Preview: #6 Ohio State at #1 Southern Cal
To the victor, the spoils, right?
 #2 Ohio State 2-0, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule |
September 13, 2008 8:00 PM ET – ABC —— The Coliseum Los Angeles, CA |
 #3 Southern Cal 1-0, 0-0 Pac-10 Roster | Schedule |
The wait is finally over. After months of anticipation, the Buckeyes will get their second prime chance at redemption in 8 months when they invade the Coliseum to take on USC. And what a shot it is. The Trojans have been nothing short of dominant this decade and are virtually unbeatable at home.
The Buckeyes, thought to be Tressel’s best team in Columbus are absolutely loaded with NFL talent to match the Trojans at nearly every position. And then, in the opener against a hapless Youngstown State, the unthinkable happened.
Now, instead of a matchup of two elite teams, slugging it out in front of a national television audience, the Buckeyes enter the game as double-digit dogs and even the most partisan amongst the faithful is having serious doubts. There’s a large contingent now predicting a USC blowout — something that would have been completely unimaginable just a year and a half ago. But that’s where a couple of lopsided MNC losses will leave you.
Wells’ status is still very much up in the air and seemed to change with the wind this week. If he is able to go, even at reduced strength, the Buckeyes will have to play an incredible game to hand the Trojans a rare defeat at home. If he’s not able to go, the rest of the team must play the game of their lives.
Opponent
You’ve probably been boning-up on the Trojans since, oh, January 8th or so, so we won’t bore you too much with further minutia. You’re well aware that they have the scariest defensive player in college football, a stable of great running backs including potentially the next Reggie Bush and a safety that is built like a lineman.
Their quarterback, once the top prep prospect in the land, is hitting his groove after playing in only a handful of games last season and their coach simply does not lose big games.
The other players? They’re not too shabby either. Year-in and year-out, the Trojans capitalize on their geography and coach Pete Carroll’s Facebook page to haul in just about anyone they want. Even Ohio kids are not safe from his clutches — Fred Davis, USC’s leading receiver last season (and thankfully now playing in the NFL), hails from Toledo.
It’s pretty cliche to say that a team’s second stringers could start just about anywhere else in the country, but USC is one of the few schools where that’s actually true.
So, are they invincible? Close, but not quite. The offensive line is breaking in four new starters and just like any other quarterback, Sanchez is prone to make mistakes when he’s pressured. The line did in fact have trouble picking up blitz packages during fall camp, so if there is a weakness on offense, it’s the front five.
On defense, the holes and weaknesses are even fewer, though Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga, two Trojan linebackers vying for All-American honors are both playing with a cast. Sure it can be a club at times, but casts also hinder your ability to clutch and make tackles. Otherwise, everyone would be wearing casts.
Additionally, elite running quarterbacks like Locker, Dixon and Vince Young have given USC fits the last few years and the Buckeyes do happen to have an exceptionally gifted running quarterback. Trojan defensive tackle Fili Moala has already seen glimpses of Vince in Pryor, so if you’re on the ledge over the status of Beanie, that should be worth a step or two back at the very least.
NOTES: Wide receiver Vidal Hazelon is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered during the 2nd half of the Virginia game and may not play… Gameday will be held in Los Angeles this weekend and ABC’s #1 crew of Musberger, Herbstreit, Lisa Salters and Erin Andrews will be covering the game.
Buckeye Breakdown
So what must Ohio State do to win the game. For starters, they can dial it up significantly on defense. There’s been a steady stream of questions regarding Heacock’s defensive strategy ever since the Florida deacle two years ago, but if he must be wiling to turn the talent loose and let them do what they’re at Ohio State to do — make plays.
The defensive line was one of the few bright spots in the victory over Ohio last weekend and if it weren’t for Boo Jackson’s amazingly magic feed, they may have doubled their sack total. This must continue against USC. Sure, the line will be of better quality, but it’s still a green line and Lawrence Wilson, Heyward and Gibson must apply constant pressure to Sanchez, forcing him into bad decisions. It was pointed out that if you take away the shellacking of Notre Dame last season, his numbers begin to look downright pedestrian. He lit the Cavaliers up in week one, but he didn’t see the type of pressure that he’ll see on Saturday.
If Beanis is able to go, even if only at 75%, that will be a huge boost to the team. His 75% is better than 99% of other running backs’ 100% and his leadership cannot be measured. He’ll also be used to chew up first downs and keep the ball out of the hands of the USC offense, which can score in bunches — even against elite defenses.
Hartline and Robiskie must do a better job of getting open and when thrown to, must hold on to the ball. It seems like the Minnesota game last season was the last time Robo turned in a highlight reel snare and he’s due. If the starters aren’t getting the job done and are unable to get open in space, Tressel can’t be afraid to go to Posey, Washington, Thomas and some of the other young burners. I do imagine we’ll see several plays from the 5-wide set, something we didn’t see at all last weekend.
The defensive secondary will be bolstered by the return of Washington and O’Neal, though Chekwa and Jermale Hines have played well enough in the first two games to prevent those two from jumping right back into the fray and getting serious minutes. Still, the depth will help, especially considering the number of gazelles the Trojans can put on the field for a single play.
I am somewhat worried about McKnight catching balls out of the backfield, but I imagine Tressel and Heacock have the same fear and have put things into place to address that threat.
After the embarrassing losses in each of the last two MNC games, this team needs this win perhaps more so than any other team in America. We think they’ll come out on fire and match up well against USC’s talent, but the x-factor is obviously Beanie. If he’s unable to go or can only contribute on a couple of plays, the odds don’t favor the Buckeyes — thought it certainly won’t be the blowout some are forecasting.
PREDICTION: USC 17, OSU 13*
* This prediction almost lead to the break-up of this blog. Naturally, we all think the Buckeyes can win the game, but the bottom line is that given the circumstances surrounding Wells, we’re not as certain of a victory as we’d like to be. Even heading into the LSU game last year, we thought the Buckeyes would pull though, but perhaps because of that game and the one the year before, our expectations are dampened a bit.
I truly believe that all of this hype surrounding beanie’s toe is a prime example of tomfullery! It was 3 days ago that beanie made the comment he could carry it potentially 45 times if need be…. Aka he’s pretty damn close to 100%….. 2 days later as they’re about to board, senator tress declares beanie’s only at 25% and doubtful…. Would be brilliant….. If they would’ve stuck to their guns 2 weeks ago, and made all of us believe he was definitely out…. Then declare him a gametime decision starter come kickoff time!! I don’t think surfer
pete buys it…. I surely don’t!!!
I also don’t buy the fact that tress is gonna continue to run the basic O under boeckman, and we won’t see a crossing route, misdirection, reverse, or any sort of play action pass/ exotic formation!!! I think there was a reason we flopped against OU…. We were saving everything for this game!!! Look for Alot of beanie, pryor, and exotic offensive AND defensive formations…. And look for a convincing win!!!
The vest has been watching game film for over 30 years now…. I think he realizes he won’t beat a supremely talented team running I formation every play, and passing only when the situation calls for it!!! Prepare to be amazed!! This is the start of the best Buckeye season we’ve ever seen!!!
Buckeyes- 27
Pink thong Trojans- 13
First of all that is a great picture, I can’t wait until she cheers for our extra point or field goal on Saturday. Second, OSU has every chance to win………. if Heacock can come up with a game plan that doesn’t involve rushing 3 and playing zone all game long. If he does that in this game, for the 3rd huge game in a row, we will see Mcknight and all the RB’s catching swing passes and killing us. Doing the same thing over and over is crazy and he needs to cut the boys loose to kill Sanchez. He needs to be hit like Dorsey was hit in 2002, that will make him nervous. Heacock made Chris Leak and Matt Flynn look like probowl QB’s we can’t have that tomorrow.
A quote taken from Jim Tressel’s “The Winners Manual.”
“Champions believe in themselves even if no one else does.” – Author Unknown
Hopefully, despite the doubt and turmoil surrounding the Buckeyes leading up to this game, they are insulated from the chatter and doubt of the fans of both teams and are focused on the task at hand.
Go Buckeyes!
“This prediction almost lead to the break-up of this blogâ€
I believe it. I’d be on the other side, or “our†side. I still think Tressel could win the Daytona 500 driving the Buckeyes’ bus.
It was definitely a tough call. For me, I’m just not sold Beanie can carry the load all game and I think that’s what it will take to win. He’ll start but how long can he go? If he plays majority of the game, I think we win. If not, I worry about the pressure Boeckman will face if USC doesn’t have to worry about Beanie.
Defensively, I’m far less concerned because I know this group can keep USC under 20 points as long as Heacock lets them play a little. I see Wilson and Worthington having huge games.
Either way, this game is coming down to the last 2 minutes in my eyes.
So, you’re saying I should have “9-1″ already dialed on my phone to be prepared to call for an ambulance for my apparent hear attack tomorrow night?
After crying myself to sleep last night over beanie I woke up enlightened. If beanie doesnt play or plays at diminished capacity we will odds are loose, unless this defense really plays as good as it can be. But if we loose respectably I think we still have a strong argument to be in the national championship if some other SEC teams loose. Now if we were to play with a full strength beanie and loose then we could kiss a championship good by no matter the records of any SEC schools. So if the buckeyes have to loose to USC I would rather it be with a sub par beanie so it leaves at least an excuse down the road. On the flip side if we win without a 100% beanie, fuck the rest of the country we are easily the best team in the land and give us our crystal ball now!!
Go Bucks!
Eddie’s got me fired up:
http://dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2008/09/12/osufb12.ART_ART_09-12-08_C1_4TBA6T6.html?sid=101
“…it’s about reputation.”
My theory:
Don’t start Beanie. Even if he is closer to 100% than we have been led to believe this week. See how the first series goes. If we are moving the ball without Beanie it is going to be a big blow to the USC Psyche. If not, it will not matter that much, we can put him later and get the O going.
If we can play most of the 1st quarter without him and stalemate with USC, imagine the lift when he does come into the game.
I’m anxiously awaiting JT’s call to get my opinion.
If Beanie doesn’t play tomorrow there’s a good chance he’ll be back next year. For the Heisman and the chance to beat USC in the shoe….
Brotherbuck, that is the perfect strategy, in my eyes. I say see if we can get to halftime without him down by only a TD (or please god, maybe even up 3 points). It could prove to be a boost.
For all of those that think this D will be aggressive, please spare yourselves the frustration. We know what they are going to do (soft reactionary zone), let’s root on them doing it well this time. they are not going to be aggressive, it just isn’t in our player’s or coaches nature … but, if they can stop the USC offense the first few drives that could lead to some downhill momentum
here’s to kicking off first this time … get a three and out. I do not want TB being the first player to have to make plays
I can’t see Tressel fibbing to the press, or to the opposition. I could be wrong, but he’s never struck me as a Belichick-type of guy.
I think Beanie’s dinged pretty well, and I think he’s probably hurting badly. That’s the nature of turf toe – one good day, or good few minutes, followed by some really, really bad times. It’s a horrible thing to go through. Those of you who may have acute and severe gout probably know what he’s going through.
This may, though, end up being the best thing to happen to Ohio State all year. They’re going to have to learn to play without Beanie, and this game will require that they do so in a hurry. Even if they don’t win, but keep the game close and competitive, they can come home with some confidence for the upcoming conference run. That p*nn st*t* game is looming large.
Go Bucks, with our without Beanie. Show ‘em.
Joe Fox:
I agree, I just don’t understand what many of these people who thikn this is some sort of mindgame think it will do. Seriously, they have never really said what gain or advantage there is to lying about Beanie. The reason is that there is no advantage. Please someone that believes this stuff elaborate on what “mindfucking” this does to the other team. USC has planned to play against beanie and still expects to. Once Beanie is in the game none of this stuff will make USC mis tackles, etc
I just don’t see the benefit in leaving him out of practice in order to “mindfuck” USC. If practice weren’t good for players, they wouldn’t hold practice, right
Still throwing up in my mouth.
Damn. That’s a nice ass.
First of all, that is one heckuva nice ass on display there.
Second, I’m trying to think of some words of encouragement, something along the lines of “Hey, it’s not that bad, it will be a really competitive game” but the truth is I think USC is too powerful to beat.
If it’s any consolation I don’t think my Gators could take ‘em either — not right now, anyway. 3rd game of the season… that’s tough.
BuckeyeBlowout makes the point. Pete Carroll is a good college coach – a very, very good one, in fact – and he’d be remiss not to prepare for Wells. I don’t care what comes out of an opposing coach’s mouth – you prepare as though they’re fully-manned. You just do. I think this mindgame business entertains the fans, but that’s not how coaches prepare their teams to play.
Yeah, that photograph is killing me today. Wow.
We don’t need to win to restore anything. We need our defense to not give up 4 or 5 straight TD drives. If we can hold them to 3 scores, we’ll have at least dealt with most of the perception issues. If beanie plays and is himself, we can at least get 3 scores. Now, are those FGs or TDs? Dunno.
I’m just going to forget about wanting to win, and hope that the next play is executed as well as possible. Not going to worry about the previous play. Or the score. They may just be a better team, and I can accept that. I just want us to play well.
I just want to dive in between those cheeks and create a little home there…
Oh, and DAMN that’s a nice ass. The Songirls/Sweatergirls are da bomb.
First off gotta give you guys credit on picking USC to win, gained a lot of respect for your blog. Way too many Ohio State fans have unrealistic views about how our team is better than everyone else and we will win every game.
USC is one of, if not the, top program in America, and we are going to their home stadium, without our best player. We are not the favorite in this game.
I strongly disagree Dan Isaacs though, we strongly need this win for our conference and to help restore our programs national reputation. Hopefully we can get it.
Go Buckeyes
To BUCKEYEBLOWOUTWIN:
The only reason that I can see that JT would lie about Beanie would be so that everybody underestimates us even more than they already do. On Monday, when Beanie was listed as a starter, every sports writer and reporter (Mark May esp) was talking about how badly OSU will lose to USC and how we’re just so over matched. By lying about Beanie and telling everyone that he’s “doubtful”, JT is just hoping to fuel his players with motivation to prove everybody wrong.
When people, especially the OSU haters, and yes even our own hopeless fans who think we will get sloshed (there are some of you out there), see that Beanie isn’t playing they will automatically think that OSU will get creamed. Just think about how much that pumps the players up, to give them a chance to prove all of college football wrong?
If you don’t think that sounds like JT, then read the quote that I copied and pasted from BROTHERBUCKs comment:
“A quote taken from Jim Tressel’s “The Winners Manual.â€
“Champions believe in themselves even if no one else does.†– Author Unknown”
This is EXACTLY what the situation will be tomorrow, and JT is trying to make the best out of it.
I think OSU will be fine the game will be close. With our D coming back I would give the edge to our D over there O.. Bucks win 20-14.. Real Talk!!!!!
I don’t think the Vest is gaming USC, I think he is gaming Wells. “Oh, hurt your toe eh, you wanna play, you really wanna play, than step up” is less effective than holding a guy back and saying and telling otehrs he’s “Doubtful”
BG BUCKEYE
well, I do suppose that it could actually help our team mentally, so you sold me there. But, everyone acting as though it will affect USC is still crazy, IMO.
so, in short, I can buy there might be some utility in deception, but it is completely internal, folks
Eddie George just called out our receivers …”we do not have a play maker like a ted Ginn type. We have nice possession receivers”
right on Mr. Heisman … c’mon Ray Small
If the bucks need Tressel to lie about beanie to get pumped up we are in more trouble then I thought. I think 2 embaressing national championship losses and 2 years worth of bad mouthing should pump them up enough, if they can’t get up for this game without Tressel lying to the media and people talking bad they don’t deserve to win this game
Love the faith fellas, you just made Mark May so proud!!
That butt is driving me loco. All day, I keep coming back just for another glimpse…
The interwebs has unlimited pr0n, yet that picture of a mostly(?) clothed buttox is what revs my engine…
Bucks shock the world, 35-21, Boom goes for 125 yards, the Todd throws 2 TDs, 0 picks, despite taking some licks from Rey-Rey and Co., Heyward, Wilson, Gibson combine for 3 sacks, Jenkins returns a pick to the house to put the game out of reach in the 4th.
OH PLEASE OH PLEASE OH PLEASE.
The deception about Beanie can only help internally, that is correct.
The lack of faith from fans is a bit troubling though… it’s not very often that you see a game where so many fans believe that their own team will lose. I know we’re not gonna win every single game, but to me it seems like the OSU fans around me aren’t even giving our buckeyes a chance.
We have to hope to win every game, but also know that a loss is realistic against any team. It seems as though a lot of fans have lost the hope. I can’t wait until tomorrow, and I know that I probably won’t sleep tonight… so…
GO BUCKS
So far the only person I’ve heard that gives OSU a chance is this game is Lou Holtz. Now don’t get me wrong. I think USC has a very good football team, but the national media is treating this game as if USC is playing Stanford (oh wait). Last I checked, OSU had a lot of talent on both sides of the ball (even without Beanie).
I know my faith in JT and the game preparation has been shaken over the last two Januarys, but come on Buckeye Nation! I remember another team of underdog Buckeyes that weren’t given much of a chance against a very good Miami team. That turned out ok I think.
We as fans can’t want it for the players. They have to want it for themselves. I don’t see how Laurinaitis, Malcolm, and Freeman don’t whip this team into shape for a great opponent. Call me a homer with Scarlet colored glasses, but I think OSU wins this game if on sheer will and grit alone. Go Bucks!
Buckeyes – Good luck tomorrow. Enjoy the game, and let’s hope Wells is 100%. Should be a good one, and hopefully a fight to the end.
Fight On!
http://men.style.com/details/features/full?id=content_7446&pageNum=1
Good news: Beanie is now supposedly day to day.
bad news, I just heard beanie is Dead. he was eaten by a shark while the team was visiting the beach and is now officially out for tomorrow’s game. No word on whether he will return for Troy. Sources close to the situation say he is probably a go for Minnesota
Update: Beanie is no longer dead, they got him to the guy in the Princess bride (Billy Crystal character) in enough time to bring him back to life. Could be god for 10-15 carries
Sometimes I enjoy landing in the past and checking out what the talk is in the current
I expect the best and am prepared for the worst. Vodka is in the freezer, and my mind is cleared. I will go mental if our D scheme is reactionary pansy ball though. I could rant for hours on Heacocks lack of creativity but I won’t. Hopefully on Sunday I’ll be chewing on my foot packpeddling and calling him a genious, the last 2 years were merely a set-up for 9/13! Just give it 100% and execute like champions and I’ll be happy regardless.
Who am I kidding.
ROUNDHOUSE THEIR NECKS! THROW LIKE ACHILLES!! CHANNEL THOR AND SHIVA AND ZEUS!! O-LINE, BLAST LIKE THE HADRON COLLIDER! GO BUCKS! GLORY ON THE FIELD IS ETERNAL!!
O-H!!!
Sometimes I enjoy landing in the past and checking out what the talk is in the current year. So it’s 2008, and you’re worried about your Bucks? Well, I want to tell you something…you will be happy tomorrow. I can tell you this because the timeline wasn’t adversely affected by this revelation, as it was treated as simply as some wishful thinking on the part of a fan somewhere.
As a visitor to your timeline, I do intend to watch tomorrow as Beanie gets his share of carries, scores two touchdowns, and your recently inept starting quarterback finds some magic. Your defense steps up to shut USC down, and the Buckeyes walk out of sunny California with a win to the tune of 33-14.
The Columbus Dispatch will headline with “Colliseum Shocker!”, and the anti-Buckeye movement will be frustrated (no, they won’t quit altogether), and will have to rely on charges of a weak schedule for the rest of the year.
Amazingly, these Bucks will appear in the national championship game, and guess what? They actually win this time! Buckeye lovers everywhere…prepare for a season to remember!!
Buckeye From the Future
Just heard on the Buckeye Blitz special… Beanie WILL NOT PLAY tomorrow :(
Just in , beanie will not play per columbus channel 10 (9:00 P.M.)
all of you retards that kept claiming “deception” can now officially fuck yourself as retarded morons … go be a moron elsewhere
oh and fuck you USC … Boom is on his way to stardom