Tomorrow night, USC comes to Columbus. All the analysts are pegging this one as another blowout, and rightfully so. Ohio Stateís recent record against top 10 teams in big games is so sorry that only Sarah Palin has gotten as much flak for flopping on the national stage more frequently. Meanwhile, USC has treated Big Ten teams like they were a Pee Wee football league. Yet, despite all this, Ohio State actually has a decent chance to upset USC and win back some of the programís credibility.
No, really, Iím serious.
Before the season started, it looked like Ohio State might have a decent shot to win. USC is starting a true freshman at quarterback in Matt Barkley. Terrelle Pryor is a year older and will be the most dynamic playmaker on the field. Most importantly, the game is in Columbus.
Then, last week, things changed. Ohio State nearly lost to Navy. Barkley looked like the second coming of Joe Namath in his very first start as the Trojans won their season opener by a score of 56-7. Theyíre saying this could end up just as ugly as last yearís 35-3 massacre at the Coliseum. Now the only moment that may bring Buckeye fans pride is when the band dots the ìI” at halftime.
Ohio State needs this win ó badly. Outside the state of Ohio, the Ohio State football program receives as much respect as Ralph Nader. After Ohio Stateís underwhelming performance against Navy, the critics are already salivating for Ohio State to disintegrate once again in primetime. However, there are some positive signs for Buckeye fans.
For one, Matt Barkley is still a true freshman, making only his second career collegiate start. Starting at home against a San JosÈ State defense is quite different than starting against Ohio State in Columbus ó on primetime television. Barkley may be talented, but he wonít be nearly as sharp tomorrow night as he was last Saturday.
While USC allowed a mere touchdown last week, theyíre still replacing nine starters on defense. Pryor will be USCís first real test. There arenít too many players in the country who are as big, fast and athletic as Pryor. It will be a baptism by fire for the talented but raw USC defense.
At the same time, this game will be a test for the true sophomore as well. In his short career, Pryor has given fans a glimpse of his immense potential, but has also shown a penchant for making untimely miscues and acting his age under center. Tomorrow night, Pryor wonít have much room for error. If Pryor can limit his mistakes and lead the Buckeyes on a few error-free scoring drives, the Buckeyes will have a shot.
The bet here is that Ohio State is better than it showed last week, and USCís impressive performance was aided by the fact that it was playing San JosÈ State. The question is how much. Head coach Jim Tressel used to be really good at preparing his team for big games. Before the 2007 BCS Title Game, he was 8-3 against top 10 teams. Since the Buckeyes were mutilated by Florida, theyíre 0-4. Picking the Buckeyes in any big game these days is a risky proposition. However, tomorrow night, Tressel and his Buckeyes will stun USC and finally bring back some dignity to the Ohio State program, and get the Buckeyes back on the right track.
No, really, Iím not kidding.
[Andrew is an Editor in Chief and Chris is a Sports Editor for The Wooster Voice. Contact them at avogel10@wooster.edu and cweston10@wooster.edu]