Southern California at tOSU (Sept 12th, 8 pm, ESPN)

[SoCal]

As an SC fan, this is the marquee matchup I've been dreaming about! In the shoe, night game, nationally televised game...a win will be HUGE, a loss won't be so bad considering it's in columbus.

Our offense/QB situation doesnt bother me- either QB will fit in nicely, we haven't started a bad QB in 8 years, no reason to think this year will be any different.

I think last years game was a result of horrendous game management by Tressel (switching BT two QBs, running a conservative O scheme, etc..) and it also appeared to me that OSU players seemed completely overwhelmed when SC took over the game in the 2nd quarter.

Next years game will be a little more evenly matched, i think, but the reason I'm posting is this. I plan to attend the game, and was wondering where the best seating area is to watch the game. Also wondering if I'm gonna get harassed by fans and where is a good place to grab a bit to eat before the game. any info would be helpful.

thanks

[leroyjenkins]

Originally Posted by SoCal

As an SC fan, this is the marquee matchup I've been dreaming about! In the shoe, night game, nationally televised game...a win will be HUGE, a loss won't be so bad considering it's in columbus.

Our offense/QB situation doesnt bother me- either QB will fit in nicely, we haven't started a bad QB in 8 years, no reason to think this year will be any different.

I think last years game was a result of horrendous game management by Tressel (switching BT two QBs, running a conservative O scheme, etc..) and it also appeared to me that OSU players seemed completely overwhelmed when SC took over the game in the 2nd quarter.

Next years game will be a little more evenly matched, i think, but the reason I'm posting is this. I plan to attend the game, and was wondering where the best seating area is to watch the game. Also wondering if I'm gonna get harassed by fans and where is a good place to grab a bit to eat before the game. any info would be helpful.

thanks

Everywheres pretty good, but if you get USC tickets youll be in the closed endzone on the east side, or in the open endzone in south stands up in the corner. Eating, I would say a good tailgate or a street vendor, not too many restaurants around, and theyll be packed. But if youre coming into C-bus for the first time make sure you make it to Thurman's, and try a Thurmanator......

[BB73]

AN obvious choice for the best non-conference game of the 2009 season.

cfn

1. USC at Ohio State, Sept. 12

It's the Rose Bowl that still has yet to happen in the Jim Tressel/Pete Carroll era. Last year, Beanie Wells was out injured and the Ohio State coaches appeared to be the only people in America who didn't know that Terrelle Pryor was the better full-time quarterback option as USC came up with a 35-3 pasting of the Buckeyes. This year, USC is reloading on defense while Ohio State is a major overhaul to deal with. Even so, the Buckeyes have to view this game as a chance to redefine the program. Once the biggest bad boy on the block when it came to the big games, now the Ohio State University has become the big dud when it comes to prime time (with Oklahoma pushing hard for the honor). USC is the preeminent big game team in college football, especially on the road, and a win in Columbus would only strengthen the brilliant reputation. The Trojans kick off Pac 10 play the following week at Washington, while OSU, or tOSU to its fans, get to play Toledo.

[c-rowbuckeye]

Originally Posted by leroyjenkins

Everywheres pretty good, but if you get USC tickets youll be in the closed endzone on the east side, or in the open endzone in south stands up in the corner. Eating, I would say a good tailgate or a street vendor, not too many restaurants around, and theyll be packed. But if youre coming into C-bus for the first time make sure you make it to Thurman's, and try a Thurmanator......

Actually the south stands are 100% students now. Visiting fans have the north east corner of the stadium, A and C decks. As for viewing, I've always preferred a mid-20's section in C deck, you get a good angle while being able to look down on the game. C deck is built above B deck so it's not really any farther from the action. And while there's not many restaurants on Lane, High Street, is packed with them. You can find anything from a hot dog cart to a $30 steak at Eddie George's around campus.

[southcampus]

I've been thinking about this game non-stop. Mostly, what our defense will do differently to stop USC's running attack. You better believe that USC will rely heavily on their established running game with a new QB on the road, at night, in arguably the toughest place to play.
If they start Corp, they are starting a guy with about 5 career passes. If they start Mustain, well he is similar to Boeckman in my opinion. Great arm, but very immobile. At Arkansas he went 69 of 132 (52 percent) for 894 yards with 10 TD's and 9 INTS.
Last year at USC he went 11-16 with 2 TDs and 2 INTS.
Aaron Corp has thrown 4 passes and completed 2 in his career.

The only good thing about USC's passing game is that they have Damien Williams and Ronald Johnson coming back with some younger guys with talent.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by southcampus

The only good thing about USC's passing game is that they have Damien Williams and Ronald Johnson coming back with some younger guys with talent.

Or how about the fact that they'll probably have the best pass blocking OL in the entire country? I do think there will be a drop-off in production but you're selling them too short.

[southcampus]

I was thinking in terms of actual pass and catch. I agree, their O line is going to be crazy, which is why I'm worried most about the defense being able to stop them. Those sweeps left, sweep right killed us last year.

I'm not selling their QBs short. They really have zero experience running that offense. Mustain at least had experience running an offense at Arkansas for a while. Corp is the better prospect, I just hope he isn't ready by the time they come here.

[bukIpower]

Best offensive line? Check. Good Recievers? Check.

Unproven Quarterback, brand new qb? check.

I think Southcampus is right on. That running game will be brutal to stop, and it all depends on how OSU's front 7 handles USC. If USC is ripping off 12-15 yard gains on that toss sweep still I will pull all my hair out. I think it would only be smart to assume they'll come out and run the ball.

Like always though, if we don't come out and match their intensity they will show us no mercy. They (USC) have no problem pouring 35-50 points on teams that can't figure out how to adjust to what the Trojans gameplan may be.

[OregonBuckeye]

Originally Posted by southcampus

I was thinking in terms of actual pass and catch. I agree, their O line is going to be crazy, which is why I'm worried most about the defense being able to stop them. Those sweeps left, sweep right killed us last year.

I'm not selling their QBs short.

I was referring to the passing game and the OL is a huge part of the passing game. They had a very young OL last year and we couldn't lay a finger on Sanchez. No way he plays as well as he does if we can get any pressure on him. That's why I disagree with the receivers being the only good thing about the passing game. Also think you're putting too much emphasis on Mustain's stats as a true frosh. The SEC was very good that year and he was a true frosh. I'm sure he's improved a ton since then like most QB's do from their frosh year.

[southcampus]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

Also think you're putting too much emphasis on Mustain's stats as a true frosh. The SEC was very good that year and he was a true frosh. I'm sure he's improved a ton since then like most QB's do from their frosh year.

I was pointing out that his stats combined with his lack of experience, particularly at USC, is a positive for us and that hopefully, we are playing them at the right time.

[leroyjenkins]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

I'm sure he's improved a ton since then like most QB's do from their frosh year.

Let's hope so!!

[generaladm]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

I was referring to the passing game and the OL is a huge part of the passing game. They had a very young OL last year and we couldn't lay a finger on Sanchez. No way he plays as well as he does if we can get any pressure on him. That's why I disagree with the receivers being the only good thing about the passing game. Also think you're putting too much emphasis on Mustain's stats as a true frosh. The SEC was very good that year and he was a true frosh. I'm sure he's improved a ton since then like most QB's do from their frosh year.

I agree with your point about USC's O-line, but Sanchez gong untouched for 60 minutes had nearly as much to do with the quality of our D-line. We didn't get any kind of penetration from the line until halfway thru the season, that includes teams we should have dominated, like OU. Had we played USC later in the year, I don't think Sanchez would have had a clean jersey at the end of the game. The loss of Abdallah will hurt, but our D-line will be much improved over the last meeting. That said, USC's O-line will probably be the best we face next season. That will create a challenge defending their run game, and considering the balance of their offense, makes stopping the run of great importance. IMO, preventing them from capitalizing on quick strike plays (eg Havili's TD) will take away their "shock and awe" tactics. Limiting their gound output will help us by making a clearer line between rushing and passing downs. Plus, better production from our offense, and limiting of turnovers (which won't be too hard to improve on) will make the dynamic of the rematch much different.

[southcampus]

ESPN is reporting on their ticker that Joe McKnight is going to miss all of spring practices because of some broken toes he suffered from the Rose Bowl.

[Poe McKnoe]

Originally Posted by southcampus

ESPN is reporting on their ticker that Joe McKnight is going to miss all of spring practices because of some broken toes he suffered from the Rose Bowl.

So they'll have to wait until a couple games into the season to start pimpin' his Heisman candidacy?

[southcampus]

Doubt it, they will start the "pimpin" as planned. Even after he runs for about 25 yards in a defeat in the 'Shoe.