The biggest game of the 2008 college football season is around the corner as the USC Trojans host the Ohio State Buckeyes this Saturday, September 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The game is a potential preview of the BCS Championship game, but it could also knock the losing team out of the running.
Ohio State (2-0) slipped two spots in the AP poll after narrowly escaping with a win against Ohio last weekend. Despite playing at home, the Buckeyes could only muster a 26-14 victory. Part of the problem was the absence of Chris “Beanie” Wells, the team’s featured back. The bruising back is a Heisman candidate and his back-ups didn’t do a very good job in his stead. Dan Herron, Maurice Wells and Brandon Saine combined for 113 yards on 26 carries.
But even without Wells, Ohio State should have destroyed its in-state opponent. Ohio was a 33.5-point underdog, and the Buckeyes are loaded with talent. It’s likely the team was looking ahead to USC, which enjoyed the weekend off. The Trojans (1-0) manhandled Virginia in their season opener two weeks ago, emerging with a 52-7 victory.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez silenced a lot of critics, proving he’s ready to be the man in California with 338 yards and three touchdown passes. His play-making teammates spread the wealth-running backs C.J. Gable and Joe McKnight combined for 133 yards and a score, while receivers Damian Williams and Ronald Johnson added 169 yards and a touchdown through the air.
USC’s defense was typically ferocious, creating four turnovers and holding the Cavaliers to just 32 yards on the ground. The Trojans outgained Virginia 558 yards to 187. That sets the state for this weekend’s epic USC vs. Ohio State clash. You’d expect Ohio State to be much improved this time around but, without Beanie Wells, the Buckeyes could be in some trouble. He should be back in the lineup, though it’s questionable if he’ll be 100 per cent.
This could be the best game of the year, NCAA football or otherwise. Whether or not the Trojans are rusty from the layoff or Ohio State looked sloppy against Ohio, it should be an exciting game to watch.
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