USC will cover this game and handle Ohio St. There isn't a doubt in my mind...but a couple of things that may play in Ohio St's favor (again, I am in NO WAY suggesting Ohio St covers or wins) BUT, Ohio St ran a defense they will never run again. They had personnel groups on the field that will not get the majority of the reps due to what they had to do defensively against an offense OSU hasn't seen in 30 years...
Keep in mind that Ohio St was up 29-14, had a 3rd & 2 at Navy's 10yd line and decided to go for it and/or instead of kicking a FG. Had they got the first down in that situation, they run another 2min off the clock, score a TD, go up 36-14 and this game is long over...and they probably even cover too.
Another factor, unlike the majority of the BCS schools, Ohio St actually played a real football team. A team who has played in 5 consecutive bowl games as well...Once they were up 29-14 they could have very easily shifted there attention into full USC mode...thus packing it in for the final quarter...
With that said, USC still wins and wins big. Ohio St may compete for a half (at the most) but USC wins big.
Keep in mind that Ohio St was up 29-14, had a 3rd & 2 at Navy's 10yd line and decided to go for it and/or instead of kicking a FG. Had they got the first down in that situation, they run another 2min off the clock, score a TD, go up 36-14 and this game is long over...and they probably even cover too.
Another factor, unlike the majority of the BCS schools, Ohio St actually played a real football team. A team who has played in 5 consecutive bowl games as well...Once they were up 29-14 they could have very easily shifted there attention into full USC mode...thus packing it in for the final quarter...
With that said, USC still wins and wins big. Ohio St may compete for a half (at the most) but USC wins big.
If USC is to win this game, Matt Barkley is going to have to step up and be the man, period. This isn't as cut and dry as last year's game when USC was a proven team and OSU had a QB controversy. It's kind of the other way around, freshman coming into a big game, on the road. Say what you want to about OSU's defense, NOBODY STOPS NAVY FROM RUNNING THE BALL!! I'd say the Bucks BIGGEST problem is its DB's!!! Like I said before, if Barkley has a good game, they take care of business. Should be a good one. I'm not playing it because I'm emotionally invested.
USC wins and covers with a far better coach and much better talent. The Big Ten is not the conference they once were. Went to Wisconsin as a freshman, the team went 0-11. Transferred to USC my sophomore year and USC went 13-0 winning the National Championship so am biased but....living now again in Wisconsin and believe strongl USC is bigger, stronger and faster than any Big Ten team...USC 42 Ohio State 13. My prediction. Good Luck
I agree and disagree with what you have above...their really isn't that big of a descrepancy in talent OR coaching. However, there IS enough of a descrepancy to make a difference in the outcome. A lot of Ohio St's problem is scheme. They need to realize that it isn't 19-friggin-85 any more. I am willing to be that if you traded teams entirerly that Petey's philosopky and schemes with the players Ohio St has would put them not only is a BCS game, but maybe the BCS title game...
With that being said, USC will run all over Ohio St. I don't even think Barkley is going to need to be a factor at all...USC wins big.
Coaching is why USC is so much better than Ohio State, NOT TALENT.
You give Pete Carroll, Ohio State's talent and he beat USC. The facts about talent prove you wrong. Ohio State has had 15% more players drafted than any other college program since 2000. They have had 77 players drafted, next closest is USC with 66. Also, OSU has had the most 1st round picks since that time as well.
Yes, USC has many 5 star players, etc, etc, but it isn't like Ohio State isn't an NFL pipeline.
However, when it comes to coach Pete Carroll he is driving a Formula 1 Racecar, while Jim Tressel is on the track in a Mita.
Hope I am wrong, but USC wins 38-20 maybe 31-20, but I just don't see OSU slowing USC down, unless they can get serioius pressure on Barkley, then everything changes.
I agree with everything you posted. Ohio St won't be able to slow down the Trojan race horse...Ohio St won't be able to run and the only positive yardage they will get is on Pryor scrambles as he is running for his life...the home field advantage may keep OSU in it for a quarter or 2...but USc will wear them out...
