DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Expert Roundtable: A must win? OSU vs USC

Yah i know...it's a few months away lol...but i'm sick of july..boo
This article is right on the money...everyone thinks we are overrated...and for a good reason....but not many teams say they finished the season at #2 2 years in a row..still it doesn't take the sting away of comming so close to winnin it all. I do think this is a must win game if we wanna have a shot at the championship...altho i feel if this year there are 3 undefeated teams and osu is one of them..they will get the shaft...only way they can go is if there are 2 undefeated teams or just 1(OSU)

By Staff, Staff
13 hours, 37 minutes ago

Buzz Up PrintIn the spirit of debate, we began a new feature here on BuckeyeGrove.com in which the staff discusses a vast number of topics in a roundtable forum with the hope that we can help shed some light on any questions that might be lingering after spring practice at Ohio State.

Last season was supposed to be the year the rest of the Pac-10 finally caught up to USC during the Pete Carroll era. Instead the Trojans cruised to an 11-2 record and yet another conference title by knocking off Cal, Arizona State and UCLA down the stretch before defeating Big Ten runner-up Illinois handedly 49-17 in the Rose Bowl.

After being accused of a weak non-conference schedule a year ago, the Buckeyes have beefed things up in 2008 with the presence of those very Trojans from Los Angeles. In fact, the Bucks are heading west in week three of the season for what some are calling the “game of the year” against USC in The L.A. Coliseum. Considering what OSU has been through the past two seasons in the post-season, and what’s at stake in 2008,

Roundtable Question No. 25: Is week three against USC a must win game for Ohio State?


Kevin Noon, Managing Editor

When you are at Ohio State every game is ultimately a must win contest. But all joking aside the USC game is going to be a very important barometer for the Buckeyes and a shot at a dose of redemption in the eyes of a national audience that has soured a bit on Ohio State. The Big Ten has not been viewed as one of the top conferences and regardless of what Ohio State can accomplish in eight league games it will take one premier out of conference game to get people on board and the USC game is the perfect opportunity.

The 2008 Ohio State Buckeye team has been battle tested for the most part with so many returning starters but this game will be the first game of the season where they will be pushed (no disrespect to YSU or Ohio). Most coaches are in favor of having that benchmark game in order to know where their team stands and what they are doing right and what needs to be fixed before league play begins. Ohio State has shown a high degree of dominance in the league over the past couple of seasons but in order to have a chance to return to the championship game the team will likely have to beat USC (with many pundits saying that a one-loss Ohio State team might be in a whole heap of trouble coming final BCS time).

Gone are the days where the biggest prize was a league crown and a win against that school up north. While both of those accomplishments are not too shabby we are in an age where Ohio State fans are wanting to see the Buckeyes compete for National Titles and expect the rest to come in tow. With that being said it does make the USC game a must-win because without a victory the road becomes longer and the public perception sinks even a step lower.


Brandon Castel, Staff Writer

In order to properly answer this question, it is important understand the definition of the phrase “must win game” and how it applies to Ohio State in 2008. While there have been a number of one-loss (and in the case of LSU last season, even two-loss) teams to make it to the BCS national title game, that will most likely not be the case for the Buckeyes this season, especially if that one loss comes at the hands of USC.

Make no mistake about it; the Buckeyes will likely need an undefeated regular season if they have plans of punching their ticket for the Orange Bowl in Jan. and a third straight trip to the national championship game. On an intellectual level, the football know-it-alls around the country seem to agree that last year’s OSU team was never supposed to get as far as the title game. They also seem to agree that this year’s team has a much better makeup of talent and experience than the one that proceeded it (and quite possibly even the team that proceeded last year’s). Don’t believe me? Why else would Sporting News, Lindy’s, Athlon, Phil Steele and the majority of other pre-season college football publications have the Buckeyes ranked a consensus No. 1, 2 or 3 in the pre-season top 25?

Unfortunately the general public – particularly anywhere outside the Midwest – does not share the same reverence for Jim Tressel and his squad. Two straight losses on the grand stage and an 0-9 bowl record against the SEC has elevated the Buckeyes to a status of national loathing previously only reserved for schools like Notre Dame and Miami. If OSU were to lose in Los Angeles – especially in convincing fashion – even an undefeated run through the Big Ten would not be enough to deafen the outcry for anyone but the Buckeyes in the title game.

Even without a victory over the Trojans, OSU could be in for a special season in 2008. The Buckeyes are looking for their four straight Big Ten title this season, and if achieved, they would become the first team in conference history to win three straight outright Big Ten titles. They are also looking for their fifth straight win over archrival Michigan, the first against new coach Rich Rodriguez and the seventh in eight tries under coach Tressel.

However, Tressel set the bar high when he delivered a National Championship in his second season in Columbus and nothing less than a second title in eight years (remember it had been 34 years since the last national title) will appease Ohio State fans in 2008. Winning Big Ten titles has become secondary to winning national titles, which makes Sept. 13 a “must win game” for the Buckeyes. If they win that game – particularly in a convincing fashion of their own – the clamoring against the Big Ten could quiet to a dull roar. It would prove that OSU can run with the big dogs – who knew beating a seemingly invincible Miami team in 2002 would not have the same lasting affect – and it might give the Buckeyes a chance to stumble later on in the schedule and still make it to the big game.


Ari Wasserman, Staff Writer

Think deeply as to what the perception of Ohio State is from people around the country. Not sure what I’m getting at? Let me help you. After the last two years in which the Buckeyes got beaten pretty easily in the title game, most of America perceives Ohio State to be a power within the Big Ten. While that may seem great, the Buckeyes are also recognized as one of the more overrated teams in the country whose only good because they play in a weaker conference. Though Ohio State fans may resent them, it is kind of hard to blame them given the Buckeyes have had weak non-conference schedules and have gotten beaten up by two SEC teams in consecutive years.

The aforementioned statement is a huge reason why the USC game in week three of the season is a must win. Ohio State needs to fix how the country and media perceives them and a loss to USC could permanently damage that while simultaneously ruining any shot at a national championship berth. Some people may be thinking that the nation’s opinion doesn’t really matter, but that surely isn’t the case. Most people formulate their opinions from things they hear in the media, and whether you want to believe it or not, the media thinks the same of the Buckeyes.

As of now, the Buckeyes image is damaged. The SEC has made a joke out of them and the media and fans have caught on. However, Ohio State has a golden opportunity to switch it around this year when they visit Los Angeles. If Ohio State can somehow come up with a win over the Trojans – a top five match up – that will immediately catapult them to a national title favorite.

The alternative? With a loss, Ohio State’s title dreams and season will immediately come to an end. Though the Buckeyes will probably stay in the top ten and have a shot to work themselves back into the BCS top two, when it all comes down to it, nobody wants to see them in the game. With a loss to the Trojans, you can kiss just about every member of the media’s vote goodbye if there is any question on who to send. And they do have the power to exclude Ohio State if they want, just look what they did for LSU last season.

The bottom line is Ohio State has too much riding on this game. Their reputation, their season, and possibly future recruiting all depend on the results of the game. It is a must win, no matter what.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=...s&type=lgns

Gonna be a heck of a game. I wonder if it will get as much hype as the Texas match up 2 seasons ago once the season starts ?

oh, no doubt about it. this is the marquee non-conference matchup. I don't think it's a must win, but they better play well, and keep it close. a blow out loss may drop them to the 20's or out of the top 25. I forsee the bucks being the number 1 team in the country in the preseason poll. I think they have what it takes to win in los angeles. only time will tell.

First of all...it IS a must win because the Media will not give us the nod late in the season over another SEC team or Pac 10 team thats also got 1 loss. Infact i think nobody wants to see us there. and if we go undefeated they have no choice but to put us in. Thus, it's a must win.

Secondly, USC will be ranked in the top 5...i don't understand how we will be ranked in the 20s or out of top 25 lol...overall the loss won't mean that much cuz it's early in the season. We can still do well and go to a good bowl game..just not the national championship(which is all we want..). I would look for us to drop at least out of top 5...but stay in top 10

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a blow out loss may drop them to the 20's or out of the top 25.

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No way does OSU fall that far... assuming they go in #1 or 2, if t hey get beaten handily, they come out at #9 or 10.... at worst.

I will however agree with the premise that if OSU loses, they will be at the bottom of the ladder for 1 loss teams that get a chance to play for the BCS.... and the argument will be made, and perhaps rightfully so, that they played one really good team and got beat....

Hypothetical scenario:

OSU beats usc by 14+ and they win the rest of their games but OSU loses once to a team that they shouldnt. Where would that put OSU? Would they put USC in the title game instead of OSU.

That would depend the team we lose to later in the season and their rankings..obviously we won't be playing anyone else that is ranked as high as SC the whole year. So chances are that we still might not be considered for national title game...because whoever we play will be either out of top 25 or out of top 10...which means we might drop way more than if we lost to SC..it's a terrible season...wish we didn't go to the NC game last year..i really do think ppl in the Media don't hate us..they understand...however if we lose one game(no matter to who SC or otherwise) it will be almost impossible to get in.

I agree that if we lose close to SC we have a small shot..a better shot then us losing to any other team on our schedule this year anyway. Simply cuz we won't be losing to a unranked team.

That is interesting that OSU was ranked #1 down there in SEC country. But like i said...they won't give OSU a second chance..they all think we are great this year...n they expect us to beat SC in their backyard.

With all this said i hope we get in one way or another...because i have a really good feeling about this year!

It's a must win, with the only exception being a OT loss.

I know this isn't popular to say, but much of the country is sick of seeing OSU get to the title game only to be manhandled once there.

The Bucks with one loss won't get in the title game unless everybody else has 2 losses.

They have to win.

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say we lose by a last second field goal, or on the lasst possession similar to when texas beat usc in the rose bowl? you mean to tell me if we run the table and go 11-1, we won't have a shot?

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Well, there is going to be one SEC team in the title game.. I feel pretty comfortable saying that.

So if OSU loses, regardless of by how many, and USC is a 1 loss team as long as the other loss is somewhat respectable, then USC gets in because they beat OSU head to head...

And yes, I maintain that if OSU loses, they will have a more difficult time getting in than some other 1 loss teams... The best thing that could happen to OSU would be for at least one or two other Big 10 teams to get their butts into the top 15 to make OSU's schedule look more respectable and really that's outside of their control.

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I know this isn't popular to say, but much of the country is sick of seeing OSU get to the title game only to be manhandled once there.

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That is very true. But last year, OSU did not expect to go to the championship game. Going in to their last game and the next two weeks, 5 or 6 other teams had to lose for the Bucks to make it. It was a fluke. As one of the players said, "We didn't plan on going, but if no one else wants to...." The sad thing is that on paper this is a better team, but given what's happened the last two years they won't win the battle of one loss teams.

thats gonna be a big weekend of football. Sat night OSU-USC, Sun night Browns-appalachian mountain dwellers.

yeah im taking Monday off.

hooray for me

Every year the goal should be "Undefeated to get in", until they get a playoff system.

The last two years made people forget that, but most of the years before those it was two undefeated teams in the NC game.

They interviewed Tressel on the local sports talk station yesterday, it was interesting to hear him talk about his feelings on a playoff.

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Even if all they do is go to a plus 1 deal, that would be good enough

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I agree. If the subject of college football playoffs comes up one more time, and someone says, a plus 1 isnt good enough, I am going to take a flying leap out of a 3rd story window.

Its better than what we have now and is the most likely format to pass soonest

He said that when he first went to OSU he was a big proponent of a playoff but the NCAA has added a couple more regular season games since then and some conferences have the championship game as well so now he isn't in favor of adding any more games. Ideally he said he would like a playoff if they got rid of a regular season game or 2.

He states injury as the single biggest reason he doesn't want to add any more games. Because as he puts it, if they keep adding games, which adds fatigue and just generally increases the chance of injury, that is just going to be one more reason for kids to leave for the NFL early... and he wants to discourage that, not encourage it.

Yeah and adding those games takes away from all those players' study time.



















OK I can't say that with a straight face.....LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!

that really wasnt that funny

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I know this isn't popular to say, but much of the country is sick of seeing OSU get to the title game only to be manhandled once there.

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Well make sure u count OSU fans in that "much of the country" our fans do hate seeing OSU losing in the big game back to back...but i really don't think we got destroyed last year....anyways that isn't important...but what is important is that IF osu does go back...which is a huge IF...i mean how many teams have gone back to back 3 times? not many...just a handful.
We do hope that we destroy whoever we play..not just win..and if we lose...i don't know what will be left of OSU

That sounds fair...players don't want to play 15-16 games when there is no money...why put their body on line? Why would u come back ur senior year if u know u r going to make 30mill guranteed money in the NFL for about the same games.

Once you understand these guy are there to play ball, you will get over it.


A while back( a long while) it chapped my butt these guys could show up for class once or twice a week and still pass.....but I got over it.


A few of them made more money than me....but not that many....it is what it is.....as it's been for a LONG time.

Yea the SEC is the toughest conference by far, but I wouldn't be so sure that they will get a team in the title game. the 2 best teams florida and georgia have brutal schedules. the bulldogs play arizona state, south carolina, auburn, and Lsu all on the road. not to mention bama, and florida at home. florida plays georgia, tennesee, and fsu on the road, plus lsu at home. I believe auburn has the easiest road to going undefeated. they only play west virgina on the road, as their toughest game.I could see the sec champion having 2 losses. It's definitely possible.

i think every game is a must-win for ohio state...

especially when you have idiots like pat forde influencing people's decisions...

ohio state, should they go undefeated, or go with just one loss, will be deserving to go to the championship game, what has happened over the last 2 seasons should have no bearing whatsoever on who or who doesn't go...

people act like ohio state is just awful...

the buffalo bills of college football, as one writer referred to them?

ummm, does 2002 not count?

and also, ohio state put up one hell of an effort in the championship game, a game, i may add, that they only played it, because certain teams that don't take half the heat they do, couldn't win games they should have won (here's looking at you, west virginia)

as far as the florida game, that was a bad night

but anyone that takes ohio state lightly this year will be regretting it later on, they are going to be excellent... all those starters, they are bringing back 2 guys who would have been 1st round draft picks

best sig ever. awesome.

I don't think people act like OSU is awful, people just act like the SEC is that good.. and until somebody knocks them off, they will continue to act like that.

In the minds of a lot of people you have a couple teams from the SEC and USC... then OSU is considered the best of the rest.

people like to act as if OSU were terrible. it's just hatin'. playa hatin' is the bedfellow of jealousy.

If my boys from Ohio State wanna play for the Nat Championship, it is a must win. There is no doubt in my mind.

Ohio State will not get into the title game with one loss- regardless to who its to.

Having said that, I predict that Ohio State beats USC, runs the table, and wins the title game this year.

this thread should have never been created

patience young padawon

You know what i just thought of?

What if OSU beats SC by like 20 or so....and SC has a terrible season...they drop out of top 10 maybe even top 25...what then? will they play the "OSU didn't play anybody" card again?

I'm going to buy tickets for OSU vs USC tonight! I hope theyre not sold out I live real close to the Rose Bowl.

Personally I would save your cash and watch the game on TV. OSU will probably lose this game, then I looked at their schedule, if they win they will be rated higher then probably deserved.

USC should knock the snot out of OSU since USC is a better team, but anything can happen.

Either way have fun if you decide to attend the game!