Description

THE Ohio Bobcats give Ohio State a big scare in the game before THE GAME. To most outsiders, this signals a big victory for USC next week. To OSU junkies, they now hope to squeak out a win by playing smart, tough and fast. If Ohio State wants to win, they will need to do it with special teams play, defense and an offense that does not make mistakes (AKA-Tressel Ball). All of these phases essentially pulled through but the O-Line was soft, the wide receivers did not look fast and OSU played uninspired for the most part.

If you think next weeks game won’t be crazy inspired, just check out what Ray Small was thinking about his recruiting visit to USC and Carson Palmers comments about the Buckeyes.

"As I took my visit to USC, I’m like, ‘How are they successful?
They’re not even serious about the game,’" Ray Small said.
"Before the game, they’re all going crazy. Me and [Buckeyes defensive
end] Rob Rose was on the visit and I’m looking like, ‘Wow.’ And then
the coach said, ‘You better get out of here. It’s ’bout to get hectic.’

"And
then I come [to Ohio State] on the visit and before the game, it’s all
quiet, everybody getting taped, coaches talking. It’s the total
opposite."

Ray Small then basically calls mighty USC classless west coast fancy pants punks.

"It’s more of a class thing," he said. "We
took what [former USC quarterback] Carson Palmer said. I don’t think
somebody from Ohio State would have ever said that remark. Here at Ohio State, they teach you to be a better man," Small said. "There, it’s just all about football."

Ray Small has been quiet on and off the field in his first 2 seasons. But now, he’s talking and playing like he’s got something to prove.

What about Terrelle Pryor?

Lots was made about TP and how this game would help prepare him for
USC. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as he only saw action in
the 2nd quarter (with the entire 2nd unit), going 3 and out. He then
saw time with the game sealed and had some nice runs.

This may
seem like a sign that he won’t play against USC but judging by the
postgame quotes he probably will. Maybe not a ton but he’ll be
involved. 

Here is the quote:

"I said to coach Bolls, ‘Why don’t we have Terrelle see if he could
take this,’" Tressel said. "And coach Bolls says, ‘You sure you want to
put him under pressure like that?’ And I said, ‘When would you like his
first pressure to be?’"

That
converstation came with OSU leading 19-14, just before Ray Small’s punt
return for a touchdown that put the game out of reach. This means that
Pryor was going to see action during a critical time in the game. Adam
Rittenberg, in an ESPN article,
took this to mean that because "Coach Bolls" (the offensive
coordinator) questioned the idea, Terrelle Pryor did not get in. When in
reality, Pryor did not get in because of the Ray Small return. Bollman
is the Offensive Coordinator, but Tressel runs the offense and his
future QB was about to be tested upon his idea. As it stands, Pryor will have to wait to
get into the game in a pressure situation on September 13.

If TP is a solid contributor and needed "spark" nobody should be surprised. Todd
Boeckman is the clear starter and it was a good thing that Tressel
let him know that despite struggles, he’s the leader to rely on in to make
a comeback. From now on, when Pryor enters the game Boeckman can be secure about
his role as the starting QB.  

To have a chance Ohio
State’s offensive line has to play better. The big difference in the
last two national championships has been the play of the offensive and
defensive lines, compared to the quicker  and stronger lines of the
SEC. The offensive line starting lineup is filled with veterans and
young, talented backups. The lead dogs will need to develop a sense
of urgency and anger soon or the younger guys will assume their roles.
Todd Boeckman, or any drop back passer, does not play well with
constant pressure. 

On the flip side, Ohio State must expose the
inexperience on the USC offensive line. With 4 new starters, if there
is a weakness, this must be it. They did great against Virginia and
Mark Sanchez had all day to look like a future Pro Bowl MVP. The
Buckeyes will need to bruise and bloody Sanchez early and often. The
D-Line is one area I think OSU has improved the most this year. Sure
they gave up over 140 yards rushing today, but they simply had a hard
time grabbing the elusive OU QB Boo Jackson. Trust me when I say they
are better (healthier, older, more experienced) than last year, even without Vernon Gholston. It’s the
offensive line for OSU that needs improved but so far is not.

This game
will be tight. While I have to give USC the edge, not much should be
made about the game against Ohio when considering USC. If anything, it
just means that OSU’s worst performance probably looks worse than
USC’s—whatever that means!!

It comes down to this: OSU"s WR’s
have had trouble getting seperation. They will need to make big, tough
catches to move the chains. Chris "Beanie" Wells will need to be
healthy (and based on my observations, I don’t think he will be slowed
down by injury). The line play needs to be better compared to recent title games. Special teams will need to be special. Finally, the D will need
to play like it does against Big Ten competition. If all of this
happens (plus a couple turnovers) OSU can pull it out. It’s possible
but I would not bet my life on it. I predicted OSU pre-season #1 but I
see a spirited effort fall short this year. USC, at home, with a veteran
defense is a tall task.  This game will be a real grinder until things
open up in the fourth quarter. Ohio State rallies late but USC is able
to run out the clock. 

USC- 30  OSU- 27 (And yes, I’m can change my mind if the spirit moves me)