Looking into USC‘s offensive stats a little deeper. If you just isolate out their conference play, the majority of their stats are being heavily propped up by a weak non-conference and playing Rutgers. Even their passing game looks kind of just above average. Maybe decent if you just look at conference play. With a limited USC run game and that Matt Patricia‘s defense has held the last 19 out of 21 opponents under 21 points. I don’t see how USC gets above 21 points.
I also think we’re under estimating the bye week. Especially when it comes to getting players healthy. Especially along the offensive line. I think this rest plus getting back to basics will rejuvenate the run game. Couple that with the QB being more mobile. I think Ohio State score is over 21 points against this USC defense. I also think Jeremiah Smith is gonna have extra motivation. I think he pops off against this defense.
Aside from the assumed disadvantage of OSU starting a freshman QB, where else does USC have the edge in this match-up?
The Buckeyes have the coaching edge (HC and both coordinators). They have a much better defense, and the strength of that unit (secondary) matches up well with USC's offensive strength of throwing the ball. They're better on both lines of scrimmage and they're better at running the football. And the Buckeyes have the best player in all of CFB in Smith.
With road trips to Texas, Iowa and Indiana already under their belts, I can't imagine they'll be fazed at all by the environment in the Coliseum.
I respect USC's talent, but Ryan Day is 51-1 against unranked teams. As long as Fahey performs within the range of competent to good, it's hard to see Ohio State losing this game.
QB edge is big, I assume. USC DL could be tough for OSU OL, depending how Siereveld is. Mosley in the slot could be tough if Timmons doesn’t play, though we know Mathews is good there.
Of course we’re hoping that Doug, as usual, is wrong!😃
Looking into USC‘s offensive stats a little deeper. If you just isolate out their conference play, the majority of their stats are being heavily propped up by a weak non-conference and playing Rutgers. Even their passing game looks kind of just above average. Maybe decent if you just look at conference play. With a limited USC run game and that Matt Patricia‘s defense has held the last 19 out of 21 opponents under 21 points. I don’t see how USC gets above 21 points.
I also think we’re under estimating the bye week. Especially when it comes to getting players healthy. Especially along the offensive line. I think this rest plus getting back to basics will rejuvenate the run game. Couple that with the QB being more mobile. I think Ohio State score is over 21 points against this USC defense. I also think Jeremiah Smith is gonna have extra motivation. I think he pops off against this defense.
OSU: 27, USC: 16
Aside from the assumed disadvantage of OSU starting a freshman QB, where else does USC have the edge in this match-up?
The Buckeyes have the coaching edge (HC and both coordinators). They have a much better defense, and the strength of that unit (secondary) matches up well with USC's offensive strength of throwing the ball. They're better on both lines of scrimmage and they're better at running the football. And the Buckeyes have the best player in all of CFB in Smith.
With road trips to Texas, Iowa and Indiana already under their belts, I can't imagine they'll be fazed at all by the environment in the Coliseum.
I respect USC's talent, but Ryan Day is 51-1 against unranked teams. As long as Fahey performs within the range of competent to good, it's hard to see Ohio State losing this game.
QB edge is big, I assume. USC DL could be tough for OSU OL, depending how Siereveld is. Mosley in the slot could be tough if Timmons doesn’t play, though we know Mathews is good there.
Tip of the cap. You had a good handle on this game, Doug. Mosely and the USC DL were a problem on Saturday.
Prior to the USC Wisconsin game I was picking USC. But they just looked so bad. Even so, neither result would surprise me.
Quality - Super Sized