Key Matchup: Second Chances vs. Second Impressions

By Andy Sloan


With all of the hype surrounding the USC-Ohio State game, there is one matchup that may prove pivotal. This is Chris Galippo, USC’s underachieving linebacker versus the athletically lacking but truly tough OSU Center Michael Brewster. While the two have had entirely different starts to their collegiate careers, this year is of paramount importance for both individuals. Let’s take a closer look at each player.

Chris Galippo, Sophomore, LB, USC

“About the only area he needs improvement,” wrote Scout.com in 2007, “And even that's a stretch, is his speed. But that's about it. The nation's premiere linebacker in the class of 2007, Galippo is everything you want in a backer. Great instincts, vision, can move, hit and run sideline-to-sideline.” These are only a few of the praises that were sung nationally about the hands-down best linebacking recruit from the Class of 2007.
Indeed, Olin Buchanan of Rivals.com writes: “When Chris Galippo arrived at USC three years ago as the nation’s top linebacking prospect, he was expected to make an immediate impact…He didn’t. His path to the field was blocked by illness, injury, and an All-America starter.”
The starter Buchanan speaks of is, of course, the stellar Rey Maualuga, the current Cincinnati Bengal and the recipient of last year’s Chuck Bednarik Award (given to the nation’s best defensive collegiate football player). Thus, it’s not truly as if Galippo lost his starting job to a no-name, talent less walk-on. In fact, some would say that the chance to play behind Maualuga gave him a chance to learn valuable football lessons from the former Trojan defensive star. Plus, the time he spent on the bench gave Galippo a chance to become an expert in the Trojans defensive packages, and to get properly conditioned and accustomed to the world of Big Time D-I college football.
Now, let’s be clear: Galippo was sidelined more by injury than an inability to play at the level USC requires. The list of injuries he suffered is enough to turn most individuals into Monk, let alone be unable to take to the gridiron: back injuries, a series of back surgeries, and a battle with mononucleosis. Fully recovered, Galippo, all six foot two, two-thirty-five of him, is physically built and ready to succeed in Pasadena. Buchanan agrees: “…Now that he has fought through [his injuries and]…Rey Maualuga’s departure to the NFL, Galippo ... is ready to meet all of those grand expectations.”
Honestly, who are we to disagree? USC has been a linebacker factory over the past few years, churning out new defensive stars at a rate of which many consumer manufacturers would be extremely jealous. In the past year alone, the Trojans had three linebackers selected in the NFL draft: Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and Kaluka Maiava. Clay Matthews, arguably the best defender on last year’s team was selected in the first round: as a linebacker. The Trojans turnover when it comes to defensive players has been nothing short of completely astounding: why would that truth change now, especially with a player who has as much pure talent as Galippo.
Yet, perhaps the best analysis comes from Maiava, who echoes the notion of the Trojan linebacker assembly-line: “They’ve been waiting for their time to shine. It’s going to be the same old thing.” Given the reports from USC training camp, there is no reason to disagree with him. Galippo should have a breakout season, and, if all goes well, the Newport Beach, California could transform from “On The Waterfront’s” Terry Malloy to Rocky Marciano: a tough, physically gifted, skillful, bonafide first round NFL Draft Pick.

Michael Brewster, Sophomore, C, Ohio State
What USC is to linebackers, Ohio State has been to offensive linemen in recent years. The Buckeyes have had at least one offensive lineman be selected for the All-Big Ten Team in the past four seasons, and, as Olin Buchanan writes, “…Look for Michael Brewster to make it five in a row.”
Brewster, a 6-5, 296-pound sophomore from Edgewater (Fla.) High School emerged as a true stalwart on the offensive line as a freshman after starter Steven Rehring was injured just four games into the season last year. What Brewster brings is an attitude that the Buckeyes have been missing for years: a tough-as-nails, no nonsense, straightforward aura that has been absent in the recent OSU title runs and failures. Buchanan writes that: “Brewster brings to Columbus a blend of nimble feet, good strength, keen instincts, and ornery disposition that give him the potential to develop into one of the premier offensive linemen in the Big Ten and possibly the nation.”
Yet, despite the many accolades he receives from the press, Brewster has been criticized for lacking true ability as an athlete compared to his peers in D-I football. Part of the criticism that was levied his way came as a result of his weight. When he was recruited Brewster weighed 280 pounds, now he is a slimmer and more powerful 265 pounds: despite losing weight, his offseason training regimen has actually increased Brewster’s strength.
Brewster told Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that last year his technique was “terrible,” for the season, and that he was working chiefly off of his talent. He testifies to him that:

Pretty much last year, me and Terrelle were playing off athletic instinct and God-given athletic ability. This year he's working on his throwing and I'm working on my knowledge and lifting and my hands and my technique. I'm excited to see what I can do when I know what I'm doing.

Brewster also assures Lesmerises and scores of skeptical OSU fans that the offensive line, known to locals as the ”Belly Boys,” has actually slimmed down and become faster and more lethal this year. Still, after the way that former blue-chip prospect Alex Boone self-destructed in Columbus, many fans are wondering if the factory can still develop its products in an efficient and successful way. What rests on the shoulders of Brewster is thus not just the future of the Buckeyes, but their rapidly receding reputation as an offensive lineman producing machine.
Brewster has also been splitting time at center with Jim Cordle (half the time the Cordle is at center, Brewster at guard, and Bryant Browning at tackle, and the other half with Brewster at center, Browning at guard, and Cordle at tackle). Still, Brewster tells Lesmerises that he is most comfortable at center.
Brewster has a real chance to make a second impression on OSU fans, and prove to them that his attitude will spawn a turn-around at the Horseshoe, one that may lead to a championship before his seemingly illustrious career there has finished.

Why is this specific matchup important to USC-Ohio State?

Galippo has had a fire burning inside of him throughout training camp to take his second chance and make the most out of it this year, and throughout the season he will seek to continue his strong play in a consistent, effective way. Brewster is using his opportunity to show that he can make an even better second impression on the legions of Buckeye fans. His success is truly vital to the overall aspirations of the team, and if OSU is to seriously be considered a title contender, they must defeat USC. This is where he must step up.
Brewster must prevent Galippo from effectively blitzing Terrelle Pryor, and must protect Pryor and new starting running back, the unproven but talent laden Dan Herron. Brewster needs to give Pryor enough time to get comfortable in the pocket so that the passing game can be a threat, allowing Pryor to utilize his phenomenal scrambling skills when necessary. While this burden rests on the whole Buckeye O-Line, it is the new leader and highly touted Brewster who must step up and be the leader on a team that needs him to be his hard-nosed self to contend on the national scene this year.

Prediction: Galippo wins this battle.

I know Brewster is going to be great but right now, Galippo has the upper-hand in natural talent, and while Brewster has more experience, Galippo has the benefit of desperation and the desire to prove that he really belongs in the tradition of Trojan linebackers. Brewster has shown he is the future of OSU’s offensive line already, so it is a must that he does not become complacent this year. Still, Galippo from all accounts is playing with a remarkable swagger. That is, in such a tight matchup, enough to make the difference. Galippo wins because he is, honestly, a great talent who is playing with much needed swagger.

Don’t agree?

Ask Rex Ryan.

Swagger is the difference.

ESPN to test 3D at USC-Ohio State game

From ESPN release

ESPN will test its 3D production capabilities with a special telecast of #4 USC at #6 Ohio State on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern. The game will also be televised in standard definition and high definition on ESPN and ESPN HD, respectively. The production will be ESPN’s first 3D telecast distributed to fans in more than two years of testing, supplying further research for ESPN as it continues to develop best practices for utilizing the technology in live game applications. It will provide ESPN the ability to evaluate workflow operations, 3D camera positioning, transmission changes and gauge fan reaction to a 3D telecast versus a 2D.

“With more than two years of rigorous 3D research at various game sites, ESPN is taking the opportunity to integrate 3D testing in a live game telecast,” said Anthony Bailey, vice president, emerging technologies, ESPN. “The results of this research will enable ESPN to quantify what it takes to produce, transmit and enable the 3D experience for our fans

The Galen Center on the USC campus will show the 3D production as well as theaters in Columbus, Ohio, Hartford, Conn. and Hurst, Texas (near Dallas). Tickets will not be sold for this event, however fans will have the opportunity to win tickets to the screenings through 710 ESPN Los Angeles; 103.3 ESPN Dallas and WBNS-FM in Columbus.

ESPN will employ separate production trucks, technical crews and on-air commentators for the 3D and 2D productions. Mark Jones and Bob Davie will announce the 3D game while Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and reporter Lisa Salters will work the telecast on ESPN and ESPN HD.

“ESPN is an industry leader in developing creative and dynamic technical innovations that enhance the experience for fans – such as being the first to launch a 24/7 high definition network in March 2003,” said Jed Drake, ESPN senior vice president & executive producer, event production. “With 44 Sports Emmys for technology, it is only fitting that ESPN plays a cutting edge role in exploring the use of 3D game telecasts to better serve the fans.”

ESPN will utilize the following technical elements during this production:
First use of true stereoscopic graphics in a 3D telecast
Seven 3D cameras to capture game action with access to 2D cameras
Various display types and transport mechanisms for 3D viewing including cinema projection, large-scale arena viewing, and consumer LCD sized monitors