
Mendenhall had 155 rushing yards, and 1 long of 79. Take away the 1 run, and thats less than 100 yards for the game. Not exactly running wild, is it? A good game, but not one of his better for the year.:)Bob.Barker;1185636; said:Appreciate the breakdown 15, even if I disagree on certain portions.You won't find many defenders of the soft zones we've seen under Heacock, though part of the 'softness' comes from a sharp dropoff from the big uglies earlier in Tressel's career (esp 02 & 03). They were able to create consistent pressure with 4, or even 3 guys (even against Miami's talent). There is some hope riding on the physical and mental maturation of a very young front 7 from the past two bowls. If Heyward can be an impact player inside with Gibson rushing outside of Cam... and Wilson (one of only good performer vs UF; out all of last year) can take strides, OSU may turn a mediocre unit into a strength. Versatile DE/DT Rob Rose getting healthy for the first time since 06 (true frosh) would help as well.
Definitely have that backwards, imo. They struggle in traffic and at the POA, while doing pretty well in space. Freeman and Laurinaitis have excellent athleticism and agility, and defend the pass pretty well.Mendenhall ran wild with limited support from Juice and the passing game. Will that repeat itself? Debatable, but Beanie is a cut above Mendenhall, who was a stud in his own right.
I'm interested to see how the young WRs impact SC's passing game. Will RoJo, McKnight (ath), and others bring a speed dimension that SC lacked at times with Turner, Ausberry & Vidal?
I'm also curious to see how a healthy Robiskie looks against SC's talented secondary. Tearing up his knee in late September in a 3 TD hat trick vs NW, he never showed the same explosiveness the rest of the year, even against lesser opponents. He's not a true burner like some recent OSU WRs, but he has a pretty solid 4th gear on display deep vs Washington.
The wildcard is Devier Posey, who has tremendous talent but no experience (and did not enroll in the spring). He brings a tremendous blend of size, speed, hands and route running. Ray Small is starting to get his head on straight again, but he will be pushed hard by Posey for #3 WR reps.