While I think OSU has more than enough talent to go toe-to-toe with USC, the question mark in my mind is Boeckman. Even if Wells does not play, the Buckeyes are loaded with running backs. Christ, Herron-who is what 4th on the depth chart?- probably would be starting for any other B10 school right now with the probable exceptions of NW (Sutton), Wis (Hill), and MSU (Ringer). I think the Bucks defense will hold up just fine against USC. The mystery question is how Boeckman will perform. He had sub par games against the last three, big games he played although the weather conditions in Ann Arbor were responsible for his performance against Michigan. When he has time to throw the ball and sets up, he is deadly but , IMHO, has tended to break down when pressured. He needs to be very good on Saturday or I fear that the Trojans will cover the spread. I'll be pulling for the Bucks. This is an outstanding Ohio team whose only true vulnerability is the QB position. I hate to think how good they can be if Pryor can be brought up to speed quickly and Beanie is healthy.
A great game to watch early into the season and one especially hard to call. One thing that the Big 10 has been aggravated with for years when playing in bowl games was the time between their last game and when their opponent last played. Since this is not a bowl game but almost could be the delay is equal on both teams and both should be as sharp as possible. I will be pulling for the Buckeyes but think the home field advantage and deep USC team will prevail...I can't wait to watch it...
Bobda, you are right about our guy Boeckman....with time he is a very effective QB. He led the conference is passing efficiency but did struggle badly against Illinois and LSU. In Ann Arbor, the conditions were not well suited to slinging the ball around the field, our defense was playing well and Beanie was strong. We only attempted one pass in the entire second half. When pressured, he struggles. He's a big, strong kid but not particularly nimble and is often slow to get rid of the football. If we have a viable ground game to keep the SC rushers honest and the oline gives him half a chance, he can perform well. I do truly believe one of the young wideouts is going to have to step up...
I'm going to be tuned in Sat rooting for Ohio State. I was born in Ohio and still watch OSU with some interest. I just wish you would quit getting recruits out of Florida that we want' :lol: :lol:
Hey WZT, nice to hear from you, we hope you will spend more time here. And your husband also. 8) 8) 8)
I'm rooting hard for the Buckeyes but if I'm betting ( and I'm not I would take SC and the points ). SC-38 OSU- 17
Ugh....Krebsie, you're killing me man! If Beanie is a no go and we can't keep Boeckman upright, that's a distinct possibility..... I see our major weaknesses on the interior DL and at the wideout positions. I've never been sold on our DT's, both stopping the run and getting pressure up the middle on on the QB. Both Illinois and LSU took great advantage of us there....if SC runs the power effectively as Corey suggests they will attempt, it will be a long day if the tackles can't keep Laurinaitis and his buddies clean.... I believe that one of the reasons that Boeckman looked so poor in the LSU game is that he simply didn't have anybody to throw the ball to....our wideouts simply could get no separation from the LSU DB's playing press coverage....and the lone time they did, Robiskie dropped the TD pass. Robiskie and Hartline are fine possession receivers....Robiskie is a savvy route runner, with good size, hands and ball skills but does not have the jets to strike fear into quality DB's ala LSU. This is a huge missing link in our offensive arsenal....in years past, we always had at least one and often two wideouts who could run by anybody....commit your safeties at your own risk kind of kids. Those kids on our squad are all young Bucks - (Posey, Torrence and Washington) - or have simply not stepped up - (Small). For our offense to click on all cylinders against SC, one or more of those kids is going to have to run by somebody at some time.....
Update from yesterday's practice.....he was also listed as #1 on the depth chart released for the game. In further news, Terrelle Pryor has moved up to #2 behind Boeckmann. Take notice Petey.....you got things to work on..... :twisted:
Buck T, Believe me, I do not take any pleasure in my prediction and I hope to God I am wrong. But as an Irish fan who has had the dubious pleasure of watching USC up close, I can tell you that they play at a different level. They tend to score quickly and in bunches and that sometimes causes the playbook to get thrown out and "panic" mode to ensue. Then its a runaway train. As much as I admire Tressel, Pete Carroll stands alone because his teams always seem to play at the highest levels and the bigger the game, the better they play.
No doubt, historically, his teams shine when the lights are at their brightest.....but nobody is perfect and he's going to get his sometime. Why not us, why not now? 8)
I saw that as well Don, but I did hear that he was running - which is a great sign. If he's feeling well enough and they are letting him run on Monday, I've gotta believe he's gonna be able to give it a go. Is he 100%? Who knows, but keep in mind this was a kid that played the better part of last season with a broken wrist and bone chips in his ankle! He's a tough kid and you know he wants this game BAD....
I certainly don't mean this disrespectfully to our Ohio St. fans but I think USC could make this one ugly. If this game was at the Shoe, I'd give Ohio State a slight nod (if Wells was healthy). The uncertainty of Wells and the fact this game is out West, makes me believe that USC could dominate. I hope I'm wrong as I would like to see an all-timer of a game between two fantastic programs.
No disrespect taken Aquila.....it's certainly a possibilty! If it's an a$$kickin', it's more likely going to be ours in this instance. Beanie aside for a moment, one of the things we have in our favor is that our kids have been in a whole bunch of big, prime time ballgames. This is not their first rodeo....SC has some kids at key positions that are gonna be pi$$in' down there leg and are unsure how they are going to respond.....expecially on the oline and at QB. It's not unlikely that some of those kids are gonna gain experience the hard way. Both squads rosters are littered with first round draft picks....they may have a little more quality depth, but for damn sure we've got enough talent to smack these guys in the mouth and will.....Sanchez hasn't ever seen anything like he's going to see Saturday. We'll see how he responds....if he responds well and we are saddled without some of our favorite toys, it will be tough for the good guys. Our kids will be there....
I think the fact that unlike bowl games where B10 teams have the longest time off before they play, OSU will be more insync with their regular work schedule. Terry
...things are looking better all the time! Now let's hope he's as close to 100% as possible and is able to go the entire game. Look out Rey, Rey, here comes Beanie! Can you imagine those collisions! 8) http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3577340
I can imagine and look forward to seeing those collisions. I just wish I could see them in Hi-Def. I have a 46" Sony LCD and have HD service through Directv but the local networks are not receivable in HD through my satellite. Does anyone know of any alternatives? I have thought about getting one of those new antennas but I'm afraid that it won't work after Feb. anyway.
Rey, Rey is a monster of a linebacker....6'2" 260 and can run and play in space. One of the more humorous moments during Coach Tressel's weekly press conference was when asked if he'd seen much of Rey, Tressel responed, "Yes. Too much!" That's ok, we have a linebacker that we think is pretty good also....this is great, great stuff. 8)