Game Three: Ohio State at Southern California (Sept. 13, 2008 - 8 pm Eastern)

[bukIpower]

thats what I said a couple pages back. The defenses in this game should be unreal. IMO Beanie running the ball will probably be more effective than Mcknight only because Beanie is so powerful with his speed. If Mcknight gets no room to run, odds are he isn't breaking arm tackles

[bgantz]

I'm excited about seeing Kurt Coleman in this game vs. some young, still learning USC receivers. I loved Coleman's intensity this year and he strikes me as a player who could take a huge leap in productivity heading into '08. This year was a learning curve, and he handled it really pretty well. I think you know what you are going to get from Russell, Washington, and Jenkins.

[Taosman]

Coleman needs more weight to be better at the safety position.
He's light to be tackling even 200lb running backs. But, I love his game!

[bgantz]

Originally Posted by Taosman

Coleman needs more weight to be better at the safety position.
He's light to be tackling even 200lb running backs. But, I love his game!

I think I agree. That will come along though. He sure packs a punch.

I didn't go through the entire thread, but has anyone else checked out that months-old query about Brian Cushing and 'roids last year or so? Was pretty interesting. I think Kiper has him as his 3rd rated Junior linebacker. Not quite the physical specimen of Maualuga, but he's still a playmaker.

[Jaxbuck]

regarding the 2 weeks to prepare thing.

-OSU will get to be in game routine by playing 2 gimmies. Playing live football is preferred to rest at the beginning of the season by any coach you'll ever talk to.

-OSU will still not be in class by week 3 so they have unlimited football focus time and can go out to get acclimated a day early if they want.

OTOH

USC will be breaking in a lot of new faces on the OL along with a new QB and that flat takes time to develop a chemistry no matter how talented they are. I don't see how you have that kind of time/see enough action in week 3.

IMO the timing of this game is a huge advantage for OSU, not USC.

[GrizzlyBuck]

Chiming in here, I agree this will be next years "game of the Century" The two winningest programs over the last 4-5 years, both filled with NFL talent, coached by outstanding coaching staffs.

I think this game puts Beanie on the Heisman map (although the NC game should have) If TB can keep SC's defense honest, then Beanie approaches 2 hundo with his speed/strength and our O-line (could not decide if I should start slowly and build, or start big and temper it a bit, can you guess which one I decided on )

[bgantz]

What do you guys think about the atmosphere of playing at the Coliseum? I've heard mixed reviews....that it's a tough place to play, but that's because it's merely a reflection of the quality of the team, less so the crowd influence. I've heard it can get loud still. I guess we will have to find out. I've watched many USC home games on television, but I never felt I could get an accurate gauge on the volume or tenacity of the crowd. Do they generally sell out? Or do they have empty seats for lame teams?

[Taosman]

Atmosphere at the Coliseum? What's that? The crowds are generally a non-factor.
It's the guys ON the field that make that a tough venue!
EA Sports 25 Toughest Places to Play
1. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Florida

2. Neyland Stadium, Tennessee

3. Ohio Stadium, Ohio State

4. Tiger Stadium, Louisiana State

5. Autzen Stadium, Oregon

6. Husky Stadium, Washington

7. Kyle Field, Texas A&M

8. Camp Randall Stadium, Wisconsin

9. Memorial Stadium, Nebraska

10. Sanford Stadium, Georgia

11. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa

12. Michigan Stadium, Michigan

13. Lane Stadium, Virginia Tech

14. Doak Campbell Stadium, Florida State

15. Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame

16. Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson

17. Beaver Stadium, Penn State

18. Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Oklahoma

19. Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn

20. Carrier Dome, Syracuse

21. Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama

22. KSU Stadium, Kansas State

23. Mountaineer Field, West Virginia

24. Martin Stadium, Washington State

25. Miami Stadium, Miami

[EidoloN]

first of all, there isnt a louder place to play than the shoe...besides, our boys are returning and have played in louder places than the coliseum....beaver stadium, purdue.....so thats not a problem. IMO, sorry to be like this..but USC doesnt stand a chance. no one can deny the fact that they have talent, but we have experience AND talent. the boys will be hungry, very hungry. i think this team has the potential to be better than the '05 squad.....is that possible?!