As game day approaches, it’s more of the same in the LA media.
Those people who are talking about the Ohio State/U$C game continue to point to the fact that this is a “must win” for the Buckeyes, and for the Big T1e1n as a whole.
Typical Trojan Day
They even point to the practices of the Buckeyes to control media access to practices as both a sign and a source of the pressure or “tightness” that has limited their successes in big games-
On Rose Bowl trips, the media-wary Hayes would sequester his team in a monastery. “I don’t mind the picture painted of me taking them to the convent,” Tressel said.
Rosenberg says Midwesterners tend to be more reserved, and this is reflected in their football ideology. They don’t want you to know what’s going on in their lives,” he said.
Rosenberg is convinced closing ranks before big games has probably hurt Ohio State and Michigan. “There’s no doubt that’s part of the problem,” he said. “They just get tight.”
Of course, the LA Times isn’t the only one taking up the “glitzy LA boys headed to the country” schtick, the Wall Street Journal chimes in- USC Bringing Hollywood To Ohio
For all of the success Southern California has had, all the great game-planning and recruiting it’s done, the Trojans’ biggest weapon—especially when they travel—may be something that’s seemingly in the air in Hollywood: stagecraft.
In the dour confines of Ohio Stadium, the constant drumbeat of the USC band, the cheerleaders with the sultry sweaters, the celebrity coach with the pearly white teeth and the parade of massively recruited running backs will make a spectacle the likes of which Columbus has seldom seen. In contrast, Ohio State’s discipline, its Midwestern humility, its work ethic may suddenly seem small.
Former Ohio State All-American linebacker Chris Spielman knows there is a lot of excitement surrounding the so-called Game of the Year, as eighth-ranked Ohio State hosts third-ranked USC on Saturday.
But Spielman, who hosts a daily radio show in Columbus, Ohio, also sees an unprecedented emotion from Buckeyes fans, considering his alma mater has won 84 games in the past nine years. “There’s a lot of pessimism,” Spielman said. “More pessimism than I’ve been around before. Some people say maybe (Ohio State) can keep it close. I’ve never heard that here.”
While #36 goes on to say that “there’s no pressure on Tressel”, others would disagree. The good folks at Fox Sports point out that
After 105 games, just into his ninth season, the man who’s always had the majority of OSU fans in his corner suddenly seems backed into that very spot.
…the clear vibe in Columbus these days is that if he doesn’t win Saturday against the Trojans, Tressel will — for the first time — inspire more grumbling than confidence among Buckeye Nation.
John Cooper, Earle Bruce and Woody Hayes all met this moment far earlier in their Ohio State coaching careers and all were eventually undone by it.
This Ohio State game seems to have USC a little uptight. USC football players were not made available to the media after Thursday’s practice, which strayed from their usual routine. It’s the first time Pete Carroll has not allowed his players to talk at a practice where players are known to be available in recent memory, and maybe in his USC career.
The Trojans have usually been open with their policies and media availability since Carroll has been coach. Thursday’s change in the customary procedure wasn’t announced to reporters until after practice concluded.
“We’re leaving in 44 minutes,” Carroll said. “We’ve got to get out of here.” Asked if he minded if reporters chatted with players on their way to the bus, Carroll said: “Yeah, I really do. I really want them focused on what’s going on. We’re done with it. Hopefully, we’ve helped you during the week.”
The national pundits who are talking about this in ways that don’t rhyme with the word “showclout” are only saying, for the most part, that the home field advantage will rattle the frosh U$C QB to the point where you should take Ohio State and the points.
Not that the Bucks will win, but that you should take the points.
_______
Yesterday, we talked about the two clashes of strength in this matchup- Southern Cal’s OL versus the Ohio State DL, and the Buckeye quarterback against the Trojan Safety.
Today, let’s think about areas where the matchups are a bit of a problem.
For SC, we can easily point to the eleventy running backs that they have- a new incarnation of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. While everyone seems to be comparing them to the OSU backfield, I think a better consideration would be these players against their counterpoints- the Ohio State linebackers. McKnight and company are game tested, and even though there’s only one of them on the field at a time, the Ohio State LBs should have more than their hands full- especially given the Trojans proclivity to run play action and actually throw to their tight ends. In this “comparison”, I give the nod to the backs from Los Angeles- which is why I think the game will focus on the defensive front’s successes.
Conversely, we know about Taylor Mays but not about the rest of the Trojan secondary. Granted, Ohio State’s receiver corps is young, but with Mays need to keep an eye on Pryor I like the WRs chances for big plays. Especially if Washington can hold onto the ball.
When the Trojans look to throw, they have a solid group of tall, fast athletes to choose from. However, Ohio State’s DBs have been preparing for this moment, and should be up to the challenge. Especially given that Barkley might have a little trouble in the ‘Shoe. Slight nod to the Buckeyes.
I also agree that there will be a “twelfth man” factor here- the fans and fanatics who will own the Horseshoe. TBDBITL can set a tone, and the fans can drown out that stupid frickin’ fight song. This is a game where the crowd will definitely make a difference- I wish I was there.
So- here’s the call from the Left Coast:
If Ohio State can play like they did against Texas; stopping the run, forcing third and longs, and knocking Barkley around without giving up the big play, this will be a Buckeye victory. Barkley ain’t McCoy- well, he may be McCoy of 2006.
If we can establish the running game, enabling TP to be creative without having the Trojans sit back in coverage knowing the pass is coming, this will be a Buckeye victory.
If it’s a close game, this will be a Buckeye victory.
