Appreciate the breakdown 15, even if I disagree on certain portions.
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If you guys play a soft zone like you did against LSU and Florida he will pick you apart OSU should be sending a 3 many blitz every other play to get him out of rythm.
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You won't find many defenders of the soft zones we've seen under Heacock, though part of the 'softness' comes from a sharp dropoff from the big uglies earlier in Tressel's career (esp 02 & 03). They were able to create consistent pressure with 4, or even 3 guys (even against Miami's talent). There is some hope riding on the physical and mental maturation of a very young front 7 from the past two bowls. If Heyward can be an impact player inside with Gibson rushing outside of Cam... and Wilson (one of only good performer vs UF; out all of last year) can take strides,
OSU may turn a mediocre unit into a strength. Versatile DE/DT Rob Rose getting healthy for the first time since 06 (true frosh) would help as well.
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On to the rbs, it seems to me that your linebackers have trouble playing in space and I know Peter Carroll will do everything he can to get McKnight or Johnson one on one with your lb's, Im not as high on the Animal or Freeman as most people are.
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Definitely have that backwards, imo. They struggle in traffic and at the POA, while doing pretty well in space. Freeman and Laurinaitis have excellent athleticism and agility, and defend the pass pretty well.
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I just dont see OSU having success running straight at USC. Which brings me too my next point, although I think OSU WR's are good none of them have the speed to test USC secondary. Which IMO will cost OSU the game their lack of big play threats on offense. USC's LB corp is too good for you guys to just run straight ahead with wells.
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Mendenhall ran wild with limited support from Juice and the passing game. Will that repeat itself? Debatable, but Beanie is a cut above Mendenhall, who was a stud in his own right.
I'm interested to see how the young WRs impact SC's passing game. Will RoJo, McKnight (ath), and others bring a speed dimension that SC lacked at times with Turner, Ausberry & Vidal?
I'm also curious to see how a healthy Robiskie looks against SC's talented secondary. Tearing up his knee in late September in a 3 TD hat trick vs NW, he never showed the same explosiveness the rest of the year, even against lesser opponents. He's not a true burner like some recent
OSU WRs, but he has a pretty solid 4th gear on display deep vs Washington.
The wildcard is Devier Posey, who has tremendous talent but no experience (and did not enroll in the spring). He brings a tremendous blend of size, speed, hands and route running. Ray Small is starting to get his head on straight again, but he will be pushed hard by Posey for #3 WR reps.