A Tormented Buckeye: Trojans Will Fight On To Victory

Painful as it sounds, USC will win this game. As an Ohio State fan, this game is terribly intimidating to look at. USC is 38-1 in their last 40 games in the Coliseum and the Trojans are a strong team. Furthermore, USC has a lot of veteran players which could affect the outcome of the game. If the Trojans win this game, these will be the reasons why:

Ohio State @ USC - Key Points:

1. Linebackers, Corners and Safeties, Oh my! - It would probably be an understatement to say that USC has a really good back seven on defense. In fact, USC’s safeties, Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison, are probably the country’s best unit. USC also features a number of big, physical cornerbacks who have the physical ability to contain Ohio State’s receivers. What else am I forgetting? Oh yeah, USC has a couple of linebackers that you might have heard of. That Maualuga guy can lay a lick and Brian Cushing is a beast on the field. In short, USC has a fantastic defense that is going to be very tough to crack.
2. Runnin’ Down the Dream - USC also has a gigantic stable of superstar running backs, all of which bring something different to the table. Joe McKnight has a ton of speed and will make you miss, Broderick Green will run you over, Staphon Johnson is a beast, and CJ Gable only happens to be the do-it-all starter. If USC gets a lead, their running backs could easily tire out any defensive line, even one as good as Ohio State’s.
3. Love Hurts - I love my Buckeyes. However, my biggest fear about this game is that Ohio State’s quarterback, Todd Boeckman, will have another stinker in a big game. Boeckman has received a lot of criticism from the Ohio State fanbase and the defense from USC could cause a lot of problems for our 6 th year senior starting quarterback. Boeckman has the potential to be fantastic (see Penn State last fall) and abysmal (see: Illinois, Michigan and LSU last year). A lot of quarterbacks look bad against the Trojans and if Todd starts throwing picks, USC wins this game.
4. History 101 - Simply put, Ohio State hasn’t fared nearly as poorly in big non-conference games as the national media will lead you to believe. Outside of their SEC losses, Ohio State is 11-2 against all other BCS opposition under Tressel, the last loss coming in 2005 to Texas in the Horseshoe. However, USC is very successful in their non-conference games in recent years as well. In fact, the Trojans have won all six games against BCS opposition by more than two touchdowns since their loss in the 2005 National Title Game. Furthermore, USC hasn’t lost a game by more than a touchdown since Pete Carroll’s first year. So, if Ohio State gets an early lead, USC certainly won’t crumble. In fact, you have to think that USC’s mental state will be significantly stronger than Ohio State if they fall behind. While this is all about mental toughness, it could turn out to be a huge factor in the game if one of the teams gets an early lead and USC has a decided historical advantage.
5. Jack About the Beanstalk? - What is the verdict on Beanie Wells’ foot? Originally, I expected him to be a slam dunk to play and play well. Now, he is a much bigger question mark and if Wells doesn’t go, USC is in a significantly stronger position to win. Simply put, you don’t remove one of the best players in all of college football from your team and then waltz into the Coliseum and beat USC, even when you’re as good as Ohio State is.

The OSU/USC Verdict:

This game is in Southern California, where USC has been nearly unbeatable since Carroll’s first season. USC has a fantastic defense and a very good set of tailbacks. Pete Carroll is a great big game coach. Beanie Wells’ health is a question. A lot of factors are in USC’s favor in this game. However, I see a close game. If USC defeats my Buckeyes, it will be because they force some turnovers and the final score will be something along the lines of 27-17 thanks to their excellent defense.

HOLD UP!

Wait a second, what the heck am I saying? I don’t remotely think that USC is going to win this game! Ohio State also has a great defense and USC is breaking in a new O-Line! I honestly think Beanie is 100% healthy! Ohio State has heard how awful they are all offseason and this is time for redemption! My crazy Buckeye fan alter ego agrees with my neutral sportswriter side: Ohio State wins this game. The Buckeyes win this game and win it going away because Mark Sanchez will be running for his life and throw the ball to Buckeye defenders in this game and Beanie will run over people while Boeckman plays solid, mistake free football. Bring back the respect and pride! JP, your team is going down! Go Bucks!

Matt Baxendell is a Staff Writer for CollegeSports-fans.com. If OSU loses, feel free to email him at matt.baxendell @ gmail.com with all your mocking words. Ohio State, however, is going to roll in this game. Go Bucks!

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• 2008 College Football Week #2 Preview
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• 2008 college football conference previews
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