The Buckeyes already came into this season under the microscope. An embarrassing loss to USC last year, followed up by two other high profile defeats to PSU and Texas have continued the recent tradition of Ohio State losing in big games. The reputation of the school and the Big Ten as a whole has greatly suffered because of OSU's failures, and a good showing on Saturday night will help change the perception people have of the conference and the Buckeyes.
However, many are rightfully skeptical over the Buckeyes' chances against the Trojans, even if they are in Columbus. Last week saw the Navy Midshipmen come a two-point conversion away from tying the Buckeyes and sending the game to overtime. There's no reason a service academy should give a high profile, power conference opponent like OSU any trouble. But they did. Navy looked tougher and quicker than OSU, and RIcky Dobbs gave the Midshipmen a passing threat they haven't had in years. What should have been a laugher became a nail biter. Was OSU merely looking ahead to next week, or was the game an omen of things to come in '09?
The defense of OSU needs to step up. If they couldn't stop the run against Navy, then they'll have no chance against USC. The Trojans have one of the best offensive lines in the nation, and a stable of running backs that could start for most programs across the country. On top of that, Matt Barkley looks like the real deal. He has a big league arm, and the potent running game of USC should open up big plays down field off of play action.
There is hope for the Buckeyes. Terrelle Pryor gives Ohio State the biggest X factor in college football. If he's on his game, the true sophomore has the talent to takeover and dominant on his own. Running quarterbacks have given the Trojans problems in the past, and Pryor will need to his best Vince Young interpretation to give his team a chance. His running ability is often talked about, but Pryor can throw the ball to. If his offensive line can keep him clean, then Pryor is capable of making plays down the field and opening up some running lanes for the OSU tailbacks.
It's time for Pryor to come into his own, or the Buckeyes might be staring at their first BCS-less season in awhile.
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