USC "struggled" the past two years to back to back 11-2 Pac 10 and Rose Bowl champion seasons. Many blamed this on the Trojan's inability to create big plays and support the defense when it was having an off game. Looks like we found the problem. While John David Booty was good but not great (63% completion rating, 23-10 TD/INT ratio, 138 QB rating in 2007), Mark Sanchez has been fantastic with pretty much the same exact supporting cast (68% completion rating, 7-2 TD/INT ratio, 166 QB rating).
2. Ohio State still can't block or tackle anyone outside the Big 10
The #1 reason Ohio State has been embarrassed in their last three match ups against Top 2 teams is their inability to protect the quarterback. Florida, LSU, and USC all had talented defensive lines with lots of depth that manhandled OSU's offensive line. Against Florida, Ohio State was in the game until Florida's defense pressured Troy Smith into throwing an interception, stopped Ohio State on a 4th and 1, and forced Smith to fumble deep in OSU territory. These three plays lead to 17 points that put Ohio State away for good. Ohio State was actually leading LSU by 10 until the Tiger backfield started getting to Todd Boeckman and forced him to throw two INTs. Last night Boeckman was constantly under pressure. Funny enough, however, Boeckman's most costly mistake of the night (the 2nd quarter INT returned for a touchdown by Rey Maualuga) came when he had time to throw.
Even though it seems like OSU's defense has given up a ton of points in these games, a lot of the opposing team's scoring has come from taking advantage of OSU's offensive mistakes. That being said, OSU's defense does have trouble keeping up with speedy playmakers like Percy Harvin and Joe McKnight. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for OSU 99% of other defenses have the same problem.
3. Matt Stafford is going to make millions of dollars and I don't know why
The CBS broadcast of the Georgia vs. South Carolina game was the last straw for me. Listening to Verne Lundquist and Todd Blackledge gush over this kid is like listening to Special Ed teachers praise their retarded pupils for going an entire day without pissing their pants. Are you ready for the future Number One draft pick's current career college stats?
56% completion rating, 30-23 TD/INT ratio, 130 QB rating.
If you notice above, I posted John David Booty's 2007 stats and, I dunno about you, but I'd take Booty (who ended up a 5th round draft pick in a not-so-amazing draft for QBs). The breaking point for me came when Blackledge excused Stafford's mediocre stats because of all the deep shots he takes down field. Hmm... would you rather have a QB who completes 65%+ of his passes, doesn't make many mistakes, can move the chains, and will lead your team to 3-4 touchdown drives a game, OR the guy who completes 56% of his passes and maybe every once in a while will complete a 40 or 50 yard pass.
4. DOWN GOES CHARLIE!
Can't believe this isn't on YouTube yet. Maybe if Weiss dropped a few pounds he'd be agile enough to get out of the way. The best part of this story is he is refusing to rehab it. REPLACE ONE OF MY SIX MEALS A DAY WITH A WORK OUT REGIMEN?! GRRAAAARRRRR I'M ANGRY BRING ME MORE CHEESEBURGERS.
5. Auburn 3, Mississippi State 2
Auburn took the first of a 3 game series against Mississippi State 3-2 today... whoops SEC baseball doesn't start for another 5 months. Looks like Auburn is handling the transition to the spread offense about as well as Michigan is.
6. Todd Reesing is a bad ass
I hadn't really gotten a chance to watch him play until this past Friday night. He is one of the best I've ever seen at scrambling, planting his feet, and then delivering an accurate ball down field. Seems like USF should have had about 3 more sacks on the guy but he was able to elude the tacklers and then get the ball out in a hurry. Too bad he won't have an NFL career because he has the looks and size of a leprechaun.
7. Don't mean to toot my own horn, but...
Predictions:
Oregon 38, Purdue 24
Georgia 24, South Carolina 13
South Florida 31, Kansas 27
Wisconsin 20, Fresno State 17
USC 31, Ohio State 14
Results:
Oregon 32, Purdue 26
Georgia 14, South Carolina 7
South Florida 37, Kansas 34
Wisconsin 13, Fresno State 10
USC 35, Ohio State 3
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