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Game Thread Southern Cal 18, at tOSU 15 (Sept 12th, 8 pm, ESPN)

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SoCal;1485843; said:
Howdy, Buckeye fans. I've been reading this thread periodically over the past couple of months, and I'm really surprised there haven't been more posts about the actual gameplan. So here goes...

SC offense- Given that it will be Corp's second career start, in a hostile environment, against a solid D, I would expect the first quarter to be a conservative attack, with 75% run plays. Sweep left, sweep right, rinse, repeat...Then the play action (our bread and butter) for the rest of the half.

I would put D. Williams in the slot, and force OSU to defend the middle of the field against the slant pass- thereby opening up the outside to the little screens to McKnight that they really enjoy running.

Corp is a running QB, and I think they should run a lot of bootleg, and move the pocket around, to give him an opportunity to pick up yards on the ground. I think the edge we have is on the perimeter, because I don't think OSU makes the one-on-one plays against us on the line of scrimmage (w/exception of maybe Chekwa).

We need to use Havili more as a reciever out of the backfield, and we will have some tremendously talented tight ends this year. Those positions will be crucial to this game. OSU will probably play man to man, and I think it gives us an edge in the short passing game.

OSU offense- Pryor is really going to have to play lights out. His recieving corps will be outmatched by our secondary, and he can't lob the ball 40 yards downfield with Taylor Mays looking to injure some people.

I would actually periodically go with kind of a wildcat look, with Saine taking the snap, and pryor lined up on the outside. Basically, anything to confuse the inexperienced SC linebackers, and keep the blitz in check.

I would expect Tressel to spread the field, and open up running lanes for Pryor, moving him laterally in the backfield so he can dink and dunk some short passes against our zone D. The key for OSU is to keep the clock rolling, move the ball consistently, and don't let Pryor throw any picks. I don't think Herron will be any kind of factor. Sorry, Boom fans, but he's just not that fast, and I don't see how he helps against one of the fastest defenses in CF. I think Saine should be used alot, and Berry, if he's not in jail by then.

Tressel is a good defensive coach, but not a very good offensive coach. He needs to let his OC open up the playbook, and start getting creative. Using sheer talent to overwhelm the Ohio highschool teams, and Michigan, will not work when you guys play SC or PennState. Unless Tressel finally gets aggressive on offense, he's not going to win the big OOC games. The 5* talent is there, but the gameplan (witness 08' Coliseum) is pathetic.

Anyway, thats what I've got to say about that. I don't see this being a high-scoring game, and I think the team with fewest penalties wins.
No.
 
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SoCal;1485843; said:
OSU offense- Pryor is really going to have to play lights out. His recieving corps will be outmatched by our secondary, and he can't lob the ball 40 yards downfield with Taylor Mays looking to injure some people.

I would actually periodically go with kind of a wildcat look, with Saine taking the snap, and pryor lined up on the outside. Basically, anything to confuse the inexperienced SC linebackers, and keep the blitz in check.

I would expect Tressel to spread the field, and open up running lanes for Pryor, moving him laterally in the backfield so he can dink and dunk some short passes against our zone D. The key for OSU is to keep the clock rolling, move the ball consistently, and don't let Pryor throw any picks. I don't think Herron will be any kind of factor. Sorry, Boom fans, but he's just not that fast, and I don't see how he helps against one of the fastest defenses in CF. I think Saine should be used alot, and Berry, if he's not in jail by then.

Tressel is a good defensive coach, but not a very good offensive coach. He needs to let his OC open up the playbook, and start getting creative. Using sheer talent to overwhelm the Ohio highschool teams, and Michigan, will not work when you guys play SC or PennState. Unless Tressel finally gets aggressive on offense, he's not going to win the big OOC games. The 5* talent is there, but the gameplan (witness 08' Coliseum) is pathetic.

Anyway, thats what I've got to say about that. I don't see this being a high-scoring game, and I think the team with fewest penalties wins.

Do you even know anything about OSU's team this year? Saine in the wildcat? GTFOH.

Oh, and nice passive-aggressive swipes about our team and especially Berry. Should we have just gave him his money and his mansion for his family and just swept it under the rug? You know all about how that works.

If you're gonna troll, just do it outright instead of acting like you actually respect OSU.
 
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SoCal;1485843; said:
Howdy, Buckeye fans. I've been reading this thread periodically over the past couple of months, and I'm really surprised there haven't been more posts about the actual gameplan. So here goes...

SC offense- Given that it will be Corp's second career start, in a hostile environment, against a solid D, I would expect the first quarter to be a conservative attack, with 75% run plays. Sweep left, sweep right, rinse, repeat...Then the play action (our bread and butter) for the rest of the half.

I would put D. Williams in the slot, and force OSU to defend the middle of the field against the slant pass- thereby opening up the outside to the little screens to McKnight that they really enjoy running.

Corp is a running QB, and I think they should run a lot of bootleg, and move the pocket around, to give him an opportunity to pick up yards on the ground. I think the edge we have is on the perimeter, because I don't think OSU makes the one-on-one plays against us on the line of scrimmage (w/exception of maybe Chekwa).

We need to use Havili more as a reciever out of the backfield, and we will have some tremendously talented tight ends this year. Those positions will be crucial to this game. OSU will probably play man to man, and I think it gives us an edge in the short passing game.

OSU offense- Pryor is really going to have to play lights out. His recieving corps will be outmatched by our secondary, and he can't lob the ball 40 yards downfield with Taylor Mays looking to injure some people.

I would actually periodically go with kind of a wildcat look, with Saine taking the snap, and pryor lined up on the outside. Basically, anything to confuse the inexperienced SC linebackers, and keep the blitz in check.

I would expect Tressel to spread the field, and open up running lanes for Pryor, moving him laterally in the backfield so he can dink and dunk some short passes against our zone D. The key for OSU is to keep the clock rolling, move the ball consistently, and don't let Pryor throw any picks. I don't think Herron will be any kind of factor. Sorry, Boom fans, but he's just not that fast, and I don't see how he helps against one of the fastest defenses in CF. I think Saine should be used alot, and Berry, if he's not in jail by then.

Tressel is a good defensive coach, but not a very good offensive coach. He needs to let his OC open up the playbook, and start getting creative. Using sheer talent to overwhelm the Ohio highschool teams, and Michigan, will not work when you guys play SC or PennState. Unless Tressel finally gets aggressive on offense, he's not going to win the big OOC games. The 5* talent is there, but the gameplan (witness 08' Coliseum) is pathetic.

Anyway, thats what I've got to say about that. I don't see this being a high-scoring game, and I think the team with fewest penalties wins.

About this time last year I had a nice little preview on this game and preceded to get ripped for saying USC would win 35-17. Anyway... I dont disagree with you on that statement IMO Tressel is a great program manager more than anything. The key to this game will once again come down to the oline and dlines. Advantage USC just like last year USC has too much speed on the edges for whoever starts at either tackle spot for OSU, I also dont think OSU will generate enough pressure to rattle Corp or whoever is starting and I have a hard time seeing how Pryor is going to move the ball against the best secondary in the country. Not trying to bash you guys I know this is your board its just my opinion USC always plays their best in big OOC games especially on the road... they seem to live for the moment. The question is will OSU step up? Game prediction USC 31 OSU 10
 
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Boom herron moved the ball just fine on sc last year. He just didn't have much help to keep the running game feasible in the 2nd half.

Saine in the wildcat makes no sense. He's a power back with straight line speed but very little wiggle. He'd get stuffed in the backfield trying that.

The wildcat is used by teams without an athletic qb, leak, dick, pennington... And one that struggles to move the ball. Pryor is none of these things. Why would you take it out of the hands of the 6'5" dual threat tank who can stretch the field horizontally and vertically... to give the ball to a speedy fullback type who can't throw?


It would be like Texas putting cedric Benson in the gun with pryor outside. Neither can execute any packages half as well as the normal qb/wr personnel.


Pryor's a great athlete and could be a great wr, de, or many other positions. But don't confuse his natural athleticism and jump ball ability in the redzone for someone better suited than posey to line up at wr consistently. He just doesn't have the training and reps at the position to justify that move, not to mention having no one to get him the ball.


They did that against Texas as a change of pace, but only stuck with it because Pryor's shoulder was in bad shape. You saw this spring what he's capable of doing with better mechanics and a functional shoulder.
 
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15, you can hold any opinion as long as you back it up and are simply giving analysis instead of subtle attacks or sarcasm. Not saying you do that, just a general comment. Opinions are fair game here, including anyone who thinks you're crazy. :)

Discussions like these are what made the Texas games so fun, and to a lesser extent the lsu and ok state bowl threads. There simply have been very few Trojan fans that have stopped by, even ones that were just looking for a fight.

I like osu's dl a lot. They made big strides last year and gave colt mccoy a lot of pain last jan. Gibson is developing into a dangerous 3-4 olb type, and you'll see osu move him around and use varied looks. Heyward and worthington are good hybrids that they'll use as 3-4 ends at times, with larimore at the nose (who is a blue collar, steady DT, not a gamechanger ). Rob rose gives the a good backup combo dl to move around, and veteran Lawrence Wilson is back for a 6th year.

Nate Williams is a promising true sophomore DE. He needs to become a more complete defender, but he is excellent at getting to the qb.

Socal, I think your defensive prediction is a bit off. Osu used man coverage last year because of their depth at corner. Jenkins and Washington were very solid, and chekwa was a bit young but has a lot of ability.

This year they'll have chekwa as their best corner and a whole lot of youngsters. Now, nobody produces corners like osu, and torrence, amos, Howard have a lot of talent (plus true frosh like brown and Clarke)... but they are remarkably green. I'd be surprised to see them use man coverage all day.


Osu should be very athletic on the dl, cb, even lb with the use of hybrids like Moeller/Hines and possible starters like rolle and sabino. The question will be how fast can they grow up.
 
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Written by Cirminiello, not Fiutak. The unit ratings for OL and the secondary are a 10.

CFN.USC.Preview

CFN.USC.Offense

CFN.USC.Defense

CFN.USC.Depth.Chart

Ten Best USC Players
1. FS Taylor Mays, Sr.
2. C Kristofer O'Dowd, Jr.
3. WR Damian Williams, Jr.
4. OG Jeff Byers, Sr.
5. SS Josh Pinkard, Sr.
6. QB Matt Barkley, Fr.
7. RB Stafon Johnson, Sr.
8. CB Kevin Thomas, Sr.
9. OT Charles Brown, Sr.
10. DE Everson Griffien, Jr.
 
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Forgive me, but I'm not sold on USC's secondary yet. Lets see what happens when their pass rush drops off a bit and opposing QB's have time/make time to throw.

May's can't have fun making huge hits while usually being out of place on defense.

SoCal stopping Pryor's running ability means either they play a spy or move a Safety up a bit, and if Terrelle's reads have improved equally with his passing mechanics, then that's going to be a huge issue for the USC defense.
 
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SoCal, you have every right to believe in your team and predict a healthy victory for USC. Even though the 09 game will be in Columbus, and OSU has a talented team, including one of the most impressive players (TP) to come along in quite some time, I would not be suprised if OSU is less than a TD favorite, or even if USC is favored. However, your prediction shows a lack of knowledge concerning the game of football, and the two teams in question.

First of all, the notion of USC running a %75 run scheme in the first half goes against anything USC has shown under Carrol. Corps' inexperience is only slightly worse than Sanchez's going into 08 (Sanchez only had one good game in 07, and it was against ND, which isn't saying much). Carrol has never shown a reluctance to throw his QBs in to the fire, and I don't expect him to change this year. There will be running, and USC should employ the same game plan as last year. USC's blocking was very effective last year, because of the ineffectiveness of OSU's D-line. Still, USC's run/pass ratio was 32/30 for that game, and only 10/18 in the 1st half. Carrol is a big play addict, and he won't get his fix running the ball 3 out of 4 times.

Havili was USC's leading receiver in last year's game, so I'm not sure why you're implying he's underutilized. The difference this year is he will be marked by Hines or Moeller, who can better match his speed. If you think OSU will run mostly man coverage, you obviously haven't been paying attention for a decade or so.

It's a bad idea to heave up 40 yd lobs against a top 5 team? Profound.

Herron averaged 4.6 ypc against USC, in just his 3rd college game. He showed marked improvement towards the end of the season (after missing games with a concussion), putting up 6.0 ypc against Texas (#2 rush defense). I hope USC's DC is as dismissive of Boom as you are. Oh, and Boom's 40 times are listed as slightly faster than those of Jacquizz Rodgers. Perhaps USC's D isn't as fast as you think.

Your expectations of what OSU will run on offense is laughable, but the Saine wildcat idea is one of the stupidest things I've ever read. Take the ball out of the hands of the best player on the field, and put the game on the shoulders of a RB who's had issues recovering from an injury a season and a half ago. Brilliant. That's like saying the '88 Bengals would have beat the 49ers if they had run a HB pass with James Brooks every play. It worked on Madden 97! Go back to finding ways to cheat on Xbox, and your strict diet of string cheese and Mountain Dew.

And finally, the next time you get the urge to go on an opposing team's forum and post a bunch of childish insults (especially concerning HS kids), stop, take a deep breath, write those thoughts on a piece of paper, roll the paper into a tube, spit on the tip, and stick it up your ass.
 
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generaladm;1486036; said:
SoCal, you have every right to believe in your team and predict a healthy victory for USC. Even though the 09 game will be in Columbus, and OSU has a talented team, including one of the most impressive players (TP) to come along in quite some time, I would not be suprised if OSU is less than a TD favorite, or even if USC is favored. However, your prediction shows a lack of knowledge concerning the game of football, and the two teams in question.

First of all, the notion of USC running a %75 run scheme in the first half goes against anything USC has shown under Carrol. Corps' inexperience is only slightly worse than Sanchez's going into 08 (Sanchez only had one good game in 07, and it was against ND, which isn't saying much). Carrol has never shown a reluctance to throw his QBs in to the fire, and I don't expect him to change this year. There will be running, and USC should employ the same game plan as last year. USC's blocking was very effective last year, because of the ineffectiveness of OSU's D-line. Still, USC's run/pass ratio was 32/30 for that game, and only 10/18 in the 1st half. Carrol is a big play addict, and he won't get his fix running the ball 3 out of 4 times.

Havili was USC's leading receiver in last year's game, so I'm not sure why you're implying he's underutilized. The difference this year is he will be marked by Hines or Moeller, who can better match his speed. If you think OSU will run mostly man coverage, you obviously haven't been paying attention for a decade or so.

It's a bad idea to heave up 40 yd lobs against a top 5 team? Profound.

Herron averaged 4.6 ypc against USC, in just his 3rd college game. He showed marked improvement towards the end of the season (after missing games with a concussion), putting up 6.0 ypc against Texas (#2 rush defense). I hope USC's DC is as dismissive of Boom as you are. Oh, and Boom's 40 times are listed as slightly faster than those of Jacquizz Rodgers. Perhaps USC's D isn't as fast as you think.

Your expectations of what OSU will run on offense is laughable, but the Saine wildcat idea is one of the stupidest things I've ever read. Take the ball out of the hands of the best player on the field, and put the game on the shoulders of a RB who's had issues recovering from an injury a season and a half ago. Brilliant. That's like saying the '88 Bengals would have beat the 49ers if they had run a HB pass with James Brooks every play. It worked on Madden 97! Go back to finding ways to cheat on Xbox, and your strict diet of string cheese and Mountain Dew.

And finally, the next time you get the urge to go on an opposing team's forum and post a bunch of childish insults (especially concerning HS kids), stop, take a deep breath, write those thoughts on a piece of paper, roll the paper into a tube, spit on the tip, and stick it up your ass.

general, I agree with your entire post...almost.

The one part I take exception to is the bolded portion. I think he should stick it up his ass dry.
 
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The key position for Ohio State to win this game are the linebackers. If Pryor progresses the way he should then the offense should hopefully be able to put up at least 28 points. The reason I say that is because USC always has issues with mobile QB's. They will probably prepare with Corp, as the Pryor-like QB, but it wont be enough. Corp is a throwing QB with legs while Pryor is a true dual threat. The key is if he will be able to make smart decisions and improve from his freshman year.

Now if the OSU linebackers will be able to contain the USC rushing game and make them one dimensional than it will be much easier for OSU. The secondary will be good enough, but we all know that at first USC is gonna try some trickery. If you ask me it will most likely involve Joe McKnight and Aaron Corp. Something to give Corp confidence, but also establish the running game. Their key will be setting up the play action. If the linebackers can at least make their running game not all-world then there is a chance.

The other thing is intensity. The guys need to be at the top of their game and the shoe needs to be rocking from start to finish. Even if the game is close at halftime the crowd and the players need to keep that intensity up. USC always wins close games at halftime, and most of the time play average up till the 2nd half.

The key is to hit USC in the mouth early. Most likely they will be expecting it to be Pryor and him running the ball. Best option is to try to make a few big passes early. Don't be scared of USC's DBs besides big hit Mays. I mean they are all great, but lots of times their coverage isn't always the best. Get Posey on 1-on-1 against Wright, Thomas, or Jones and expect a field day from him. Take advantage of their young LB's by using the TE in the shotgun.

It would also be nice to get a 100+ yard rusher not named Pryor. I mean honestly USC's dline was not that great last year, and with a young LB group it is a possible task.

Try to obviously shut down Damian, but do not DO NOT let ROJO get open deep. Williams is their most consistent threat, but ROJO gets open deep at least 2 times a game. You make sure Corp doesnt complete those passes, and he will get rattled along with the rest of the offense. While CJ Gable and Stafon Johnson are great backs they are capable of being stopped. The ones to be worried about are Joe Mcknight and McNeal. You all know Joe so I wont explain, and McNeal might be used in some situations to surprise. Just dont let either of them get any type of open space and we're good.

USC is a beast. Carroll, the 5 star recruits, and their training program are all top notch. They are the only team that can say they could have beat any team in the country the past 6 years. But! They have some major mental flaws. They always lose a game they shouldnt. Teams do this by making their offense one-dimensional (most important!!!!) and establishing a solid running game with some key PA passes. Pryor doesnt need to throw 30 times to win. He just needs to keep them on their toes.

I think it will be closer than last year, but if anyone know how to get his players psyched up then it's Carroll. The thing is though that none of these players on this team have played for a title. They are young. Ohio State needs to prepare for this game like they do with the Michigan one. Hopefully they pull out a W. :biggrin:
 
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Wow. Didn't think the Berry remark would rile people up so much (well, ok, i kind of did...). But I wasn't trying to make fun of the kid or be a d*ck. I literally meant it when I question if he'll be in jail. Because if he's charged with a felony (intent to distribute, i.e. drug dealer...) he will spend some time in jail. I'm not saying that I think he intended to sell, nor do I think he should be charged so seriously, but whatever our opinions are on it doesn't matter- it's up to the judge to decide what kind of penalty he gets. I think he should and will play football, and I honestly think this country's pot laws are messed up... but I'm just pointing out the facts.

Also, I never said OSU should play exclusively out of the wildcat- just said they could show it a few times to confuse the SC defense, who will be playing with 3 new linebackers. Let's face it, last year SC players were saying they played well not simply because they outperformed OSU, but because the playcalling was predictable. Several LB's and DB's were quoted directly after the game as saying they knew exactly what was coming, and they could just pin their ears back and go. All I was getting at was that it wouldn't hurt OSU to try something different.

Finally, the Herron thing... why get so offended when I say Saines a better RB? He accelerates better and has better top end speed. That's just my opinion. When I see the two of them play, I just think Saine has more of an upside. So he should see a lot more plays. That's all. I think McKnight and Gable are SC's best backs, and I honestly don't know why they don't get the carries exclusively, but that doesn't mean I think the other guys suck.

So you guys can think I'm an idiot, whatever, I'm not a die-hard OSU fan, so I don't know the team as well as you do, just trying to have a dialogue here cuz there's nothing else to talk about in the world of college football right now. Sorry for pi**ing off so many people just by talking about the gameplan.
 
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SoCal;1486233; said:
Wow. Didn't think the Berry remark would rile people up so much (well, ok, i kind of did...). But I wasn't trying to make fun of the kid or be a d*ck. I literally meant it when I question if he'll be in jail. Because if he's charged with a felony (intent to distribute, i.e. drug dealer...) he will spend some time in jail. I'm not saying that I think he intended to sell, nor do I think he should be charged so seriously, but whatever our opinions are on it doesn't matter- it's up to the judge to decide what kind of penalty he gets. I think he should and will play football, and I honestly think this country's pot laws are messed up... but I'm just pointing out the facts.

Also, I never said OSU should play exclusively out of the wildcat- just said they could show it a few times to confuse the SC defense, who will be playing with 3 new linebackers. Let's face it, last year SC players were saying they played well not simply because they outperformed OSU, but because the playcalling was predictable. Several LB's and DB's were quoted directly after the game as saying they knew exactly what was coming, and they could just pin their ears back and go. All I was getting at was that it wouldn't hurt OSU to try something different.

Finally, the Herron thing... why get so offended when I say Saines a better RB? He accelerates better and has better top end speed. That's just my opinion. When I see the two of them play, I just think Saine has more of an upside. So he should see a lot more plays. That's all. I think McKnight and Gable are SC's best backs, and I honestly don't know why they don't get the carries exclusively, but that doesn't mean I think the other guys suck.

So you guys can think I'm an idiot, whatever, I'm not a die-hard OSU fan, so I don't know the team as well as you do, just trying to have a dialogue here cuz there's nothing else to talk about in the world of college football right now. Sorry for pi**ing off so many people just by talking about the gameplan.


While Saine has the wheels, he doesn't have the side to side like Boom or all of your rb's. He can be a legit weapon on returns however, he can flat out fly when 100% healthy.
BTW, nice effort in trying to save face.
 
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SoCal;1486233; said:
Finally, the Herron thing... why get so offended when I say Saines a better RB? He accelerates better and has better top end speed. That's just my opinion. When I see the two of them play, I just think Saine has more of an upside. So he should see a lot more plays. That's all. I think McKnight and Gable are SC's best backs, and I honestly don't know why they don't get the carries exclusively, but that doesn't mean I think the other guys suck.
1) Ted Ginn accelerates better and has better top in speed than anyone on the Dolphins, they should stick him in there at RB going by your logic.

2) Could it be that the USC coaches know more than you do about the RB position? The best guys play, you should know that.
 
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