So here we go, the best Division I football game of the season possibly will take place next Saturday. And as a USC Trojan fan, I am in no way here to talk trash on the Buckeyes or chuckle about yesterday's - as the media is calling it - lackluster win over Ohio University. Rather, at the moment, I am much much more worried about USC's chances next Saturday than I was at the start of the weekend. Of course I believe USC can win this game and then rout the at-the-moment pathetic looking Pac 10 and play in the BCS National Championships. But really it all depends on next Saturday night. My anxiety will grow as the week goes on. Here are my top 5 concerns for the Trojans next Saturday:
1. Special teams are still a big issue for USC. Joe McKnight displayed difficulty in fielding a punt. Against Virginia, the Trojans appeared very non-chalant on kick-off coverage (OK, with a ridiculus lead on the board maybe I'm being too critical here). Extra-point and FG kicking have not yet faced a challenging situation heading into the most challenging game of the year.
2. Penalties, penalties, penalties. Though it did not matter last weekend, USC was penalized seven times for 70 yards. You can't afford that against Ohio State. And by the way did you see what a Pac-10 official did to Locker at Washnington yesterday? USC is certainly number one at TD celebrations. Will that haunt them next weekend?
3. Terrell Pryor has yet to unleash his talent on a big stage. Perhaps Pryor was held back for a reason yesterday and a new Pryor package hides within the sweather vest of Jim Tressell.
4. USC has yet to have consistent flow at the RB position. Is there amazing talent, size and speed at the running back position for the Trojans? Absolutely. But in a game there still is no one who has proven they can maintain it for four quarters. USC must figure out who the go-to-guy while facing one of the nation's best defenses.
5. You think Ohio University is a laugher, look at UVA. We now realize we learned little about USC's talent in that win over the Cavaliers. Mark Sanchez had a tougher week against his team's scout defense according to the LA Times. Virginia just got by Richmond 16-0 yesterday. I didn't even know Richmond had a football team.
Hopefully, I'm just a little paranoid here. Hopefully, I'm overreacting. But I am certainly concerned about Sept. 13, possibly the make-or-break date for the Trojans national title hopes.GO TROJANS!
Jarah Mariano
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well its a great point, but you are a bit paranoid. if beanie wells was in, that game yesterday would have been out of hand by the end of the first quarter. so i'd be way more worried about OSU as a formidable opponent than USC's mistakes on special teams, etc. let's go Big Ten!!
Anthony E-is out.
Easton , PA
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You should be paranoid. How can you be happy USC is number 1? By beating UVA without a defense? No wonder you scored 52-7. You have a reason to be scared against the number 1 defense in the country, The Buckeyes don't give away points like that. Expect a lot tougher, closer, and physical game. Mark Sanchez better be on his toes, or he's going to get knocked around. Beanie is going to produce yards, and Pyror should be able to utilize some good, new formations. There will be no rout of the Buckeyes.
_Janus_
Columbus, OH
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Terrell Pryor is still unproven. Let him accomplish SOMETHING in the NCAA before you start fearing him. For all we know he could end up a bust like Ron Powlus... and many, many others before him.
The buckeyes looked mediocre against an Ohio Bobcat team. They could not run the ball and USC will have a MUCH better defense than Ohio. USC will move the ball and be able to contain the buckeyes. 34-10 USC.
Calmplexity
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Ohio (ranked 109 out of 119 div 1 schools) lost to Wyoming, if you are comparing how Virginia beat Richmond, how about how Ohio lost to Wyoming?
Calmplexity
Total Comments (33)
Calmplexity, your second comment is a good one. I completely overlooked that fact about Ohio losing to Wyoming. Thanks for throwing that in while the OSU fans swarm me here.
EastCoastKeith
Total Comments (2161)
I think the OU game was an anomoly, but there were some concerning issues revealed within the game. One thing is the kicking game, how does I guy make four feild goals one week (including a 51 yard.) and miss a short one and an extra point a week later??? Also, the Buckeyes offensive line was offensive. The OU d-line had no business running with those guys, but they did. Now myself, and the rest of Buckeye nation are wondering if these guys are really overrated? Not having Beans in there should not have mattered. The other three guys were all 4-star recruits, who while none are the caliber of Beanie, should have run right over a soft OU D.
I also think that USC is a better TEAM at this point in the season. The Buckeyes are good, there is no doubt, but good has got them beat the last two times they faced top tier competition. If the game was in Columbus, I would have a better feeling. If the Buckeyes D can put pressure on Sanchez and force some mistakes then OSU has a chance, otherwiseand/or if the Trojans D does the same to Boeckman, the Bucks can forget a victory
I really just hope, win or lose, that the Buckeyes represent.
Pete_Nice
Columbus , OH
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I've heard all of this before......and as a DIE_HARD USC fan, I have to say that I HATE ALL THOSE PENALTIES!!!!! I get sooo damn angry at "my" SC players when we just give other team chances...I think we were one of the MOST PENALIZED teams in the nation last year!!! BUT...I think not all "celebrating" is bad...and maybe the officials need to look at that! I mean god knows my family & I are running around the house screaming......& annoying the neighbors on a saturday!!!!
USC-GIRL
Kalaheo, HI
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Hey USC-GIRL, here's hoping you and your family are running around screaming and annoying the neighbors on Saturday. GO TROJANS!
EastCoastKeith
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How silly and ridiculous does this blog post look now? Who's the paranoid idiot who wrote this?
EastCoastKeith
Total Comments (2161)
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