Trojan War Just 4 Days Away

It seems implausible that the game USC and Ohio State fans have been waiting for is just 96 hours away. The Buckeyes and Trojans have a rich history of Rose Bowl games back in the days of Archie Griffin and O.J. Simpson. But the two teams have never met during this decade they have dominated, despite the Pac-10 and Big Ten alliance.

Though the game pits two top 5 teams against each other, the consensus at this point is that USC will beat down Ohio State. USC is coming off an impressive road win against a BCS opponent, had a week off to prepare, is playing at home, and has a roster full of 5-star players. On the other hand, Ohio State comes stumbling in after an embarrassing win against Ohio University. Their best player missed that game and won't be 100% for this one. And if you haven't heard, the Buckeyes have had some high-profile struggles against the elite teams. The line is currently set at an insulting -10.5 for USC.

So are the Buckeyes headed for another trainwreck? Maybe. The case against: the Buckeyes offensive line, despite returning 4 starters, including 3 seniors, has struggled to protect Todd Boeckman. This is especially true up gut, and right tackle Bryant Browning has been inconsistent. A shaky offensive line performance won't help Boeckman, a sixth-year senior that has struggled in recent games. He's not particularly mobile, and hasn't really stood out on deep balls, check downs or any other big phase of the game. His wide receivers fall into the good but not great category - solid, hard-working players, but no difference makers. This for an offense that suddenly feels more like root canal teams of 2003 instead of the free-wheeling 2006 edition. On defense, there's plenty of talent but is it enough? Can the suspended defensive backs smoothly jump into the flow? Can the linebackers contain the Trojan speed on the outside? Will the line be aggressive enough to pressure Mark Sanchez?

It only takes a reminder of Beanie Wells sprinting past, and sometimes through, the LSU defense to know Ohio State has a chance as long as he's on the field. After a week plus of Favre-esque coverage on ESPN, you might think his leg was amputated. If Wells is even around 90%, Ohio State has a weapon equal to or greater than anything wearing a Trojan uniform. The intermediate and deep passes will be there, daring Boeckman and his "slow" receivers to beat them. This team full of seniors - Alex Boone, Marcus Freeman, Malcolm Jenkins and Jim Laurinaitis - did not forgo the NFL just to be a national laughing stocking. They know what this game means in terms of national perception and their legacy, and the emotions and effort will be at an all-time high.

Time was Jim Tressel was known as the best big-game coach in college. But two BCS title defeats later, and his reputation among the sports opinion makers is in dire need of a boost. Many Ohio State fans think the game plan may be the determining factor. Was that flat effort against Ohio aided by a vanilla, show-nothing gameplan? Will the conservative Tressel open things up, take some chances, and show some creativity? And if so, will his plyers be able to execute? If Terrelle Pryor gets playing time, will be a short series of predicable QB draws and options, then back to the bench? What kind of pressure will the defense bring against the accurate but immobile Sanchez? It will extremely interesting to see how this plays out.

Ohio State fans should enjoy the spotlight this week and remember their team has the guts to schedule a game like this. It's the most anticipated non-conference game since...Ohio State played Texas in '05-'06. So fire up some angry music, get the lucky food ready, toss on the jersey and start whipping yourself into a frenzy. But remind yourself it's only Tuesday.