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

[82Trojan]

Game Plan

Obviously both sides are loaded with talent and speed, but I can't help but wonder if it's not been "game plan" that's been the problem for Ohio State, and say Oklahoma during the past few years. Both teams have rolled through the regular season only to be stunned in their BCS Bowls. I wonder if they have a habit of predictability that some of the other coaches have picked up on and exploited. We talk so much about the players.

I think the players show up, but the game plans may be lacking. And/or the right adjustments aren't made because the coach is determined to stay the course.

Carroll seems to have the knack when he has time to prepare, but he usually has his teams peaking in November. This will be a fun game to watch. I'll be at the game and I'm sure that the kickoff will be electric.

 

[generaladm]

I don't mean to diminish Beanie in any way, I think he's earned the respect, but I still think Pryor is a bigger threat because he completely changes the way the defense has to play. Beanie's success depends on how well the line blocks for him- if he had played against OU I don't think he would have had much more success than the other Wells or Saine, cuz the O-line stunk it up for three quarters. I mean, I think running backs are always over-rated whether it be in college or NFL- the O-line's performance dictates the success of the running game. So unless Beanie can shoot laser beams out of his um... eyes, or has a 10 foot vertical leap, I think he can be limited by a good D-line and LB corps- which USC possesses. That's all I'm saying. I think McKnight and Co. will also have a difficult time running against the OSU front 7, and so the determing factor to me is quarterback play.

Boeckman is in his 6th year and hasn't shown he can play well against top-ranked defenses. He's a good QB, but not great- similar to John Booty at USC last year. Pryor will be a Heisman winner one day, and if I were Tressel, it would be dumb not to put him in the mix against USC. Sure there's pressure, but if TB struggles, I don't think there is really a choice. Pryor will pick up yards with his feet. Simple.

On a separate note- it seems like if OSU loses, there are going to be several thousand people on suicide watch in Ohio- it's not the end of the season, and certainly not the end of the world. Didn't last season teach you anything? Bucks can lose this one and still have a great shot at the NC or good Bowl game. Same goes for USC.

I see what you're saying, and it's a valid point, but not always true. Case in point, on OSU's 2002 team, there were vastly different results, depending on who got the handoff. When Clarett was in, the smallest hole could turn into a big gain. When Ross or Hall were in, the line could open a hole that Charlie Weis could run thru, but those particular RBs liked to shuffle their feet till the hole closed. Beanie has all the tools that make a great RB. Speed, agility, strength, recognition, vision..you name it. The biggest thing that he has over the other RB on the roster right now is his ability to find the cutback lane. The O-line may not have looked good against OU, but it is a veteran unit, and has provided positive results more often than not. I think it's safe to say that last year's LSU defense was better than this year's USC's (or many team's in the past few years, for that matter), and Beanie ran for 146 yeards in a game that made all Buckeye fans wonder why he didn't get more carries.

As far as your analysis of Boeckman, again, you make good points, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Penn State and Wisconsin were two of the best defenses we faced last year, and TB fared well, with a 5/1 TD/INT ratio. PSU's King and UW Ikegwuonu were two of the top CBs in the country last year, not to mention Dan Connor, Sean Lee, Elijah Hodge, and solid D-lines on both teams. TB definitely had his struggles last season, especially in the most prominent games, but his low points were not indicative of his overall abilities. I would say he fared better than Sanchez, who did not fare well in games not against ND. Pryor may be better suited to exploit USC's defense, but he is not proven enough to hand the reins over to. If he plays a big part in the game, and tears it up, I certainly won't complain, but at this point I think it's a real stretch to say he's our best shot at victory.

Finally, a loss to USC will not destroy our season, but it will be harder this year to climb back into the NC game than it was last year. We can't count on the unprecedented choke-fest by teams ahead of us, and we will not get the benefit of the doubt this year. Our dropping to #5 is an early indication of that. I don't doubt that Oklahoma should have jumped past us (they look great), but Florida moving up after a pretty crappy game against a team that has done nothing since 2002 tells me we aren't gong to get any respect. At this point, even if we win, I doubt if we will move into the top spot. With a loss, I think we drop out of the top 10 (more due to the OU game), and it's a long climb back to the top 2.

Even though I've just disagreed with everything you said, you did a much better job of discussing OSU than I would speculating about USC. Thanks for adding to the conversation.

 

[MajesticTurkey]

We hear how everyone's going to bring it, even when they haven't shown anything yet.

SC hasn't been outclassed in a BCS bowl game yet (that doesn't mean they didn't lose to Texas). Save a little room in your mind for the possibilty of a loss.

Well, you are on an Ohio State message board. The people here tend to be quite open-minded, but do you honestly for a minute believe any of us will lie down and simply agree, "Oh hey, our Buckeyes feel like going to the Chinese Theater, maybe eat at Roscoes, and head over to the Coliseum to get pounded?" No, of course not. We're going to sit here and say that the team will bring it, because we honestly believe that this team will come out and, you know, play football.

Now you say that SC hasn't been outclassed in any of their what, 5 BCS games? Don't play the Leinart card, you lost to Texas, Texas was the better team. End of story. Stop with the "Oh, but we were the better team" bull that we get to hear every day from Auburn and Miami and USC and Georgia fans for various years.

As for yourself, perhaps you are the one who needs to have a mind open to the possibility of a loss. After all, we're the 10 point underdogs. We're the ones nobody expects to win. You're the one who will have the reverse rotor on the S.S. Trashtalk should you run ashore this Saturday. We're already quite used to the idea.

 

[osugrad21]

Not sure what in the hell that little fray was about, but some of you probably need to sleep it off...the visitor got the infraction but I'd say our crowd deserved it after hammering the guy into his post.

This place is better than that and those that participated in this BS usually are as well.

This isn't Bucknuts 2002 and they sure aren't Grassy fans.

Clean it up.

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Buckeyes meant to not show anything against Ohio, right?

By Greg Billing
Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Wow. Here's an FYI to fantasy football owners: I just traded for Tom Brady dirt cheap!
Championship!
Hey, why is Bill Belichick giving a press conference? Oh well, I'll check on that later.
? Man, Jim Tressel is a genius.
Typically, teams don't like to give away too much to upcoming opponents, especially right before big games.
Ohio State didn't show anything Saturday, Sept. 6, in that dismal win over Ohio University.
It was a clever plan by Tressel to lower the nation's expectations of Ohio State, all while making Southern California super confident after studying that game film.
At least that's what I keep telling myself as the Buckeyes prepare for the Trojans this Saturday.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Buckeyes not firing on all cylinders on offense


By Doug Harris
Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Four Ohio State players were interviewed on a teleconference Monday night, Sept. 8, and three were asked the most pressing question facing the Buckeyes these days: How's Beanie?
Quarterback Todd Boeckman could offer no new information, saying he didn't see much of injured star Beanie Wells since the running back was on the sidelines while the team was practicing.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis saw Wells testing his ailing foot, but said it's too early to say whether the Heisman candidate would be cleared for Saturday's showdown with No. 1 Southern Cal.
"From what I could tell, it seemed like he was doing great," Laurinaitis said, "but who really knows but him? We'll see how the week progresses and see how that unfolds."
Considering how feeble the offense looked in Wells' absence against Ohio University, the angst in Buckeye Land may be understandable. Boeckman passed for just 110 yards in the 26-14 come-from-behind win, and the underachieving offensive line opened few holes for the running game.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

In 1990, coach Cooper derided for 'quitting' against USC

By Rusty Miller
Associated Press

Tuesday, September 09, 2008
COLUMBUS ? It's been 18 years and Greg Frey still refuses to accept defeat.
"There were 2? minutes left on the clock, and now we'll never know," the former Ohio State quarterback said Monday.
When No. 1 Southern California hosts No. 5 Ohio State on Saturday, Sept. 13, in the first big tilt of the college football season, it will be the first time the teams meet since their showdown in 1990, ? a game people still talk about because of its bizarre circumstances and twist at the end.
No. 18 USC marched into Ohio Stadium to take on the 15th-ranked Buckeyes before a raucous crowd.
The Trojans dominated right from the start, and took a 28-10 lead midway through the third quarter on Scott Lockwood's 66-yard run. At about the same time, a thunderstorm swept in and put on a horizon-to-horizon light show.
Cont...

 

[82Trojan]

Well, you are on an Ohio State message board. The people here tend to be quite open-minded, but do you honestly for a minute believe any of us will lie down and simply agree, "Oh hey, our Buckeyes feel like going to the Chinese Theater, maybe eat at Roscoes, and head over to the Coliseum to get pounded?" No, of course not. We're going to sit here and say that the team will bring it, because we honestly believe that this team will come out and, you know, play football.

Now you say that SC hasn't been outclassed in any of their what, 5 BCS games? Don't play the Leinart card, you lost to Texas, Texas was the better team. End of story. Stop with the "Oh, but we were the better team" bull that we get to hear every day from Auburn and Miami and USC and Georgia fans for various years.

As for yourself, perhaps you are the one who needs to have a mind open to the possibility of a loss. After all, we're the 10 point underdogs. We're the ones nobody expects to win. You're the one who will have the reverse rotor on the S.S. Trashtalk should you run ashore this Saturday. We're already quite used to the idea.

I'm certainly open to the possiblility of an OU win. If you went back to my first post it was all about the eveb talent on both sides of the field, and only questioned some coaches sticking with ineffective game plans during bowl games. Then I got flamed.

I said we got beat by Texas. No excuses. But losing with 19 seconds left is not being outclassed. That was my point. SC is 5 and 1 in BCS bowls.

I think you need to look back a few pages and see who's been trying to discuss the game and who's side has been ranting.

Anyway, I'll end with this. I sincerely hope that Wells is 100% on Saturday. It would be a shame if he wasn't. He's the type of back (like Rashard Mendenhall, big and strong) that is most effective against us. It will be a great game.

I'm certainly open to the possiblility of an OU win.

Sorry (OSU). Before I get flamed.

 

[osugrad21]

ABJ

Buckeyes get wake-up call OSU knows it must step up game against USC
By Rusty Miller
Associated Press

Published on Tuesday, Sep 09, 2008
COLUMBUS: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel would never admit it, but the Buckeyes' lackluster victory against Ohio University might make his job a little easier this week.
No doubt he'll have his players' complete attention and they'll be even more eager to wipe away the memories of that ugly performance as they prepare for the nonconference game of the year at No. 1 Southern California on Saturday.
''I don't want to read too much into it because everyone has [bad games], but I have a tough time believing a lot of those other top teams in the country would've played like we played today,'' an angry wide receiver Brian Hartline said after OSU's 26-14 win.
Ohio, a 331/2-point underdog, led 14-6 in the third quarter and 14-12 going into the fourth quarter. The Buckeyes, playing without injured star tailback Chris Wells, gained just 272 yards.
If not for five turnovers by the Bobcats ? four interceptions and a pivotal fumbled punt ? the Buckeyes might be hearing the words ''Appalachian State'' a lot this week.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

OSU vs. USC: It's why those Buckeye seniors came back
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
BY TODD PORTER
[email protected]

COLUMBUS Plenty of hype, plenty to gain, plenty to lose.

Ohio State at Southern California in the third week of the college football season isn't just another game; it's every bit as big and important as a national championship.

USC, ranked No. 1 in both polls after blistering downtrodden Virginia two weeks ago, spent last week resting. Ohio State was supposed to do the same, and the Buckeyes did. It almost cost them a chance at hyperbole and nearly sucked the air out of national talking heads.

"It does have a lot of hype, and a lot surrounding it," Buckeye wide receiver Brian Robiskie said. "We know ? yes, this is as big a game. You want to say it's early in the season and there's a long way to go. But both teams know everything is on the line. We're preparing for this like it's our national championship. This is our season."

And that sums up Ohio State's 2008 season. One game, one night ? and the whole world will be watching. Win at USC in a traditional matchup of Rose Bowl titans, and the pathway to an undefeated season and a third national title appearance is well within reach.

Lose, and the rest of the country will give OSU an I-told-you-so nod on its way home.

Ohio State seniors Malcolm Jenkins, James Laurinaitis, Brian Robiskie, Alex Boone and Marcus Freeman passed up NFL paydays for, essentially, this game.

"I think it's a huge, huge game," said Laurinaitis, an All-American linebacker. "It's something that people are excited about. When I think of Ohio State and USC, I think of the Rose Bowl. There are a lot of people on both sides who have been waiting for this game a long time. It's the most important game on our schedule because (it's the next one). ... People have been talking all offseason about this, and it's finally here."
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

OSU players honor Gee family
Tuesday, September 9, 2008


COLUMBUS Ohio State football players have put special decals on their helmets honoring the late son-in-law and injured daughter of university president Gordon Gee.

The headgear are bearing the initials "AR" ? for Dr. Allan Moore and his wife, Dr. Rebekah Gee. In July, the couple's motor scooter collided with an SUV in Philadelphia, killing Moore and seriously injuring Rebekah Gee.

Her father says nothing has touched him more than the football team's show of support for his family.

Gee also tells WBNS-TV in Columbus that after he took over at Ohio State, his son-in-law became a huge Buckeyes fan.

He says his daughter is doing better and is staying with him at his home in the Columbus suburb of Bexley.

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

Sports spotlight: Ohio State looks to regain some national respect this week
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
BY TODD PORTER
[email protected]

COLUMBUS Ohio State is well into preparations for Saturday night's regular-season national title game. The Buckeye may have been a little too well into those preparations last week.

A mild escape from Upset City left much of the rest of the country snickering an "I told you so" about Ohio State's football program. The Buckeyes dropped to No. 5 in both the writers' and coaches' polls for struggling to beat Ohio University, not even the best team in its mid-major conference.

OSU was slightly embarrassed heading into its game against No. 1 USC, the top team in the country. The Trojans jumped from No. 3 to No. 1 for opening the season across the country and thumping Virginia. Of course, the Cavaliers beat juggernaut Richmond, 16-0.

The last time Richmond was in the Top 25, Moses chiseled the poll on a stone tablet.

The point being, Virginia ? not Virginia Tech, not West Virginia ? is of a slightly higher caliber than Ohio U. and, yes, Youngstown State.

What Ohio State can do Saturday night is gain a large amount of its respect back around the country. OSU is looked upon as the big bully in the Big Ten that dares not go outside its own yard to pick a fight. A win over USC will legitimize the Buckeyes as a national power, and wipe the taste of defeat from the last two national titles game out of everyone's mouth.

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Dispatch

College football
Trojan Wars
Intense emotions linger from scorching rivalry of Ohio State-Southern Cal
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 3:22 AM
By Rob Oller


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

University of Southern California
Southern California's mascot, Traveler, carries the USC message to the Trojans faithful ? a message that wasn't always welcomed by opponents.

Dispatch file photos
Sophomore quarterback Rex Kern directed the Buckeyes to a win over Southern California in the 1969 Rose Bowl, wrapping up the national championship.

Running back Anthony Davis of USC was held in check by Ohio State in the 1974 Rose Bowl after rushing for 157 yards against the Buckeyes the previous year.



They all hated the horse. Some, like Rick Middleton, even hated the helmeted rider aboard Traveler, the white equine mascot of Southern California football that pranced and posed and celebrated Trojans touchdowns.
"They're lucky we couldn't get our hands on that horse. That daggone thing would come running by, and we were about ready to get rid of one gladiator. That would have been nice," said Middleton, a former Ohio State linebacker whose memories of playing against USC in the 1973 and '74 Rose Bowls resonate with the tremendous highs and devastating lows that have come to define the series since 1968.
? The Buckeyes won the 1968 national championship by upending the O.J. Simpson-led Trojans 27-16 in the '69 Rose Bowl.
? The Buckeyes lost the 1974 national championship by losing late to USC 18-17 on a Trojans two-point conversion in the Rose Bowl.
? The Buckeyes lost the 1979 national championship by losing late to USC 17-16 when Charles White and Anthony Munoz wore down OSU's defense on a final fateful drive of the Rose Bowl.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Dispatch

Defensive line seeks to apply leak-free pressure

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 3:19 AM
By Tim May


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
In preparation for Saturday night's game at top-ranked Southern California, the Ohio State defensive front four has a simple goal: keep up the pressure, but seal the leaks. After the Buckeyes watched the Louisiana State front, led by Glenn Dorsey and Ricky Jean-Francois, show them how to do it better in last season's national championship game, the emphasis has been on the line becoming a more dynamic force.
The linemen have worked on techniques, gambits, stunts, quickness and strength. They've watched hundreds of hours of video, seeking places where they can refine their personal moves, defensive tackle Todd Denlinger said.
But Dorsey especially showed them that in a huge game, there's another thing a defensive lineman must do.
"It comes down to a time when you've got to come out and beat the man in front of you; you've got to attack the man," Denlinger said.
Last year, three of the four spots on the defensive front were filled by inexperienced players trying to make sure they held their ground and took care of assignments. Vernon Gholston, the veteran, racked up a school-record 14 sacks before leaving for the NFL.
In the first two games this season, it's evident that the returnees -- primarily ends Cameron Heyward and Lawrence Wilson and tackles Denlinger, Nader Abdallah, Dex Larimore and Doug Worthington -- have stepped up their pressure.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Dispatch

Bob Hunter commentary: Get ready to take on the world, Buckeyes

Tuesday, September 9, 2008 3:22 AM
By Bob Hunter


THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The old line used for perspective when Americans obsess over a moment in sports, "A billion people in China don't care," might have spawned an offspring after the events of last weekend: A billion people in China think Southern Cal is going to bury Ohio State.
All right, a billion people in the world's most populous country don't actually think that. Most people in China probably don't even know the football Buckeyes will play at No. 1 USC on Saturday. If only 20 million know about the game, that means only 20 million expect the Trojans to roll. It's simple math.
The real point is that after OSU struggled to beat Ohio University 26-14, just about everybody, from Columbus to Casper, China and Cameroon, thinks the widely anticipated game is now a sure thing for USC. If there were a bookie out there who could handle it, Bill Gates might bet Microsoft on the Trojans. Even the most rabid OSU fans now seem convinced that USC is going to win.
Which means the locals have finally joined a national trend.
After the Buckeyes' consecutive losses in national championship games, most people outside our state's borders were already convinced that Ohio State is overrated. Most already expected the Trojans to win what has been billed as the top nonconference game of this college football season.
That makes the psychology of this game fascinating, if nothing else. Ohio State has talent; that isn't in dispute. Whether the Buckeyes are as talented as the Trojans is a topic for NFL scouts to tackle, but there is no doubt which team has the psychological advantage.
Cont...