Barkley at QB makes me feel better about USC game, but not that much

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Joseph McCarthy, and i am the new executive producer of The Buckeye Show on Scoreonair.com. I am a BIG Ohio State fan, but as you will soon see, i'm a realistic one....

It was reported on ESPN today that USC coach Pete Carroll has named true freshman Matt Barkley as his starting quarterback for the upcoming season. Many an OSU fan will take this news and engage in premature victory celebrations, having believed in their minds that Pete Carroll has just assured the Buckeyes a win over the hated Trojans. In the illustrious words of Lee Corso, "not so fast, my friend". Lest we forget, Mark Sanchez (now the starting QB of the New York Jets) was making just his third career start when the 4th ranked Buckeyes ran into the buzzsaw known as the L.A Coloseum. Lest we forget, USC boasts arguably the best and deepest offensive line in all of college football. Lest we forget, USC returns (at least) 4 tailbacks who 118 other Division 1A programs would thank their lucky stars to have on their team. Lest we forget..Jim Heacock is STILL the defensive coordinator of Ohio State.

Now many of you will be quick to point out things like "Barkley is just a freshman", "it's in the 'shoe at night", and my personal favorite " but USC needs to replace 9 defensive starters". Folks, this is USC. There's not a football program out there who has recruited better in the past 5 years. USC is oozing with talent. They'll be just fine on defense. Of all people, Ohio State fans should know this. Headed into the 2006 season, Ohio State faced a similar dilemna: replace 9 new defensive starters. Gone from the 2005 defense were A.J Hawk, Anthony Schlegel, Bobby Carpenter, Donte Whitner, and Ashton Youboty. How on earth were they going to replace all of that talent? Well, as we all know, the 2006 defense statistically was just as good if not better than the 2005 unit.

This game will come down to one thing: can Ohio State stop USC's running game? of all the things that happened in last years debacle, the one thing that sticks out in my mind is seeing USCs running backs constantly gash our run defense. With a freshman quarterback, the nations top offensive line and stable of running backs, Pete Carroll is going to run the football as often as he can get away with. I know it, you know it, and Jim Heacock knows it. However, you dont have to be a football expert to know that Jim Heacock tends to fall on the conservative side of the fence. He is perfectly content to sit in a 3-3-5 zone defense and wait for the opposing offense to make a mistake. I know this, you know this...and unfortunately, Pete Carroll knows it. Ohio State hasn't had an aggressive defense since Mark Dantonio roamed the sideline as Defensive Coordinator. Sure, we've seen glimpses of aggressiveness, but not consistently.

The fact that Ohio State plays Navy in week 1 means that USC will be the first team the Buckeyes will face with a consistent passing threat. I can't think of a worse scenario for the OSU secondary. This means that the first set of receiving threats you really have to worry about include Damian Williams, Ronald Johnson, David Ausberry, Blake Ayles, and Anthony McCoy. Talk about tall orders! If i'm Jim Heacock, i take my chances on the outside and load 7 or 8 in the box, bring the heat, and force Barkley to beat us. Unfortunately, recent history leads me to believe this won't be the case.

I'm not predicting doom for Ohio State against USC nor am i garaunteeing victory, but i definitely am not ready to reserve my parade spot in Pasadena just yet....