USC is a much better running team than Navy, I think they'll control the game on the ground.

If you're taking USC, and giving points, I'll take that bet....

One thing that worries me about USC is Barkley. He is a TRUE frosh going into the horseshoe. That worries me ALOT. It's a good thing that McKnight is an absolute stud and can take alot of pressure off of him. I still think USC wins, hopefully.

 

Trojans 35

Buckeyes 31

After watching the two teams this past weekend, this could get ugly for the Buckeyes in the horseshoe, with that being said, thats what I predict as well...

 

USC 38

Ohio State 7

36-14 SC

OSU has been spanked the last few years vs top programs out of confrence. I don't see that trend changing. First glance I would think USC in a blowout but a wounded animal is dangerous. IMO this is as big of a game as OSU has had excluding the National Championship games/Mich games in decades. They have been beaten down in big games out of confrence. The Big 10 is getting a really bad reputation and they are carrying the flag in a big way in this game. I also think there is added pressure not to lose this thing at "the shoe". With all the pride of the program and the game being in the shoe I think it will be closer than a game in Cali but I still think USC wins.

First off, Ohio State must control the ground game. USC has so many talented backs. They have to be able to stop them at some point. They looked AWFUL against Navy's triple option. I hope Tress realizes what the Trojan's strength's are.

 

Second, our defense must play better all around as a whole. We have to get to Barkley early. He's a true freshman, he is going to be nervous as hel*, we get to him a couple times early, he will be crying for his mommy.

 

Third, lets please capitalize on USC mistakes. If it's a turnover, we have to score. Get a field goal if anything. Tress listening to Pryor and going for it on 4th down was really a stupid move. If I were the coach and I agreed to that you would have seen a play action roll out by Pryor, go back and watch the game the left side was wide open. USC is a team who rarely makes mistakes, if we can just capitalize on them this game will belong to us.

 

Fourth, Pryor and Herron have to play better all around games. Pryor has to know when to make big throws, big runs, and find his open guys on time, not 3-5 seconds to late. Herron has to run with speed, power, and not be afraid. This is a game we need to utilize the run, and wear down that strong defense. We need Herron to pick up at least 90-100 yards rushing, and Saine picking up around 55-65.

 

Ohio State has to prove they are for real. The USC loss a year ago, the Ohio game a year ago, and now the Navy game this season. We have to prove we belong, we are a top 5 team, and we can contend for the National Championship. I truly believe we come out as a new team, Tress doesn't make stupid play calls, the defense plays solid, and Pryor makes some nice plays.

 

With that said, I'll take Ohio State 31-27.

This is old but it gets me fired up every year.

 

Ohio State will definately have to step it up this week over the game vs. Navy. IMO the game plan vs. Navy was to just win and show nothing, OSU's play calling was very basic. Some sy that USC's running game is much better than Navy's. I say USC's talent is much better than Navy's. My personal opinion is that the triple option would be much harder to prepare for than the USC ofense. Not the talent, the (running attack) system. USC is obviously more talented than Navy.

This is a HUGE game for Ohio State to say the very least, much more so than USC. I will wait untill later in the week before I make my pick.

 

GO Buckeyes!!!!!

The game plan for the Buckeyes against Navy was to win and show USC nothing and that is exactly what they done. So USC if your going to watch the film of the OSU Navy game it is useless OSU will not even look like the same team. Some advice for Mr. Barkley you better be able to block out the nosie because there is going to be 105,000 plus in the horse shoe all screaming at you. I dont think the Freshman QB will be able to handle the pressure that this OSU defense will be throwing at him. All the focus is on how will Barkley respond against pressure but how about the USC defense they lost alot of talent of the Rose Bowl team and that is how they blew the Buckeyes out of the water last year. But i think it will be a whole differnt ball game this year. This is going to be a hell of a game. BUT IAM GOING TO TAKE THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES. The Trojans will just not be able to handle the pressure of the 105,000 plus Buckeye fans.

USC - 24

Ohio St - 21

The game plan for the Buckeyes against Navy was to win and show USC nothing and that is exactly what they done. So USC if your going to watch the film of the OSU Navy game it is useless OSU will not even look like the same team. Some advice for Mr. Barkley you better be able to block out the nosie because there is going to be 105,000 plus in the horse shoe all screaming at you. I dont think the Freshman QB will be able to handle the pressure that this OSU defense will be throwing at him. All the focus is on how will Barkley respond against pressure but how about the USC defense they lost alot of talent of the Rose Bowl team and that is how they blew the Buckeyes out of the water last year. But i think it will be a whole differnt ball game this year. This is going to be a hell of a game. BUT IAM GOING TO TAKE THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES. The Trojans will just not be able to handle the pressure of the 105,000 plus Buckeye fans.

 

Of all the teams in the country, the one team that I am pretty sure isn't bothered by fan noise and pressure is USC. They have some pretty large crowds at the LA Memorial Coliseum, they're in the middle of LA, they practice with Hollywood stars on the field, and their every move is scrutinized.

 

However, your point about the USC defense is certainly valid and a concern.

Feel that USC will win but game will be a close one. Frosh QB will have a harder time against OHIO STATE at their place than the first game so look for it to be close.

This is old but it gets me fired up every year.

 

 

Nice! :ylsuper:

USC 38

Ohio State 21