Dan Riley
I originally thought this was going to be a close game and I even had Ohio State winning. There's a couple things to consider about USC. Matt Barkley and the Trojans come into the 'Shoe this season. Traveling across the country isn't always an easy task. Ask California and Maryland how that series turned out for the visiting team or look at how LSU played at Washington this week. Never underestimate the difference traveling to a new time zone and playing after a long plane ride. Matt Barkley faces his first test as the leader of the Trojans. An interesting statistic is Barkley threw 18 picks as a senior in high school. Some have said that's a result of his willingness to throw the ball into tough holes and his aggresiveness, which would show his confidence, but how is he going to handle the pressure of playing in front of 100,000+ all rooting against him? Center Kristofer O'Dowd also plans to return this week, so if he returns at center will there be muffed snaps after Barkley has gained familiarity with Jeff Byers? Armond Armstead currently is battling a broken leg and won't get to contribute on the defensive line for the Trojans. Joining him by not playing is CB Shareece Wright. The starting corner was determined academically ineligible last week and only hurts USC's young defensive effort. Helping USC's cause is the emergence of Joe McKnight. The former highly touted recruit, "the next Reggie Bush," had a very strong performance against San Jose State and looks more polished this season. Everything points to Ohio State stealing this game for the Big Ten and their dignity. Terrelle Pryor is the key to the game. He didn't look especially sharp against Navy, but he'll have to play his best if the Buckeyes want to win the game. The defense gets to play a more pro-style offense this week and with the secondary, particulary the safeties, being the strength of the Buckeye defense look for them to perform better. USC will be the favorite heading into the game, but all signs point to Ohio State keeping the game tight or even winning it.
Daniel, what are you thinking about the game this Thursday night? Is Steele going to have a good game plan to stop Georgia Tech's run game, or are they going to hit us on a few big play action plays like last year?
Kessler Scott
A quick review of last year's game when Georgia Tech beat Clemson 21-17 shows that the game wasn't won in typical triple option fashion. Georgia Tech scored a pick 6 to start the scoring on one of their 4 picks of Clemson players and scored another through the air. Throwing four picks is a recipe for disaster, but Cullen Harper (2 picks although one was as time expired) is gone and Kyle Parker will get his shot this year. Georgia Tech was also Swinney's first game as a head coach last season, so this year there will be no transition period before the game. Georgia Tech only had 298 yards of total offense last year, so if Clemson can limit the turnovers and giving up field position they should be fine. Everyone knows Dwyer is the catalyst to the Georgia Tech offense, but Clemson needs to make sure back Roddy Jones doesn't get going (he didn't last year with the exception of a big catch). Georgia Tech's offensive line is better this season after learning the system for a year, but Steele should also be more prepared to stop their attack this season and the two basically neutralize each other. The key to the game is not so much stopping Georgia Tech's ball control offense, but playing better offense than a season ago. 52 rushing yards won't cut it for Clemson.
I am a professed Alabama fan to a fault. I liked your thoughts on Ingram. I personally feel that McElroy will be the bigger surprise. Granted, he did look shaky Saturday night (I was there) but I am expecting big things from him this year. What did you think of his performance?
Allen Grier
McElroy didn't have the greatest of starts to the night. His second throw of the night should have been a completion to Julio Jones on an overthrow, but he came right back on the next passing play and threw a near beauty to Darius Hanks (a little less and Hanks had a touchdown). He then preceded on to have a couple bad completions including a near pick near the right sideline. McElroy struggled throughout the first half, but he played well in the second half. It seemed like the nerves got to him to start the game, as his receivers were getting open and he just wasn't hitting his spots. The second half showed McElroy's promise and if he settles in, he should become better than his predecessor John Parker Wilson. While struggling throwing the ball in the first half, McElroy showed his ability to move with 24 rushing yards at one point early in the game. With a back like Mark Ingram, McElroy won't have to be spectacular for Alabama to succeed. Julio Jones will make up for some of his mistakes, but McElroy has to make sure to distribute the ball to his other targets. McElroy had a positive first showing, especially considering the environment, the pressure of his first start, and the defense he played. McElroy should only play better as the year progresses, and the Tide's offense should roll.
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