Supercharged Southern Showdown at the 'Shoe

True freshman quarterback, Matt Barkley, and the USC Trojans invade the Horseshoe in Columbus tonight. Frustrated Ohio State fans consider this the game of the year. National title implications are on the line for both teams. The winner still has a chance to play for a championship; the loser is guaranteed a tough road to a top BCS bowl. Sophomore spiral-throwing signal caller, Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes would like nothing more than to send the Trojans away with a roar. Jim Tressel’s scarlet and gray look to eclipse Pete Carroll’s prestigious powerhouse pack from Southern California.
Barkley handled his first test with a 15 for 19, 233 yard opening statement against San Jose State. The 19 year old threw for one touchdown and looked comfortable in USC’s 56-3 rout. The Ohio Stadium lights, a national television audience and a Buckeyes team still smarting from last year’s passing are a bit different setting for week two. Last season, the Trojans bruised the Buckeyes and their reputation by besting them 35-3. Carroll’s squad has defeated Ohio State six straight times, including three Rose Bowl wins. USC still brings a talented crop of offensive standouts, and a dizzying array of quality running backs. The knights of Columbus will have to stop those USC explosive gains and limit the production of running back, Joe McKnight and big-play receiver, Damian Williams. If Barkley has time to choose his receivers, the Trojans will quickly gobble up yards in the same manner they did last year. The Trojans rushed for 342 yards against the San Jose Spartans a week ago. The six touchdowns scored forced the Spartans to bring an extra defender for run support. Ohio State’s defense must press Barkley to make difficult throws and stop the run without exposing its secondary. It is also critical the Buckeyes do not fall behind early. If Pryor has to throw the ball often to catch up, he is inclined to make more mistakes from the pressure of the USC defense.
The Buckeyes nearly dropped their home opener against non-BCS opponent, Navy. Despite the Midshipmen reputation as a respectable football team, no academy school should outmuscle the class of the Big 10. Communication could be a problem for the OSU lineman. Pryor has the acknowledged ability to be a mobile quarterback when necessary, but it will only work when the line is on the same page. The sophomore’s knack for escaping the pocket should keep the Trojans honest and limit blitzes. The 6’6” Pryor has tantalizing speed for his size and the USC defense lost most of its big names from a year ago. Three of those defenders were taken in the first 38 NFL draft picks. Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga are gone.
The friendly confines of the Coliseum will obviously not be there to comfort Barkley in his first road game. Ohio State must vigorously take advantage of their home crowd and unseasoned opponent. The collegian Pryor has taken on an expanded role since his last meeting with the Trojans. In 2008, he backed up Todd Boeckman and saw little playing time in Southern California. Pryor hopes to assert himself as the best quarterback tonight. Last week, the Midshipmen presented a different defensive style that limited the deep balls thrown from number 2. OSU’s vertical passing game should get a boost this week with Dane Sanzenbacher, DeVair Posey and Jake Ballard, the main offensive targets. Ohio State seems armed and ready for this Saturday scuffle. Buckeye faithful want to see a tight Trojans team on display this evening. OSU’s demoralizing defeat last year is enough motivation for a Trojan toppling. The work on the field will tell the tale as onlookers in the Horseshoe prepare.

Parting Points: Congratulations to the Yankee captain, Derek Jeter. What else more is there to say?

Song of the day- “Don’t Worry Baby” by the Beach Boys

“Aren’t you going to show a little irony and pity?”- The Sun Also Rises