When I was younger, Knight Rider preoccupied my time (don’t you judge me).
Particularly, there was an episode where KITT was battling him/her/itself: a doppelganger, an identical replica in every way, including being equally indestructible. This amazing piece of cinematography climaxed with a game of “chicken” as the two cars stared each other down at high speed.
Immovable object meets irresistible force.
That’s what we’re looking at on Saturday, particularly at the line of scrimmage.
Many folks believe that the key to the game will be the clash of the two strengths in trench warfare: U$C’s offensive line and Ohio State’s defensive front.
As well it should- the Trojans’ front is one of the most experience and skilled in the country-
But the unit left quite an impression on San Jose State Coach Dick Tomey.
On Monday, after reviewing tape of the Trojans’ season-opening 56-3 victory over the Spartans, Tomey said the Trojans’ line was “the best I’ve competed against as a coach,” adding that the Trojans “might have four first-round draft choices in that group.”
In the preseason, Jim did a great job discussing and dissecting the defensive front four, who are deeper and more prepared than anyone that the Southern Cal will see until their bowl game.
Almost every discussion I’ve seen of ways that Ohio State can win on Saturday centers on our defensive front: Can they get pressure on Barkely without linebacker help? Can the stuff the stable of running backs and the Trojan running game, thereby making them one dimensional? Can they play smart and aggressive while being mindful of the Trojan play-action and roll out attack?
These are the reasons that St. Woody said “you paralyze resistance with persistence.” For Ohio State to win, they’ll need to play up front as a smart and aggresive unit.
The other “match up” that will matter, it seems, is the double deuce (nope): Taylor Mays and Terrelle Pryor.
Mays, an All American and freak of nature at Safety, bipassed the NFL for another crack at the college game. There are those who argue that UT’s Eric Berry should be a serious Heisman candidate- I would say that Mays is every bit as good. Although, for the record, it will be interesting to see how many of the new “crown of the helmet” penaties these two amass this season.
On the other side of the equation is the “pterodactyl“, Terelle Pryor, a QB that’s been called “untackleable” by Surfer Pete. Heck, there’s even a ton of discussion on how to stop him. We’ve already heard from Mays about the matchup– What does Mr. Pryor have to add to the conversation?
Oh. OK. Thanks for that, TP.
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There’s still a lot of “haterade” out there, but now there seems to be a swing by prognosticators who are trying to figure out a way that the Buckeyes could *gasp* actually win on Saturday.
Dr. Saturday, after spending much of the article devaluing the Ohio State program, goes on to say-
Plausible Scenario of the Day. Terrelle Pryor leads an early touchdown drive and a field goal drive before the half to keep pace in a hard-hitting defensive game in which neither teams seems willing to open things up. USC can’t find any consistency on offense but holds on to a narrow lead until the middle of the fourth quarter, when a Matt Barkley interception sets up the Buckeyes’ go-ahead touchdown, which becomes the game-winner when the Trojans’ last gasp drive comes up short.
The Orange County Register, in an attempt to be fair and balanced, holds that there are three ways that the Bucks could win, ending up with “We’ve seen it happen at the “other” OSU before, so why not here?” Nice. Now we’re being compared with Oregon State.
Sporting News picks the Buckeyes, but only because the Trojans are going to start a freshman.
Jeff Forward is a lot more optimistic, and even talks about what he’d do if he were Tressel. Wonder if he’s still cool with rockin’ the vest?
Finally, over on the Ntre Ame Broadcasting Channel, the discussion of what this game “means” finally includes the other team. While Ohio State’s “big game collapses” are again highlighted, the “small game chokes” of U$C are also brought into the light. The author’s contention- if either team wants to win a BCS game, they need to change: OSU needs to win big games (conference championships are not enough), while U$C needs to win conference games (big games are not enough).
Tomorrow: Obscure game of the week and Final thoughts from LA.
And now, your “important LA news” of the day- Free Buket!
Admit it, you thought I was going somewhere different with that..
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