OK, thought I'd go ahead and get this one started.

 

As USC's fan (along with SLINK), this game really concerns me. So many people are gone from SC that I don't think last year really matters. The first week doesn't really matter, either. Navy was a good week 1 test for the Buckeyes and they won. San Jose St. had a top 25 defense, but otherwise was not a challenge in any way.

 

USC had a little bit of trouble on the edges. While the corners are good and filled nicely, Galippo and some of the other middle linebackers have a tendency to get caught up inside, and I think an athlete like Pryor could have a big day against them.

 

Offensively, Barkley saw no pressure from San Jose St., and USC basically kept him in bootleg passes and short throws to backs. I think Ohio St. is going to make him make quick decisions by bringing pressure, and I just can't say the kid is up to the task. No way Ohio St. lets USC's running game take this one over.

 

USC also had a little trouble punting, O'Malley had several that were merely 30 yards.

 

Its in the 'Shoe, its payback for Ohio St., and USC just has so many people gone I just can't say they are title contenders with a true freshmen at quarterback.

 

What say you?`

I'm not a college football expert, but if I were USC, I'd play conservatively (on both sides of the ball), and wait for Pryor to make mistakes, because IMO he will.

 

I think USC's defense shines in this one, USC gets good field position all game, and USC wins.

I believe OSU realizes this week is huge not only for them, but the whole BigTen. They WILL be ready to go, and I belive rattle the Frosh QB. This is my honest opinion, I'm not being a homer here. It's just how I feel it will be since the Bucks were nearly embarrassed this weekend and USC QB has never been on a stage like he will be on the 12th.

 

Someone get a poll on here please.

My Trojans will be too much!

 

USC 31

OSU 20

I think USC wins this one by 2 touchdowns, Ohio State will be able to get a better pass rush off than San Jose State, so Barkley will probably be under constant pressure and that could lead to Barkley throwing some errant passes. I think that they will come out and run the football and pass extremely conservatively early on, trying to get Barkley's legs under him and then try to take some shots down field. McCoy, Havili and Williams will be Barkley's best friends in this game.

 

USC's secondary is young, but I don't think that Pryor can effectively pass down field consistently enough to be a problem. Both teams will have a lot of the same plans to win this game: run the football, get the ball into the hands of your playmakers, and eliminate the big plays.

 

I'll say USC 42-28.

I think there will be several BIG plays in this game. Due to the immatuarity of both teams I think there will be several turnovers as well. OSU's pass protection broke down several times against navy. USC's pass rush will be bigger, faster, and stronger. But I see this leading to big yard gain scrambles maybe even TD's from Pryor. He's super fast and athletic, but at the same time very young. This one comes down to whoever steps up offensively in the big game and points on the board.

USC 27 OSU 14

Could a mod add a poll to this please?

USC 38 OSU 14.

Poll added.

I will wait to later in the week until I hear practice reviews but I can tell you the Navy game was being played with USC in mind. OSU was only to use 6-10 different plays against Navy. Regardless OSU has to make some changes in the secondary we will see if that is addressed this week. OSU couldn't blitz much against Navy with the option that will also be different.

I will wait to later in the week until I hear practice reviews but I can tell you the Navy game was being played with USC in mind. OSU was only to use 6-10 different plays against Navy. Regardless OSU has to make some changes in the secondary we will see if that is addressed this week. OSU couldn't blitz much against Navy with the option that will also be different.

 

Perhaps that's why they almost got beat.

Perhaps that's why they almost got beat.

 

I could list a few excuses but thats all they are.. excuses. Navy played a great game. Taking Pryor out with 5 mins left in the half to let Bauserman play I did not like. How many other college teams this weekend pulled there starter to get the back up in with the game well within reach? Helmet tapping after each play, Navy was coming in to win not to lay down.

 

Hopefully they come out and play smart physical football this week. This is the most important game in Columbus in the last 5-10 years, the effects of it could shape the future for many years.

If OSU comes out like they did against Navy then it will get ugly fast.

USC 35-17.