| 17 August 2009
The importance of the USC game cannot be understimated. No question the biggest game in the 'Shoe since Texas came in here a few years ago, and I would say one of the biggest non-conference games ever played here. First, it is about recruiting. That is the game the staff has picked out as the one to bring the best recruits in for. That does not include the underclassmen around the country who will be in front of their televisions. Secondly, it will help national perception of the Buckeyes with a good showing. No, I did not say a win. All it takes is a good showing. These kinds of huge games are very hard to win. Look at the records of the best coaches ever. Look at their bowl records. Some are better than others but none really stands out. Bear Bryant was 15-12-2 in bowls. Look at the good the Texas game brought to the program. The biggest problem has been not being competitive in big games. I want to win them all but when you are playing other really good teams it is tough to win them, especially on the road. We had Texas, a team many considered the best team in the country, beaten. They won the game with 25 seconds to play. Nobody believed we could do that. Not Ohio State. Not any Big Ten team. We look good, win or lose, and we do ourselves a lot of good.
As far as winning the game is concerned, I looked at the inexperience and how early in the season we were playing them and I was not optimistic. Now I am seeing it different. Lack of expierence is not accurate. Lack of returning starters is what we are looking at. Look at the depth chart. How many players stepping into holes in the lineup have not played much? I say a good number of them have played a good bit. Another thing that cannot be underestimated is Pryor. I can get really worked up about suggestions that he does not throw the ball well. He threw the ball well last year and anyone who thinks he is not improved needs to watch the spring game until they get it. Look at the touchdown pass at the end of the half. That is a big time throw in anyones book. The other thing with Pryor is he is a winner. He is a difference maker. He is playing the position where being a difference maker is most important. Who do you like better, Ohio States inexperienced quarterback or USCs inexperienced quarterback? The last thing is maybe the most important. Buckeye fans are tired of hearing about the Buckeyes being overrated because we are the best program in a conference that is not very good. Make no mistake. The players are even more tired of it. Beating USC here might even shut up Mark May.
Forget I said that. If we beat the Patriots May would say we caught them looking ahead to a game that mattered.
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