The Shoe is the backdrop for the first true test for the true freshmen phenom Matt Barkley and his Trojans of Southern California. He will face super sophomore Terelle Pryor of Ohio State University who made a name for himself last year as the next great freshmen quarterback. Pryor is ultra athletic, but he will look to pass first. His blazing 4.3 speed will be needed to escape and elude the tackles of a speedy Trojans' defense. Pryor possess arm strength that will allow him to make all the throws, but better decision-making when passing will be needed to defeat the Trojans.
Matt Barkley became first true freshmen ever to start an opener for USC last week and it was a blowout victory that he looked pretty good in the thrashing of San Jose State 56-3. USC looked more like Tailback U of old in their opener, but the 233 passing yards with no interceptions by Barkley is perhaps a precursor to the greatness to come for the freshmen. He will have a more difficult time going against the stout defense of OSU. Many experts suggest that he to can make all the throws, but his short resume needs more experience for me to decide if I agree with the experts.
A good running game always is great for an inexperience quarterback. It is a good running game that will compliment Matt Barkley and the passing game. The running attack of the Trojans will be led by junior runningback Joe McKnight who last year ran all over the Buckeye defense with 106 yards. It is almost a guarantee that Marc Tyler and Stafon Johnson will see action as they did in the opener. This should ease the freshmen woes of Barkley. Running behind a massive offensive line may just be the difference in the ball game.
Defense for the Trojans is young unit that is quick which will be needed to contain Pryor. Fans should look for safety Taylor Mays to have very good day. Secondary of USC is top notch that will overmatch young receiving corps of Ohio State. USC defense will be quite capable of stopping the running attack of Ohio State, but it may be little difficult to corral Pryor when he scrambles.
Terelle Pryor must play lights out for the Buckeyes to get a win over USC. The passing attack would be much improved, but Pryor has no weapons at wide receiver. Pryor passing has improved but corps of receivers is inexperienced. One would expect Pryor to turn on his jets often and hurt USC defense with his legs.
The running game of Ohio State is led by sophomore running back Dan Herron. He is speedy back that does not shy away from contact. Super sophomore Pryor will contribute to the running attack in a very big way. OSU looks to utilize the ultra athleticism of Pryor to keep the defense of the Trojans on their toes.
The defense of OSU must plain and simple stop the running attack of USC. Junior defensive end Cameron Heyward will apply the pressure to the young Matt Barkley along with Thaddeus Gibson. The great linebacker corps of last year has departed and is replaced by young corps led by Ross Homan. Homan will be anchor of the group while playing the weakside linebacker position. Chekwa will have the duty of shutting down USC's best receiver from his corner position.
OSU must contain the run to have a chance and really must get to Barkley often to shake his confidence. USC must ensure that Pryor does not make the game highlight reel worthy of "Top Plays" as seen on ESPN. It would be wise for USC to keep runs of Pryor to a minimum and see if young receiving corps of OSU can beat them. USC is too big up front and Joe McKnight will have a big day that should lead USC to victory.
Matt Barkley will face the screaming fans of the Horseshoe and how much poise he shows in such a hostile environment along with running game could mean another great passing game for freshmen phenomenon. Pryor must put the team on his back and not be slowed down as he runs through the inexperienced defense of the Trojans. Many of the young guys have something to prove and that may mean over pursuit that could mean open lanes that Pryor could exploit; however, after the final whistle, Trojans win.
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