September 20th game against Troy could be a trap for Ohio State

While all Ohio State fans and most college football fans are eagerly anticipating the battle versus USC on September 13th in Los Angeles, the game versus Troy in Columbus on September 20th is shaping up to me as a potential trap game.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Troy was competitive in losses to Arkansas and Georgia, and blew out Oklahoma State last year. They will not be intimidated by 100,000+ fans in Ohio Stadium as they have played in tough atmospheres before. A case in point ~ Troy will play at LSU two weeks before they play Ohio State on September 20th.
• Troy had enough talent to tie for the Sun Belt Conference championship last year (granted, they lost to Florida Atlantic) and could be a contender for their conference championship this year.
• Troy is the program that has sent players such as DeMarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys and this year's first round draft choice of the Buffalo Bills, Leodis McKelvin.
• Ohio State has usually struggled after big games - remember after the Texas loss in 2005 how Ohio State came out sluggish against San Diego State? Ohio State rallied, but the chance of a letdown after such a big game is there.

Maybe I am being my typical Minnich paranoid. All I am saying is Ohio State should be ready for a tough game on September 20th. ESPN.com is reporting a 1pm kickoff; no TV has been announced yet, but I am betting on The Big Ten Network.