Ohio State 3, Southern Cal 35 (Sept. 13)

[TheIronColonel]

Are you worried about the Battle of Los Angeles being played so early in the season? I mean, UVA won't be a pushover, but is that enough time for the offense to gel for a huge night game like that?

Personally, I think OSU has the talent to play with USC, but for whatever reason they haven't done well in big games lately. On paper, there's no reason the Buckeyes shouldn't have a marked advantage in terms of experience on both sides of the ball. As we all know, however, football isn't played on paper; it's played inside televisions by tiny little men. My vastly premature and likely to change 55 times before the game opinion is that the game is a push.

[Bucky Katt]

Originally Posted by RaymondCenta91

removed deleted quote--21

Yes, thank goodness USC doesn't have any monster linebackers like Ray Maualuga or Brian Cushing.

[sandgk]

Originally Posted by Bucky Katt

Yes, thank goodness USC doesn't have any monster linebackers like Ray Maualuga or Brian Cushing.

Really, and that is just the tip of the defensive iceberg - if Wells has a big game against 'SC he and the Offensive Line will deserve all the plaudits thrown their way.

[SouthernCal92]

Originally Posted by TheIronColonel

Are you worried about the Battle of Los Angeles being played so early in the season? I mean, UVA won't be a pushover, but is that enough time for the offense to gel for a huge night game like that?

Personally, I think OSU has the talent to play with USC, but for whatever reason they haven't done well in big games lately. On paper, there's no reason the Buckeyes shouldn't have a marked advantage in terms of experience on both sides of the ball. As we all know, however, football isn't played on paper; it's played inside televisions by tiny little men. My vastly premature and likely to change 55 times before the game opinion is that the game is a push.

Honestly, I love that we're playing early, I think it sets the tone for the season and shows the rest of college football you don't have to play patsies to "beef up" your schedule. I am so nauseated by the oc play that I think this game might do the trick in getting other teams to realize it's in their best interests to play hard teams throughout your schedule.

"As we all know, however, football isn't played on paper; it's played inside televisions by tiny little men."

That's some funny right there! I think you guys have some clear advantages in terms of experience, particularly on offense, but despite that whole "fair weather fan" nonsense that we get, I think you'll find 92,000 screaming banjees to work in USC's favor. (Needless to say, I don't doubt that 20,000 Buckeye screams will also be heard). I've been to some loud games of late and I think you'll find the atmosphere fun.

I do not know if Sanchez will get all giggity giggity in anticipation, though I do like our tune up against UVA. Hopefully, we'll come on strong in Virginia and use that bye week to focus. We usually do okay in that regard, I just hope we don't look ahead past UVA.

[SouthernCal92]

Originally Posted by sandgk

Really, and that is just the tip of the defensive iceberg - if Wells has a big game against 'SC he and the Offensive Line will deserve all the plaudits thrown their way.

If Wells gains 100+ yards he'll immediately be up for strong Heisman consideration (if he isn't already). That's my fear.

[jwinslow]

I think you guys have some clear advantages in terms of experience, particularly on offense, but despite that whole "fair weather fan" nonsense that we get, I think you'll find 92,000 screaming banjees to work in USC's favor. (Needless to say, I don't doubt that 20,000 Buckeye screams will also be heard).

SoCal pumps in crowd noise too?

Or do they literally have noise-makers on their wrists?

[SouthernCal92]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

SoCal pumps in crowd noise too?

Or do they literally have noise-makers on their wrists?

I meant 70,000 or so USC fans, versus 20,000 or so Buckeyes. Do you think more will travel than that?