OSU Depth Chart (Click to enlarge)The depth chart for the USC game was released today and the only real change from last week is the elevation of Terrelle Pryor into the #2 spot at quarterback. Tressel had indicated that Pryor would be the backup for Boeckman last week though Bauserman was still listed as the backup on paper.
Not to beat a dead horse, but the real tragedy with the performance against the Bobcats was the fact that Pryor was only in the game for a little more than half-dozen snaps. Considering the problems that mobile quarterbacks have given the Trojans recently, his limited action is a lost opportunity. What's more concerning is the fact that he hasn't received the work throwing the football that the staff would probably have preferred. I think it was Maualuga that was quoted earlier in the week mentioning that when Pryor is in the game, you know he's running. It would have been nice to have a 2nd dimension to be concerned about.
He's an amazing talent and is rightfully garnering comparisons to Vince Young, but even Young as a freshman would have his hands full with this Trojan defense.
Beanie was running Monday, but did not participate in practice. You know he's a go for the game, but at what speed? An argument can be made that he played pretty dinged-up last season and still did pretty well for himself, but something tells me this injury may be a little more serious than what he suffered last season. A guy doesn't go down like he's been shot only to have it be something minor.
The line for Saturday's game started in the 9.5-10 range on Sunday, quickly moved north of 11 and has settled back into 10-10.5 territory. Vegas does get a lot of money coming in from Southern California, but what's telling is that the line hasn't come down much in the last day or so. This spread is surely the largest of the Tressel era outside of maybe his inaugural season and most definitely unheard of in a matchup of top five teams. Hell, Nebraska was only getting 9 last year.
Comments
I don't think it's Tressel's largest; from BoDog Online Sports Betting 2002 year in review:
The Fiesta Bowl saw truly divided action. We opened Miami at –13.5 and it slipped all the way down to –11 in the weeks before the game on light-to-moderate action. As of January 1st, it looked like we would be cheering heavily for the Hurricanes but from New Year’s Day on the action came in heavy on Miami, moving the line back up to –11
And that was a #1 v. #2 matchup. Shock da worlddd
Good catch, Matt. I knew we were big dogs heading into that Miami game, but forgot it was over 10.
[...] line on you, babe. Jump to Comments As Jason points out over at Eleven Warriors, that’s quite a line on this week’s Game of the Century. The line for Saturday’s game started in the 9.5-10 [...]
LBC would have gotten in at a fairly cruical time had The Ghost not taken the punt to the house. Can't be too bitter about that.
Mobile QB issues, huh.... sounds familiar. I think a performance similar to the 'Canes game would be in order.... defense, defense, defense and then use the QB as an extra running back... Boeckman has shown the ability to scramble for tough yards (ala Krenzel) and Pryor coming in would make them think run.... Let Pryor run the option pitches or quick outside throws to loosen up the coverage at then line. When they loosen up, run Forrest --RUN!@!!!!
I am not top athlete or anything but i tore a ligament in my foot about a year ago and two weeks later i was up and playing basketball and soccer at full speed. I had surgery after both intramural seasons were finished and the recovery from that was rather quick as well. Not sure if that is one Beanie's injury is or not but if so i think he will be fine
I was hoping to see Pryor and TB in the game at the same time prior to the SC game. I do not think having Pryor in the game at QB will be at all effective for the reason mentioned ... Pryor = run only and SC has some athletes. I wouldn't expect Pryor to glide 12 yards to the house like you can against 1AA teams
They needed to have them both in the game so that the threat of a pass downfield remains viable concern.
However, Pryor still needs to be in the game on goal line plays ... roll him out and he can run or make his 5 yard pass (we have seen him make the 5 yard pass so far)
I have Plantar Fasciitis, and it's manageable. Though if it flares up, it feels like a broken bone. Nothing a little Cortizone can't help.
Actually I think he may've gone down like he was shot and it turned out to be minor. I think Beanie's a bit of a drama queen, and when he felt some pain he feared the worst and went down ugly. I suspect he'll be fine if he gets his mindset right, as Tressel stated last year, Beanie needs to be more of a warrior, and that means not being so dramatic. Just go out and run like hell.
USC -11?! One thing is certain, there's going to be a lot of Laguna Beach money being spent at the High Street BW3's on Sunday!!!
GO BUCKEYES!!!! BEAT U$C!!!