THE Ohio Bobcats give Ohio State a big scare in the game before THE GAME. To most outsiders, this signals a big victory for USC next week. To OSU junkies, they now hope to squeak out a win by playing smart, tough and fast. If Ohio State wants to win, they will need to do it with special teams play, defense and an offense that does not make mistakes (AKA-Tressel Ball). All of these phases essentially pulled through but the O-Line was soft, the wide receivers did not look fast and OSU played uninspired for the most part.

If you think next weeks game won't be crazy inspired, just check out what Ray Small was thinking about his recruiting visit to USC and Carson Palmers comments about the Buckeyes.

"As I took my visit to USC, I'm like, 'How are they successful? They're not even serious about the game,'" Ray Small said. "Before the game, they're all going crazy. Me and [Buckeyes defensive end] Rob Rose was on the visit and I'm looking like, 'Wow.' And then the coach said, 'You better get out of here. It's 'bout to get hectic.'

"And then I come [to Ohio State] on the visit and before the game, it's all quiet, everybody getting taped, coaches talking. It's the total opposite."

Ray Small then basically calls mighty USC classless west coast fancy pants punks.

"It's more of a class thing," he said. "We took what [former USC quarterback] Carson Palmer said. I don't think somebody from Ohio State would have ever said that remark. Here at Ohio State, they teach you to be a better man," Small said. "There, it's just all about football."

Ray Small has been quiet on and off the field in his first 2 seasons. But now, he's talking and playing like he's got something to prove.

What about Terrelle Pryor?

Lots was made about TP and how this game would help prepare him for USC. Nothing could be farther from the truth, as he only saw action in the 2nd quarter (with the entire 2nd unit), going 3 and out. He then saw time with the game sealed and had some nice runs.

This may seem like a sign that he won't play against USC but judging by the postgame quotes he probably will. Maybe not a ton but he'll be involved.

Here is the quote:

"I said to coach Bolls, 'Why don't we have Terrelle see if he could take this,'" Tressel said. "And coach Bolls says, 'You sure you want to put him under pressure like that?' And I said, 'When would you like his first pressure to be?'"

That converstation came with OSU leading 19-14, just before Ray Small's punt return for a touchdown that put the game out of reach. This means that Pryor was going to see action during a critical time in the game. Adam Rittenberg, in an ESPN article, took this to mean that because "Coach Bolls" (the offensive coordinator) questioned the idea, Terrelle Pryor did not get in. When in reality, Pryor did not get in because of the Ray Small return. Bollman is the Offensive Coordinator, but Tressel runs the offense and his future QB was about to be tested upon his idea. As it stands, Pryor will have to wait to get into the game in a pressure situation on September 13.

If TP is a solid contributor and needed "spark" nobody should be surprised. Todd Boeckman is the clear starter and it was a good thing that Tressel let him know that despite struggles, he's the leader to rely on in to make a comeback. From now on, when Pryor enters the game Boeckman can be secure about his role as the starting QB.

To have a chance Ohio State's offensive line has to play better. The big difference in the last two national championships has been the play of the offensive and defensive lines, compared to the quicker and stronger lines of the SEC. The offensive line starting lineup is filled with veterans and young, talented backups. The lead dogs will need to develop a sense of urgency and anger soon or the younger guys will assume their roles. Todd Boeckman, or any drop back passer, does not play well with constant pressure.

On the flip side, Ohio State must expose the inexperience on the USC offensive line. With 4 new starters, if there is a weakness, this must be it. They did great against Virginia and Mark Sanchez had all day to look like a future Pro Bowl MVP. The Buckeyes will need to bruise and bloody Sanchez early and often. The D-Line is one area I think OSU has improved the most this year. Sure they gave up over 140 yards rushing today, but they simply had a hard time grabbing the elusive OU QB Boo Jackson. Trust me when I say they are better (healthier, older, more experienced) than last year, even without Vernon Gholston. It's the offensive line for OSU that needs improved but so far is not.

This game will be tight. While I have to give USC the edge, not much should be made about the game against Ohio when considering USC. If anything, it just means that OSU's worst performance probably looks worse than USC's---whatever that means!!

It comes down to this: OSU"s WR's have had trouble getting seperation. They will need to make big, tough catches to move the chains. Chris "Beanie" Wells will need to be healthy (and based on my observations, I don't think he will be slowed down by injury). The line play needs to be better compared to recent title games. Special teams will need to be special. Finally, the D will need to play like it does against Big Ten competition. If all of this happens (plus a couple turnovers) OSU can pull it out. It's possible but I would not bet my life on it. I predicted OSU pre-season #1 but I see a spirited effort fall short this year. USC, at home, with a veteran defense is a tall task. This game will be a real grinder until things open up in the fourth quarter. Ohio State rallies late but USC is able to run out the clock.

USC- 30 OSU- 27 (And yes, I'm can change my mind if the spirit moves me)

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