USC Takes Ohio State's Heart With 18-15 Victory

Hats off to USC, Pete Carroll, and the entire fan community on a well-fought and well-earned victory in Ohio Stadium. I was not there in attendance, but for people like Kirk Herbstreit and Brent Musberger to continually comment on the volume from the crowd makes me feel somewhat validated that the crowd was defintely a factor in this one.

Quick comments ~

Matt Barkley - You did not play especially well statistically. But you played well when it counted. I have a feeling we will see more and more of these 4th quarter comebacks as your career progresses.

Joe McKnight - Without your contributions, USC does not win this game. Stafon Johnson may have scored the winning touchdown, but it was Joe McKnight's clutch plays on the final drive that enabled USC to win this one.

Terrelle Pryor - You had some moments, but Matt Barkley had more when they counted. I have no doubt you would love to have that interception back from Chris Galippo, but the same could be said for Matt Barkley's interception to Ross Homan.

Jim Tressel - You will be under fire from critics, despite coming within a minute of victory. Some of your play calls were smart and aggressive, while some, especially at the end of the first half, were perplexing.

The Ohio Stadium Crowd - Outstanding effort. As Kirk Herbstreit stated during the telecast, at times it seemed as though the crowd was trying to will Ohio State to the victory.

Did Ohio State gain or earn a measure of respect from people even in defeat? Difficult to say. I did predict USC to win this game 17-13 but whether Ohio State is still the whipping boy for critics across the country remains to be seen.

Ohio State Looks For Revenge Against USC, Respect Across The Country

Game Two: Ohio State vs. USC

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH). 8pm EST kickoff, ESPN

Head Coach: Pete Carroll

USC Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: OL Jeff Byers, C Kristofer O’Dowd, FL Ronald Johnson, TE Blake Ayles, WR David Ausberry, and LB Frankie Telfort. Ronald Johnson is out for the season after sustaining a broken collarbone in a preseason scrimmage. Frankie Telfort's career ended due to a heart condition that was diagnosed in the preseason.

USC Rushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Behind a veteran offensive line, USC rushed for 342 yards last week versus San Jose State. USC has the luxury of running backs such as Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, Allen Bradford, Marc Tyler, and C.J. Gable - any one of these players could be the premier running back for virtually any program across the country. None of them averaged worse than 4.5 yards per carry last week versus San Jose State. Joe McKnight is listed as the starter, but it would not surprise me if Pete Carroll substituted as many of them throughout the game as he possibly can.

Ohio State gave up 186 yards rushing to Navy's triple option attack last week in their 31-27 victory. While giving up 186 yards is never a good thing, it helps to remember that Navy led the country in rushing in 2008 and averaged 292 yards per game last season - Ohio State was able to hold them to 100 yards less.

Look for USC to run early and often to help out true freshman QB Matt Barkley, who is making his second career start. The key for Ohio State is how well the Ohio State defense is able to slow down the USC rushing attack. If USC is able to take a 1st and 10 and make it into a 2nd and 5 or better, it could be a long night for Ohio State, as it will open up Ohio State to play-action passing by USC. This one crucial area is where the game will be won or lost by Ohio State.

Edge: USC

USC Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: USC's Matt Barkley had a very impressive debut against San Jose State, going 15 of 19 for 233 yards and 1 touchdown. While those statistics are impressive, it is also worth noting that USC's first four series led to two fumbles as well as two punts; San Jose State actually led USC 3-0 at the end of the first quarter. Barkley later admitted he had a case of butterflies while coming out for his first game in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

No disrespect to Matt Barkley, but the crowd at Ohio Stadium he will be facing will be intimidating to even the most seasoned of players. 102, 329 people who have been waiting to extract revenge for a year will be in their most raucous and rowdiest moods after a whole day of tailgating festivities.

Even with the loss of WR Ronald Johnson, USC's starting wide receiver tandem of Damian Williams and David Ausberry are both very good players. I would look for Ohio State to match up CB Chimdi Chekwa on Damian Williams, leaving either Andre Amos or Devon Torrence to cover David Ausberry. USC has two very good tight ends in Blake Ayles and Anthony McCoy, who could present match-up problems for Ohio State's linebacker corps. Speculation around Columbus is senior FS Anderson Russell will not start, with senior captain Kurt Coleman moving over to free safety and junior Jermale Hines getting the start at strong safety.

I would look for USC to present Barkley with as many safe passing options as possible - throwing to the backs out of the backfield, looking for a tight end isolated on a linebacker, short to intermediate passes to the wideouts. If Ohio State's crowd can assist with causing false starts or delay of game penalties, putting USC into long yardage situations, it can only help. Ohio State will need to blitz in an effort to disrupt Barkley and hopefully cause a turnover. A key player to watch will be Ohio State DE Thaddeus Gibson, who is Ohio State's best pass rusher.

Edge: Even

Ohio State Rushing Offense vs USC Defense: Ohio State has taken a running back by committee approach so far this season, alternating Daniel "Boom" Herron and Brandon Saine. Neither possess the size and strength of a stereotypical Big Ten back such as Chris Wells, but both have good quickness and are good receivers out of the backfield.

Ohio State's offensive line has drawn criticism for its performance last week against Navy. USC was able to limit San Jose State to only 9 yards rushing last week. Despite heavy graduation losses, Pete Carroll has stated this new group of linebackers is even faster than last year's stellar group.

The biggest "X" factor in this equation is QB Terrelle Pryor. Pryor played last season against USC, but was only in his third game as a college player and truly was not supposed to be a major factor of the offense. This year, the entire offense is designed around Terrelle Pryor. Pryor is a legitimate 6'6", 235 lbs quarterback with timed 4.3 speed in the 40 yard dash. It will not surprise me if Pryor is used not only on quarterback draws, but also on option plays to try and slow down the typical aggressiveness of the USC defense.

Slight Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Passing Offense vs USC Defense: Ohio State's passing attack will never resemble USC's in terms of complexity. Ohio State has a good group of wide receivers (DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Ray Small, Duron Carter, and Taurian Washington), as well as two underrated and typically underutilized tight ends in Jake Ballard and Jake Stoneburner. Patrolling the USC secondary is FS Taylor Mays, who can hit like a freight train and run like the bullet train.

The perceived Achilles' heel of the Ohio State offense is the offensive line, which has been the target of both Ohio State fans and critics since Ohio State was defeated by Florida in the 2007 BCS Championship Game. A crucial match-up will be Ohio State OLT Andy Miller versus USC DE Everson Griffin.

If I was coaching Ohio State, I would present USC with a four or five wideout look often. This would isolate USC's defenders in one on one coverage scenarios, while also allowing for Terrelle Pryor to attempt quarterback keepers for positive yardage. This would help to slow down the USC pass rush, so as to not be burned by Pryor getting by the line of scrimmage.

Edge: Even

Special Teams: As you might expect, USC is dangerous with players such as Joe McKnight or C.J. Gable involved in punt and kickoff returns. With a relatively inexperienced punter in Jon Thoma, I would look for Ohio State to possibly punt out of bounds to negate any possible long returns.

Ohio State's Brandon Saine had an impressive opening kickoff last weekend versus Navy, and is complimented by WR Lamaar Thomas on returns as well. Both have outstanding speed, so USC may look to employ a similar strategy against the Buckeyes of kicking out of bounds on punts.

PK Aaron Pettrey kicked a 52 yard field goal last week against Navy. Pettrey also hit an extra point off the crossbar, but Ohio State fans may feel better knowing that Pettrey can hit a long field goal if he is needed.

Slight Edge: Ohio State

Intangibles: Last season, Ohio State went into the Los Angeles Coliseum to play USC and they were absolutely demolished by USC, 35-3. Ohio State has lost the last six times they have played USC.

In the Pete Carroll era, USC has not lost a non-conference regular season game since September 21, 2002, when USC lost at Kansas State 27-20. Critics can point out how USC has lost to unranked conference opponents throughout the years, but one thing is for certain - USC will not be intimidated coming into Ohio Stadium on Saturday night. USC walks, talks, and acts with a confidence and swagger because they do not believe they will lose.

The crucial part for Ohio State will be the participation of the fans. If Ohio State's fans are into this game throughout, it could be the difference between an Ohio State victory or defeat. If Ohio State suffers some adversity early on, a mindset of "Here we go again" can quickly take the crowd out of it.

Typically, Jim Tressel will unveil some new plays or formations for the Michigan game. No disrespect to Michigan, but the importance of this game cannot be underestimated. Ohio State's reputation has taken a beating, fair or unfair, ever since the 2007 BCS Championship Game. Three high profile losses, combined with The Big Ten's less than stellar performances last season in the bowl games as well as this past weekend, have created an atmosphere of "must win" around Columbus. Will Ohio State fold under this pressure? It remains to be seen, but I have to give the edge to USC for their impressive track record in non-conference games.

Edge: USC

Prediction:

The first quarter is the key for Ohio State’s success. If Ohio State can keep the game close, keeping USC’s offense on the sideline while maintaining time-consuming drives that end in points, Ohio State can win this game. More importantly, Ohio State needs to culminate drives with touchdowns, not field goals. Points are points, but Ohio State far too frequently winds up kicking field goals instead of cashing in on touchdowns in the red zone.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of the crowd in this one. Ohio State's defense needs to rattle Matt Barkley, but the home crowd can contribute by making it so loud and noisy that it is virtually impossible for the USC offense to hear. Ohio State needs to win the turnover battle against USC.

I do not believe this will be a high-scoring affair. I believe USC will rely on its strong running game, and a strong defense, to eke out a close one. Ohio State may gain a small measure of national respect with a strong showing in this one, but Ohio State's offensive line concerns have me thinking it will wind up USC 17, Ohio State 13.

USC's & Ohio State's Secrets To Success: Recruiting

USC’s Pete Carroll is considered to be among the best coaches in college football. To review some of Carroll’s accomplishments as USC’s head coach, Pete Carroll was hired as USC’s coach in 2001, leading USC to an initial 6-6 record in his opening season. Since that initial season, Carroll’s USC teams have not won fewer than 11 games in a season, have won or shared seven straight Pac-10 conference championships, and have won or shared two national championships. Not too shabby for a person who was not exactly looked upon as a savior by the USC fan base when he was hired in 2001.

Ohio State’s Jim Tressel has also developed a solid reputation amongst college football’s head coaching elite. Similar to Pete Carroll, Jim Tressel was hired by Ohio State in 2001. In another similarity, Jim Tressel’s initial year at Ohio State was a modest 7-5 record. Beginning in 2002, Tressel’s Ohio State’s teams have averaged 10 wins per season, have won or shared five Big Ten conference championships, and won the 2002 BCS National Championship.

Both Pete Carroll and Jim Tressel recognize the need to recruit and develop top talent. Both coaches make an effort to keep their top in-state talent at home; Carroll emphasizes the top talent in California, while Tressel recruits the top talent in Ohio. Both USC’s and Ohio State’s annual recruiting classes are ranked highly by analysts every February on National Letter Of Intent Day. Both coaches allow for incoming freshmen to win starting jobs or earn playing time if they are considered to be the best at their position.

The biggest difference between the two, as far as I can see? Pete Carroll seems to recruit for a system in mind – big dropback passers such as Matt Barkley, fast and aggressive linebackers such as Chris Galippo, versatile running backs such as Joe McKnight, etc. Jim Tressel seems to identify talent, then build the system to fit the talent - for example, Tressel has recruited and signed quarterbacks such as Justin Zwick, Troy Smith, Todd Boeckman, and Terrelle Pryor. While Zwick and Boeckman were more traditional pocket passers, and Smith and Pryor would be considered mobile quarterbacks, Tressel designed an offense that allowed each of them to be effective when they played at Ohio State.

Which way is better? Considering the results I listed up above, it is highly debatable that either coach is erring in terms of recruiting or player development. Come Saturday night in Ohio Stadium, it will be interesting to watch the approach each coach has made with their respective teams.

Jim Tressel's Post-Game Navy Press Conference

Ohio State "Rolles" Into Escape Over Navy, 31-27

Instant Post-Game Analysis:  Thank you to all of you who wrote back saying I was overrating Navy's ability to keep this a close game.  Without a few turnovers, and a big play by Brian Rolle, Ohio State very well could be into its overtime period with Navy, perhaps into its locker room with a loss to Navy.   Navy played as I expected them to, and all of their opponents should because Navy never quits.  Navy played hard until the end of the game.  Navy's coaches, players, students, alumni, and fans should walk with their heads held high for their outstanding effort today in Ohio Stadium.   As for Ohio State...watching the game with my good friend Tim (thank you again for your always outstanding hospitality), I believe Chris Spielman articulated it best while he was commenting for ESPN.  Mr. Spielman was looking for Ohio State to come out with a killer instinct in the second half—to the dismay of all Ohio State fans everywhere, the killer instinct never materialized against the Navy Midshipmen.   What I Liked From This Game:   •Passing to the tight end(s):  Jake Ballard had three receptions, Jake Stoneburner with one.  Instead of treating the TE as an extra blocker, Ohio State can give opposing defenses something else to think about in future games. •Brandon Saine's return:  Saine totaled 53 yards rushing, 21 yards receiving, and 2 kickoffs for 65 yards.  Saine showed more to me as a power runner versus Daniel "Boom" Herron in this game; more on that in the "What I Did Not Like From This Game".  If Saine can stay healthy, his overall versatility will be of tremendous importance this season to Ohio State's hopes for a successful season. •Kurt Coleman:  Arguably the player of the game.  Coleman ripped out a fumble that was recovered by Ohio State, and also intercepted a pass.  Without those turnovers, Ohio State probably loses this game.  This is the type of performance that endears Coleman to Ohio State fans as well as NFL scouts. •Brian Rolle:  Yes, Brian Rolle does not look like other Ohio State middle linebacker with regards to physical stature when compared to predecessors James Laurinaitis or Andy Katzenmoyer.  Rolle is a football player.  Rolle's interception and return on Navy's two-point conversion saved Ohio State from the upset, and I look for other big plays from Rolle this season against other Ohio State opponents. •The 4th down call versus the field goal kick:  Boy am I anticipating push back on this one.  4th and 2 on Navy's 16 yard line, and the opportunity to put three points on the board and possibly the game out of reach.  Ordinarily, I would want to go the safe route.  Knowing that is Navy, who will never quit, and the time on the clock being an issue, I would have gone it for again.  The only difference is I would have run an option play to the perimeter with Terrelle Pryor or possibly have Brandon Saine run that play that failed, which leads me to... What I Did Not Like From This Game:   •Running "Boom" Herron on the 4th and 2 call:  I like "Boom" Herron, and maybe it is going to strike some as a panic move with this one, but it is looking like Brandon Saine is a better power runner for this offense than "Boom" Herron is at the moment.  Herron had a decent game, but a relatively quiet game in comparison to Saine's performance.  Again, just one person's opinion. •Anderson Russell's performance:  Yes, I believe in loyalty to seniors, especially 5th year seniors such as Russell.  The blown touchdown against Navy, combined with last year's touchdown versus Texas, are going to start weighing heavily on the coaching staff to start Jermale Hines at safety. •The offensive line performance overall:  Ohio State's running game earned 210 yards against Navy, which also accounts for any lost yardage due to quarterback sacks.  Ohio State's offensive line outweighed Navy and was never truly able to establish a dominant running game.  Pass protection against Navy was truly inconsistent as well.  Something has to change big-time over next week versus Southern Cal may be something akin to a NC-17 horror movie for Ohio State fans. Ohio State has now its 32nd consecutive home opener, best among Division 1 teams.  I applaud Navy for its outstanding performance.  Southern Cal is one week, and a few hours from now from stepping foot to do battle against the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium.  Hope remains that Ohio State can shore up between now and then.

Will Navy Sink Ohio State's 2009 Home Opener?

Location: Ohio Stadium (Columbus, OH) 12pm EST on ESPN

Head Coach: Ken Niumatalolo

Navy Players Who Were Recruited By Ohio State: N/A. Navy has a few players from Ohio on its roster (LB Josh Dowling-Fitzpatrick, RB Bobby Doyle, C Mike McCarthy, DE Matthew Kelley, C Brady DeMell, WR Doug Furman, K Scott Blasinsky, and NT Chase Burge), but none were actively recruited by Ohio State.

NavyRushing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: Navy's triple option offense led the nation in rushing with an average of 292.4 yards per game. Navy's offensive line averages about 265 lbs per man, which is much lighter than the typical offensive linemen Ohio State's defense is used to facing. Even with the weight discrepancy, I look for Navy's rushing attack to confuse Ohio State's defense well into the second half of this contest.

Edge: Navy

Navy Passing Offense vs Ohio State Defense: As Navy concentrates almost exclusively on rushing the ball - last season, Navy averaged 7.2 pass attempts per game. Most teams will have those types of statistics midway through the first quarter. Navy QB Ricky Dobbs is supposedly a much better passer than previous Navy quarterbacks, but I still look for Navy to focus their efforts on their option ground game. Ohio State's cornerbacks will be in man-to-man coverage on the Navy wideouts, in an effort to help with shutting down Navy's ground game. It will be important for Ohio State's safeties to not bite on play-action, lest they give up a big play or a touchdown.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Rushing Offense vs Navy Defense: Ohio State enters 2009 without the services of RB Chris Wells and will depend on the skills of RB Boom Herron, RB Brandon Saine, and QB Terrelle Pryor. Navy's defensive front struggled last season against opponents such as Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, who averaged more than 5 yards a carry against the Midshipmen. Compounding Navy's difficulties is the loss of DL Nate Frazier, who was kicked off the team as the fall camp was just beginning. I look for Ohio State to run early and often against Navy, to develop a rhythm with its offensive line, led by sophomore C Michael Brewster and LG Justin Boren.

Edge: Ohio State

Ohio State Passing Offense vs Navy Defense: While Navy struggles to slow down teams running the ball, Navy's pass defense may be even more of a challenge for the team. Navy ranked 103rd in pass defense efficiency last season, and has lost three starters from last year's unit. Considering Ohio State lost both of its top wide receivers to the NFL, Ohio State may look to use this game as an opportunity to further chemistry between QB Terrelle Pryor and his new receiving corps.

Edge: Ohio State

Special Teams: Ohio State returns PK Aaron Pettrey, as well as returner Ray Small from last year's team. Navy has a new kicker, and its special teams units ranked 107th last season. Ohio State may look to involve WR Lamaar Thomas and RB Brandon Saine on kickoff returns or punt returns for their added speed possibilities.

Big Edge: Ohio State

Intangibles: Navy is 0-3 against Ohio State, with its last meeting in the 1981 Liberty Bowl. Navy has won six of its last seven season openers - Ohio State has not lost a home opener since the 1978 season. While Navy does not have the talent or speed of Ohio State, its triple option offense is such a departure from what Ohio State usually sees from the opposition that it will make this game interesting until the second half.

Edge: Navy

Prediction: In recent years, Ohio State has started out slowly against its opponents, waiting until the second half to put the game away. Navy's triple option attack will challenge Ohio State from the onset, and I will be anxious to see how disciplined Ohio State's defenders are at shutting down Navy's rushing attack.

I look for this game to be close until the mid-3rd quarter, when Ohio State's talent and speed help the Buckeyes to pull away. Make no mistake - Navy will play hard every down until the whistle is blown, and the clock has expired. This is arguably the best home opener opponent for Ohio State since the 2002 season when the Buckeyes played against Texas Tech.

Ohio State 31, Navy 17

Defending Against The Triple Option

Concern over how Ohio State will defend against Navy's triple option offense has been on the minds of Ohio State's defensive coaching staff. The average fan simply thinks Ohio State has superior athletes, and thus will win the game easily. If only it were that simple when it comes to playing the game on the field.

One of the negatives for a speedy defense, such as Ohio State's, is the triple option can effectively neutralize the speed. For linebackers such as Ross Homan or Austin Spitler, Navy will actually try to run right at them with option plays, forcing them to commit to one ball carrier or the other.

Here are some basics as to how the triple option works:

1. The first option is the fullback. The quarterback will read the defense - if the defense is coming up field too quickly, the quarterback can hand it off to the fullback for a quick hitter up the middle of the field.

2. The second option involves the quarterback. The quarterback can fake the handoff to the fullback and run himself. OR

3. The third option involves the slotback. The quarterback can keep the ball, and then force the defender to commit to stopping the quarterback or the trailing slotback. If the defender keys on the quarterback, the quarterback will pitch to the slotback. If the slotback is chosen by the defender, the quarterback can turn upfield and run himself.

Oh, I almost forgot. The quarterback can still throw the ball downfield, just like in other offenses around the country.

How does a team adequately defend against the triple option? By playing good assignment football.

Let me start with defending against the fullback in a triple option. Ohio State's interior defensive linemen and middle linebacker (Brian Rolle) will want to key Navy's fullback. Ideally, the interior defensive linemen will keep the center and guards off of the middle linebacker, freeing the middle linebacker to literally mirror wherever the fullback goes.

The defensive ends will want to shut down any possible off-tackle plays from the triple option, and also need to stop one of the options, probably the quarterback keeper. This will free up the outside linebackers to defend against the slotback.

Sounds so simple, doesn't it? Here's something else to keep in mind - while Navy seldom throws the ball, creeping up the secondary to assist with run coverage will leave Ohio State very susceptible to play-action passing. While I would expect Ohio State's cornerbacks to play up on the Navy receivers, the safeties need to remember not to overplay the run.

While I would be ecstatic if Ohio State came out against Navy and shut them down from the onset of the game, I am not anticipating that happening. I do believe it will take until the second quarter, and possibly the half, for Ohio State to have figured Navy out. Hopefully, Ohio State's defense has learned as much as possible from its recent intersquad scrimmage and will be able to effectively defend against Navy's triple option on Saturday.