Trojans Go to the 'Shoe for Showdown with Buckeyes

This is why college football is fun. Two heavyweight teams . . . under the lights. . . 100,000+ fans.

USC crushed its first opponent San Jose St., while Ohio St. survived a serious scare from Navy. None of that matters now. Both teams will be jacked up to play the highlight game of the year so far. The winner will be the team that executes the best.

Let's get 'er done!

Ohio St.

Offense – For the Buckeyes, it starts and ends with QB Terrelle Pryor. A massive 6’6, 240lbs who can run, and is getting better at passing the ball with accuracy and consistency. Tailbacks Dan Herron and Brandon Saine will team with Pryor to pose a good running game. WRs Dane Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey lead the receiving corp, and the OLine is solid with Center Michael Brewster anchoring the line with Jim Cordle at Tackle.

Defense – The Buckeyes had a lot of change over since last season. The DLine has the most returners with DE Cameron Heyward leading the charge up front. MLB Ross Homan mans the middle of the defense, and active Safety Kurt Coleman and CB Chimni Chekwa are the Buckeye’s best players in the secondary.

Special Teams – RB Brandon Saine and Lamarr Thomas are good return men on kickoffs, while WR Dan Sanzenbacher holds down punt return duties. The kicking game is good – FG kicker Aaron Petrey had a 50 yarder last week vs. Navy and was 3 – 3 on FGs. Punter John Thoma averages 44.5 yards per punt.

USC

Offense – Every week is a test for QB Matt Barkley, and Saturday night at the ‘Shoe is a tough one. Once again, it’s about protecting the ball and getting it to the playmakers. The RBs (McKnight, Johnson, Bradford and Gable) could be the stars of the show, behind an OLine that gets Center Kris O’Dowd back in the starting lineup. FB Stanley Havili should be the “not so secret weapon” that Ohio St. can’t cover, as well. WR Damian Williams and TE Anthony McCoy will need to help Barkley out with good games.

Defense – Corralling Buckeye QB Pryor will be no easy task. It starts with the DEs Everson Griffen and Wes Horton “staying at home” and not falling for the Read Option fake to the RB allowing Pryor to sprint to the outside. DT/NTs Jurell Casey and Christian Topou will have to control the middle as Ohio St. will run up the gut. It’s a big game also for OLB Malcolm Smith and the LBs who have to make sure tackles and play “downhill” football. Safeties Taylor Mays and Will Harris can be big helps to stopping the run game.

Special Teams – SC needs a better game out of its Punter Billy O’Malley who averaged less than 35 yards per punt. Kickoff return specialist CJ Gable should get some opportunities as the Ohio St. doesn’t get many touchbacks from its kickoff team.

Prediction:

USC – 31
Ohio St. - 10