USC-Ohio State

Buckeyes-Trojans used to play for roses

2009-09-12T01:04:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Plain Dealer columnists Bill Livingston recalls when Earle Bruce and the Ohio State Buckeyes used to meet USC in the Rose Bowl. Livingston also takes a pretty good shot at Jim Tressel.

Livingston says USC has replaced Notre Dame as the country's most glamorous name in college football.

"For a while, it looked like it was going to be Ohio State, but Florida changed that in one night. The fact that OSU was outrun, out-passed and, most critically, out-coached, made Jim Tressel, the most feared big-game coach in the sport before the kickoff, an overnight failure. His standing has never been as high since.

"The Buckeyes have lost their last five games against top-five-ranked teams. Penn State and Texas could have gone either way, but both national championship game losses to Southeastern Conference teams were over by halftime, as was last year's game in the Los Angeles Coliseum.
Chants of "Over-rated! Over-rated!" greeted the Ohio State players, hecklers playing the role of fortune tellers before the game even began.

Nothing less than OSU's reputation is at stake tonight."

Gameday has arrived for USC, Ohio State

2009-09-12T00:43:00.000-07:00

Gameday is at hand and the biggest questions for tonight's game at The Horseshoe in Columbus seem to be how USC freshman Matt Barkley will handle his first road game and just how the Trojans can contain Terrelle Pryor.

Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times has a preview of tonight's game.

Klein also has a note on Pete Carroll's return to Ohio State, where he was an assistant for two seasons in the late 1970s.

Carroll also recalled when he saw Woody Hayes and ran out of his office to meet the Ohio State icon.

"I went running out there across the parking lot to catch him and intercept him and kind of introduce myself and talk to him for the first time -- just like a little kid, man, which I was at the time," Carroll told the Los Angeles Times. "That was very cool to come back. . . . It's exciting to be here."

Eye black: Blame it on Bush

2009-09-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

The sudden buzz over eye black at USC can be traced to Reggie Bush, reports Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times
Reggie Bush paid tribute to his home 619 area code.

USC will have a feast - really

2009-09-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well, the Trojans won't go hungry preparing for Ohio State on Saturday night.

Here is a dispatch from the USC RipsIt blog on their early-morning feast after arriving from Los Angeles:

"DUBLIN, Ohio -- USC sure knows how to eat well. On Thursday night, the Trojans started off with Chick-Fil-A sandwiches to get them from campus to the airport. Then, they ate endlessly on the flight to Columbus, an airborne smorgasbord that included lasagna, enchiladas, desserts, fruits, cheeses, crackers and more. Then, upon arrival at their suburban Columbus hotel, a full buffet of meats, pastas, breads and desserts - somehow labeled as a "snack" - was waiting, a perfect nightcap at 3 a.m. And then on Friday, the team will wake up and do it all over again, with three meals and another overflowing buffet "snack" on the docket."

Photo courtesy of USC athletic department

Quite a history between USC-Ohio State

2009-09-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of the history between USC and Ohio State, courtesy of the official Ohio State Buckeyes football site.

More than 300 all-time First-Team All-Americans
Almost 150 NFL total First-Round Draft picks
Close to 60 combined College Football Hall of Famers
46 total Rose Bowl games
18 combined recognized national titles
7 Heisman Trophy winners apiece

Bollman says Buckeyes need to be "on verge of rage"

2009-09-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Jim Bollman, Ohio State offensive coordinator and line coach, says the Buckeyes should approach Saturday night's gme with USC on the verge of rage.

Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has a story on how the Buckeyes' youth plays into the game.

To me, the biggest problem the Buckeyes face is depth - USC is loaded and even if Matt Barkley gets rattled, the Trojans have very capable backup quarterbacks in Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain.

Coach waiting for "I Love Coach Carroll" in eye black

2009-09-11T01:34:00.001-07:00

In the wake of some controversy sparked when Ohio State sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor wore eye black as a tribute to Michael Vick, USC coach Pete Carroll said his team's eye black is monitored by equipment managers.

Carroll said "Hi, Mom" is acceptable. Also, "I love Coach Carroll."

"I'm still waiting for that one to show up," Carroll told the Los Angeles Times. "It's on the suggested list."

AP's video analysis of Saturday's USC-Ohio State game

2009-09-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a video analysis from Associated Press writers Greg Beacham (USC) and Rusty Miller (Ohio State) on Saturday's game, courtesy of the Los Angeles Daily News.

Will seeing in 3-D be believing?

2009-09-11T00:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday's USC-Ohio State game will be shown in 3-D in Columbus, Los Angeles, suburban Dallas and Hartford, Conn. (for ESPN guests).

"I can't say if this will be different or better (than previous 3D football telecasts), but we're just going at it the way we believe would should attack a 3D broadcast," Anthony Bailey vice president of ESPN's emerging technologies told the Los Angeles Daily News. "When we did our first test, we went in thinking, `Football may not benefit from 3D, but let's try it out.' We learned that while low-angle stuff is compelling, we need to shoot high to give people a sense of what's going on. With different equipment, we came out of it believing football can benefit, if there's a good mixture of high and low shots."

Here is what Galen Center looked like as crews
get it prepared for Saturday's showing.
Photo from USC athletic department

USC's scheme to stop Terrelle Pryor

2009-09-10T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here is an in-depth read on how Pete Carroll might stop Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor from running wild Saturday. Carroll has said defending a running quarterback, especially one with Pryor's blazing speed, is difficult.

Freshman Barkley Mr. Cool entering Ohio State game

2009-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department
Barkley was scanned before leaving LAX.

Matt Barkley will face more pressure than he has in his young life Saturday at The Horseshoe, but the 19-year-old doesn't seem to be fazed by the moment.

"I don’t think he’s like most guys," coach Pete Carroll told Josh Peter of Yahoo! sports. He wouldn’t be in the position he’s in if he was typical. We’ve had extraordinary quarterbacks come in unable to do what he’s done, so we’ll see what happens. He still has to get there and do it. But he’ll handle himself quite well, I’m sure.”

Said USC receiver Damian Williams: "This is his first game on the road in college. That’s tough enough in itself,” said Williams, USC’s top receiver. “And playing in a very hostile environment, one of the loudest places in the country … the main thing with him is to be confident. Confident in himself and confident that we’re there to support him.”

1969 Rose Bowl: Ohio State beats USC

2009-09-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Classic video of 1969 Rose Bowl, when Woody Hayes' Ohio State Buckeyes shut down All-American O.J. Simpson.

AP video preview of USC-Ohio State game

2009-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a video preview of Saturday's game between No. 3 USC and No. 8 Ohio State, courtesy of the Associated Press:

USC photos from Thursday practice

2009-09-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo album from the USC RipsIt Blog.

Carroll says Stafon Johnson will play major role

2009-09-10T21:14:00.001-07:00

While Joe McKnight is the No. 1 tailback for USC, coach Pete Carroll said Stafon Johnson will play a significant role.

"He's significantly involved," Carroll told the Los Angeles Daily News. "He's right in there. We'll see how the game goes. We'll see what happens and all that. We're counting on Stafon to be right in the middle of everything for us. He's a terrific player for us."

Lantern's breakdown for USC-Ohio State game

2009-09-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

The Lantern, the student paper for Ohio State, has a position by position breakdown of the USC-Ohio State game.

Jim Tressel says he will keep tricks to a minimum

2009-09-10T20:53:00.000-07:00

Jim Tressel says he won't pull out a lot of tricks with Terrelle Pryor and the offense against USC Saturday night.

"There's a line to figure out, and sometimes you're right and sometimes you're wrong," Tressel told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Is it good to give them something new? If you do it well and if it doesn't take away from you getting better at the things you always do. I've been in games where we had two or three things planned and we never got to them because it just didn't present itself. I think if you get crazy, your players are like, 'I guess what we prepared for nine months wasn't any good. We need something brand new.' So I think you have to be smart about how much and what."

Hines expected to start at free safety for Ohio State

2009-09-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch says Jermale Hines is expected to start in place of Anderson Russell at free safety in Saturday's game.

Also, Andre Amos will split time at cornerback with Devon Torrence.

Brice Butler: One of sons who also rises

2009-09-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Mark Whicker has a column on Brice Butler, son of Bobby Butler and one of several players involved in Saturday's game who had fathers that played pro football.

Writes Whicker: "The fathers of safety Taylor Mays, tight end Rhett Ellison, running back Marc Tyler, defensive end Wes Horton, brother and linebacker Shane Horton, tackle Matt Kalil, defensive end Devon Kennard and safety T.J. McDonald all played pro football, mostly in the NFL. And you don't need to be told about the Matthews clan.

"Having an NFL dad doesn't guarantee you can play receiver, or, for that matter, croquet. But if they have the physical gifts, the kids thrive on other advantages."

And here are updates from USC's final practice in Los Angeles, courtesy of the Orange County Register.

Coach Pete Carroll said center Kristopher O’Dowd (knee) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (illness) will start.

Running back Marc Tyler limped off the field and did not return. Carroll said a teammate stepped on his foot. Defensive back Josh Pinkard (foot) practiced after missing part of Wednesday’s workout.

Carroll said defensive tackle Averell Spicer (ankle), linebacker Luthur Brown (academics), and cornerback Brian Baucham (illness), all of whom sat out last week, will play.

Buckeyes play it close to vest

2009-09-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

It will be high stakes for Ohio State when USC comes to town Saturday, but the Buckeyes are playing it close to the vest, writes Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times.

Hollywood comes to Columbus

2009-09-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

USC brings its cavalcade of star running backs, the pomp and circumstance of its band and the best coach west of Gainesville, Fla., when the Trojans visit Columbus for their showdown with Ohio State. It's Hollywood in Columbus writes Darren Everson of The Wall Street Journal.

Heisman Trophy Tour Stops at USC-Ohio State game

2009-09-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Nissan will be hosting the Sports Illustrated Heisman Trophy Tour at the USC-Ohio State game in Columbus outside the St. John Arena.

The 100-foot by 100-foot tent opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and activities will continue until kickoff at 8 p.m. Among the activities are chances to meet and get autographs from Archie Griffin, the only two-time Heisman Trophy winner who won four Big Ten Conference titles with Ohio State and Marcus Allen, former USC Heisman Trophy winner.

This tour, with different Heisman winners, will be making stops at 10 select college games throughout the season, including the SEC championship.

How national media see USC-Ohio State game

2009-09-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

Sports Illustrated wonders how Matt Barkley will handle the 105,000-plus at The Horseshoe along with thoughts on how this game might also be a big one for Jim Tressel's reputation.

Also, ESPN's Dr. Buckeye, Akeek Bhatt provides his viewpoint on the game.

Here is a matchup look at the game from Rivalry. Esq.

How would Tebow fit in USC's offense?

2009-09-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Just how would Tim Tebow fit in at USC? That question was asked to Pete Carroll earlier this week.

“I don’t think he would have run as much here as he has done there, but he certainly would have,” Carroll told the Orange County Register. “He’s such a brute. He’s an amazing force in the game. We watched him in the summer some just to see what he’s all about. He pounds you.

“It’s a very conservative style with him in that they know they can make four yards with him every play. If he was with us, we would have tried to utilize a lot of the same stuff.”

Just who is the best USC offensive player?

2009-09-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Orange County Register has this poll on the best USC offensive player. Damian Williams leads the early voting.

Buckeyes' Bollman could face crucial season

2009-08-30T17:44:00.001-07:00

Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch says it is a critical season for Buckeyes offensive coordinator Jim Bollman.

Gordon writes:
This year seems to be setting up as a watershed season for Bollman, who has become a fast and favorite target for fans unhappy with: (a) a conservative offense and/or (b) struggles on the line.

All things Barkley from the OCR

2009-08-30T17:36:00.001-07:00

The Orange County Register has several stories on freshman quarterback Matt Barkley, from Scott M. Reid's expectations for a freshman quarterback to Michael Lev's report on how he did in Saturday's mock game to Randy Youngman's column on why he was destined to be USC's starter to Reid's Five Things We Learned About Barkley.

Byers leads a deep offensive line

2009-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Camille Powell of The Washington Post has a nice feature on USC's offensive line, focusing on sixth-year senior Jeff Byers.

The Quad picks Ohio State sixth

2009-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

The New York Times Quad countdown is nearing a finish and Paul Myerberg, who has been counting down from No. 120, has the Ohio State Buckeyes sixth.

Myerberg also lists the Buckeyes in the top three of all-time Top Five NFL players along with Syracuse and Notre Dame.

Players react to Barkley being named starter

2009-08-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a vast array of USC players' reaction to Matt Barkley being named starter from USCFootball.com

USCs reaction to Matt Barkey named the starter @ Rivals Video

USC on spin cycle with Barkley?

2009-08-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

A story on Bleacher Report suggests USC is making excuses for the decision to start freshman Matt Barkley at quarterback. On the USC RipsIt blog, Barkley's camp stats were shown as compared to past USC starters' regular-season stats.

Matt Barkley ('09 Fall Camp): 301-for-486 • 61.9% • 8 interceptions
Mark Sanchez (2008 season): 241-for-366 • 65.8% • 10 interceptions
John David Booty ('07 season): 215-for-340 • 63.2% • 10 interceptions
John David Booty ('06 season): 269-for-436 • 61.7% • 9 interceptions
Matt Leinart (2005 season): 283-for-431 • 65.7% • 8 interceptions
Matt Leinart (2004 season): 269-for-412 • 65.3% • 6 interceptions *Heisman Trophy winner
Matt Leinart (2003 season): 255-for-402 • 63.4% • 9 interceptions
Carson Palmer (2002 season): 309-for-489 • 63.2% • 10 interceptions

The comparision does seem skewed as neither Aaron Corp's nor Mitch Mustain's fall camp stats is listed. Corp threw just one interception before being hurt and Mustain was 10 of 16 in a scrimmage Aug. 16.

Earlier in the week, Pete Carroll had this to say to Scott Wolf:
"No, I don't have any tolerance at all for interceptions. Some were a concern that he threw and some not. We put in a new play on one interception. It just depends.
"We have to manage him so we don't put him in those situations. He'll see some great coverages."

McKnight ready for breakout season

2009-08-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Joe McKnight has emerged as USC's top tailback with Stafon Johnson next. McKnight has had problems fumbling, but says not to worry.

"I'm ready to make more plays and make up for the last two years," McKnight told Scott Wolf of the L.A. Daily News.

Read Wolf's report here

Ohio State captains all on defense

2009-08-29T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ohio State has named its permanent captains and they are all defensive players. Defensive end Doug Worthington, safety Kurt Coleman and linebacker Austin Spitler were named captains. An offensive player will be added to each weekly game.

Ohio State might be a year away from really big things

2009-08-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises has an analysis of the Buckeyes, saying they might be a year away from a national title. He also gives his Big Ten predictions.

BREAKING NEWS: Freshman Barkley will start at quarterback for USC

2009-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department

Matt Barkley will become the first true freshman to start at quarterback for USC when it opens the season Sept. 5 against San Jose State.

Trojans coach Pete Carroll picked Barkley as the starter Thursday over Aaron Corp, who had missed part of camp with a cracked fibula in his leg.

"He's the starting quarterback at USC -- it's not a one-game deal," Carroll said in a statement. "He seized the opportunity that was in front of him and took control. He deserves all the credit in the world and we expect nothing but great things from him."

Barkley is likely to play against Ohio State on Sept. 12 in one of the most anticipated games of the 2009 seaon.

From the USC RipsIt blog: "You've got a lot of responsibility on your shoulders and all your teammates are behind you and supporting you," Carroll said during the meeting, speaking directly at Barkley. "Let's do something special with this."

Here is the official release from USC.

Key Matchup: Second Chances vs. Second Impressions

2009-08-25T17:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

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

USC won't miss much with Parsons replacing O'Dowd

2009-08-19T03:14:00.001-07:00

When an All-America lineman goes out, it is cause for concern, but USC's offensive line is as deep as the Pacific. So even without center Kris O'Dowd, who is expected to miss two to three weeks with a dislocated kneecap suffered in Monday's scrimmage, the Trojans don't expect much of a drop-off.

Alex Parsons, who started 10 games in 2008 at right guard, will step in for O'Dowd.

"He’s fine,” USC coach Pete Carroll told the Orange County Register of Parsons. “He’s a really good player. ... He’s got excellent quickness. He’s big enough. He knows his calls. He knows the whole system cold. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

Barkley shows freshman colors

2009-08-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department

Aaron Corp tested his left leg,
which was in a brace

For the first time perhaps this fall, USC true freshman quarterback Matt Barkley struggled. Barkley was 5 of 18 passing in Monday night's scrimmage.

"It was the first time Matt showed he could have a day like that," coach Pete Carroll told the LA Daily News. "He hadn't had a day like that before."

Meanwhile, Aaron Corp is expected back next week. Corp threw in passing drills Tuesday.

Mitch Mustain appears to be stuck as the third-team quarterback despite strong performances in scrimmages. He was 10 of 16 for 108 yards passing in Monday night's scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Tyler Moeller's alleged attacker identified

2009-08-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

The Columbus Dispatch has a report on the identity of the man who allegedly attacked linebacker Tyler Moeller, causing him head injuries, which means he will miss the season.

The Dispatch said Ralph G. Decker of Kenneth City, Fla., punched Moeller at Gators Cafe & Saloon in Treasure Island, Fla., on July 26.

Decker was charged with simple battery, although the Dispatch said the charge might be upgraded to a felony given Moeller's injuries.

Spitler reportedly will miss a few weeks

2009-08-19T02:22:00.000-07:00

Ohio State will be without linebacker Austin Spitler for a couple of weeks with a strained calf muscle, according to the Plain Dealer.

Spitler will likely be replaced by Etienne Sabino or Dorian Bell.

USC-Ohio State hottest ticket

2009-08-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

In its latest rankings for college football tickets, TicketCity says the USC-Ohio State game is the hottest ticket for the 2009 season with an average price of $842.37. Find the complete list here.

O'Dowd dislocates knee cap, could miss 3-4 weeks

2009-08-18T01:26:00.000-07:00

Kris O'Dowd, USC starting center and All-American candidate, dislocated his right kneecap early in USC's Monday night scrimmage at the Coliseum. He is expected to miss three to four weeks.

"We're fortunate that we have depth, but it's just a crusher that he got banged up like that," coach Pete Carroll told the Los Angeles Times.

Senior offensive lineman Nick Howell also sprained his ankle. There was no word on his status.

Meanwhile, quarterback Aaron Corp did not have X-rays on his cracked fibula, and will have them Tuesday. He said swelling has gone down and there is less pain in his leg.

Defense controls USC scrimmage at Coliseum

2009-08-18T01:03:00.000-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department

The USC defense made it rough on rising freshman quarterback Matt Barkley in Monday's night's scrimmage before about 2,000 fans at the Coliseum.

Barkley was 5 of 18 for 109 yards passing. Mitch Mustain went 10 of 16 for 108 yards and a touchdown.

"Mitch has really come to life now," Trojans coach Pete Carroll told the USC RipsIt blog.

Joe McKnight led the running backs with 77 yards on six carries, including a 54-yard run. He also returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown against a scout team. Ronald Johnson returned a kickoff 99 yards for a TD, also against a scout team.

Here are the stats from the scrimmage.

USC to play Syracuse at Meadowlands in 2012

2009-08-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

Syracuse will play three home games against Notre Dame and USC over the next seven years in the new stadium at the Meadowlands.

The Associated Press reported that two people with knowledge of the agreement, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Orange will play the Trojans in 2012 and Notre Dame in 2014 and 2016.

The announcement is expected to be official Tuesday.

USC's Jeff Byers works to the nth degree in the classroom

2009-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

USC All-American guard-center Jeff Byers of Loveland (Colo.) High will get not only his Bachelor's degree but also an MBA in less than six years. Read about Byers' amazing classroom accomplishment on the USC RipsIt blog.

Top offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson to visit USC-Ohio State game

2009-08-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul (Minn.) Cretin-Derham Hall, the nation's top-ranked tackle, will make an official visit to Columbus on Sept. 12.

Henderson, 6-foot-8, 300 pounds, also will visit USC (Nov. 28), Florida, Notre Dame (Oct. 17) and Oklahoma.

Seems like Henderson has an affinity to see the Trojans. In addition to the Sept. 12 game in Columbus, USC plays at Notre Dame the weekend of Oct. 17 and UCLA the weekend of Nov. 28.

Pryor named to Manning Award watch list

2009-08-17T13:47:00.001-07:00

Ohio State sophomore Terrelle Pryor is among 38 quarterbacks on the Manning Award watch list. The winner will be announced Jan. 14 and be honored at a banquet in New Orleans in February.

The award honors Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning and is the only QB award to take into consideration the players' bowl accomplishments.

Jeremy Bates speaks his mind

2009-08-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

USC quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates talks about replacing Steve Sarkisian, the quarterback situation, the talent at SC and much more in this Q&A with ESPN.com's Ted Miller.

Is it best for Buckeyes to take Pryor on the run?

2009-08-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

One of Terrelle Pryor's greatest assets is his ability to run, but is that always wise for the Buckeyes and for Pryor's longevity as a football player? That is the topic of a story by Doug Lesmerises in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Duron Carter can't avoid comparisons to father, Cris Carter

2009-08-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Ohio State freshman Duron Carter has tried hard to avoid comparisons to his famous father, Cris Carter, but inevitably they will come around. Read Columbus Dispatch writer Ken Gordon's profile of Duron Carter here.

Catch USC's scrimmage Monday at Coliseum

2009-08-17T00:49:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of USC athletic department

Trojans coach Pete Carroll throws to
wide receiver Ronald Johnson

USC will play a free scrimmage Monday night at 7:30 at the Coliseum.

"This is a big-time scrimmage for us, because we're going to the Coliseum," coach Pete Carroll told the team, according to the USC RipsIt blog. "Let's make sure we live it up and have fun doing that."

Monday's complete schedule from the RipsIt Blog:
7 a.m., Breakfast
8-11 a.m., Dorm move-out
Noon, Lunch
3 p.m., Picture day
4:30 p.m., Dinner
5 p.m., Pre-scrimmage meetings
7 p.m., Depart for the Coliseum
7:30 p.m., Scrimmage at the Coliseum
9:30 p.m., Post-scrimmage snack
11 p.m., Bed check

OSU DL has an edge

2009-08-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Columbus Dispatch has a feature on the speed of the Buckeyes' defensive linemen.

Solomon Thomas said Thaddeus Gibson and Nathan Williams are actually scary guys on the football field.

"I would put them both in the category of being mean dudes on the football field," Thomas told the Dispatch. "When they go out there, they're not nice guys. They have an attitude about 'em and an edge to 'em."

Trojans get to sleep in

2009-08-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

USC coach Pete Carroll called off Sunday morning's walk-through session, allowing his players (and perhaps himself and his coaches) to get some needed rest.

In the Storm: Klein talks about his chance to shine

2009-08-16T01:53:00.000-07:00

Ohio State freshman Storm Klein is hoping to get some playing time at linebacker. He talks about the head injury to Tyler Moeller and the upcoming season.

Andre Amos looks forward to his final chance

2009-08-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

Cornerback is one spot up for grabs at Ohio State and Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer looks at the battle between fifth-year senior Andre Amos and Devon Torrence.

Corp to have X-rays, and other notes

2009-08-16T01:32:00.000-07:00

USC quarterback Aaron Corp will have X-rays Monday on his cracked left fibula.

Here are other notes from Saturday afternoon's practice courtesy of the Orange County Register.

And here is a story on Corp's waiting game from Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times.

Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News checks in with C.J. Gable wiping the slate clean.

USC backfield "cooking steaks" behind strong offensive line

2009-08-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

Matt Barkley threw on interception but was otherwise strong in Saturday's afternoon practice for USC. Here are highlights from the afternoon session from the USC RipsIt blog

Running backs coach Todd McNair yelled out during the play, "We're cooking steaks back here! Well-done steaks!"

And Pete Carroll site up as well

2009-08-15T14:19:00.001-07:00

We also have added a site under USC football links for coach Pete Carroll.

Coach Tressel site added

2009-08-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

We've now added the official coach Jim Tressel site to the Ohio State football links.

Three Trojans on ESPN All-America team

2009-08-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

In case you missed it, here is ESPN's preseason All-America team, including USC guard Jeff Byers, center Kris O'Dowd and free safety Taylor Mays.
USC and Florida were the only teams with three All-Americans. The team was selected by ESPN senior writer Ivan Maisel.

OSU guard Boren out with knee injury

2009-08-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Ohio State junior Justin Boren, expected to start at left guard, sprained his left knee during practice Friday and could be out at least a week.

Find stories on Boren here, here and here.

Boren's injury likely means Connor Smith should step into the starting role.

USC's Friday's scrimmage

2009-08-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department

Coach Pete Carroll watches
as Mitch Mustain rolls out.

Here is a story from the Orange County Register on Friday's scrimmage and here are the stats from Friday's scrimmage.

USC linebackers eager for their opportunity

2009-08-15T13:22:00.001-07:00

Much of the preseason hype for USC's defense has focused on Taylor Mays and the secondary, but Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times has a feature on the Trojans' new linebacking corps

The Duke from "What it means to be a Trojan"

2009-08-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

For your Saturday (or Sunday) reading:

Here is an excerpt from "What it means to be a Trojan" by Steven Travers on none other than The Duke, John Wayne.

Containing Terrelle Pryor

2009-08-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a story from Bleacher Report on how USC will try to stop Terrelle Pryor. Think Taylor Mays first and foremost.

One thing the author says is "containment of the Buckeyes' running game that no longer features Chris "Beanie" Wells is critical to the Trojans success."

Beanie Wells didn't play in last year's game, so containing him was no factor last year.

USC could make Snoop bust another (title) rhyme

2009-08-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

By Andy Sloan

This is going to be quite an interesting season for USC. The Trojans are turning over a bunch of stars (Mark Sanchez, Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, and Brian Cushing), but they are still going to be a force to be reckoned with in college football. One reason: practice. The famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask and when) Carroll practices are going to be essential to USC performing at the top level this season. Perhaps most importantly, they will get the team in shape for its biggest nonconference matchup (and probably most important contest, period) of the year: a Sept. 12 battle against Ohio State at The Horseshoe in Columbus.

Says Chris Spielman of ESPN the Magazine: "The noncon game of the year, by far, is USC at Ohio State on Sept. 12. I know the Trojans have lost tons of talent. But they’ll be fine. Why? Pete Carroll’s practices. Seriously, I’ve never been on, around, or told about practices like he holds. Twice as many plays at twice the intensity as anywhere else. So these “rookies” you’ll hear about aren’t really rookies. They’ll be seasoned vets come September."

Another important factor for the success of the team this season is the revamped defense. Chris Galippo is replacing Matthews in the middle of the field, and his immediate understanding of the ‘SC schemes is vital to the Trojans having a fulfilling 2009 season. Thus, practice becomes all the more paramount to the USC men this year.

The X-Factor on defense is Everson Griffen. Taylor Mays wants to move closer to the line of scrimmage and make more plays, but he is better off in the backfield, where the Trojans need him. The pressure from Griffen is thus a cornerstone of USC’s team this year and is necessary if they want to win the BCS national championship, and defeat OSU in the process.

The offense will be tested at OSU, and the defense needs to create turnovers to help create field position and put the rest Corp/Barkley and the boys in a good position to score some points. This game is early enough in the season that such a formula (pressure from Griffen and the D-Line, turnovers created in the backfield by Mays), could lift USC to a national title berth this season at home in Pasadena, and a chance to win the crystal ball in front of its hometown fans.

Snoop Dogg, a lifelong ‘SC fan, would be thrilled by this. But, they will need to play as the collective group that Snoop referred to in order to get to the top.

Still, if history is said to repeat itself, then the Men of Troy will be hoisting the BCS National Championship trophy come January. Five years ago, the last time USC won a national title, Snoop kicked a rhyme similar to that of Tuesday night. Snoop emphasized the faith he has in USC stating confidently and with swaggalicious grace: “They’re gonna win!”
Fo’ shizzle, dizzle.

Fo’ Shizzle: Snoopy D-O-Double G’s USC Analysis is Spot On

2009-08-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

By Andy Sloan

2009 Trojans back on a mission/Snoop Dogg on the microphone/Stop and pay attention/Listen – Snoop Dogg, Aug. 12, 2009.

Iconic West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg appeared on ESPN’s Sports Center Tuesday night, and, as usual, stole the spotlight. He freestyled twice, the first (previously quoted) about USC winning the title, the other about Sports Center, and gave some excellent (if quick) reasons why USC will win the national championship.

“I like Corp,” said Snoop. “I like Joe McKnight, I like Everson Griffen; Taylor Mays is a beast out there on defense, so we’re gonna be just fine. It’s not one player that makes ‘SC, it’s a team effort.”

Let’s break down his analysis, starting from the top.

Aaron Corp
Aaron Corp may be injured, but it seems that he will still march the Trojans down the field this season, as reports from Thursday morning’s Trojan practice were not promising.

Freshman Matt Barkley, the heir apparent to Corp (injured or not some may say), tossed three picks. Although one was first tipped and then caught by USC linebacker Jarvis Jones, the others were simply bad passes stemming from inexperience and poor judgment.

“The rush to anoint true freshman Matt Barkley as USC's starting quarterback always is apparent,” writes Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News, “…But the movement hit a snag Thursday morning in practice when Barkley threw three interceptions, his first of training camp, as the defense finally abandoned its butter-finger reputation from the first five days.” Not exactly high praise.

Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates had this to say to the LA Daily News: “One of them he needed to throw away. He's still learning that every ball can't be completed. "The other one was a new play. We just need to coach him harder. We've got to work on throwing the ball away."

Corp responded to his bad day by stating that making mistakes “hurt,” but that he is becoming more attuned to the USC offence with each day. Trojan fans can also feel a bit better at the fact that Corp recognizes the potential to fix one of his major problems: throwing the ball into coverage when he should just through it away. “It’s not natural to me [to throw the ball away],” avowed Barkley, “I’ve grown more comfortable.”

Welcome to D-I, kid.

Still, Bates told the LA Daily News that Corp may start against San Jose State in the Trojans season opener on Sept. 5: “He's going to come back and battle for the starting job," stated Bates "There's time. We still are 22 days away.”

While one is hesitant to read too much into Bates’ statement, you could infer that Barkley hasn’t exactly blown away the staff.

Joe McKnight
This is a lot simpler than the Corp question. McKnight is poised to have a breakout year if he is at full health for the Trojans. He is an all-purpose back that, yes, is reminiscent of Reggie Bush.

A healthy McKnight forces opposing teams to change their game plans, and is enough to give any coach a headache. Seriously. Imagine planning for USC with Ronald Johnson, a scrambling Aaron Corp (who coach Pete Carroll said could approach 400 yards rushing this season), and the freshman sensation Stafon Johnson and a healthy McKnight. Smell the roses?

Everson Griffen
This is the most intriguing tale for me. Griffen was once a highly touted recruit, expected to do big things for the USC defense. He has not lived up to the hype, but this will be his first full season. Time to put up or shut up. Plus, Griffen has a lot more than just the season riding on his play: if he wants a legitimate shot at being drafted next year, or improving his stock at all, he needs to have not a good, but a great year on the gridiron.

Taylor Mays
“Taylor Mays is a beast out there on defense, so we’re gonna be just fine.”
Enough said, thanks Doggfather. (Seriously though, here is a guy that could have been a Top five pick in the last draft, a man who Rivals.com says “single-handedly prevents teams from going deep on USC…”

Is there anything else to say about him? Sorry for gushing, but Mays is one of the best prospects, if not the best prospect, in the country, on either side of the football.

We can celebrate together!

2009-08-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

USC and Ohio State fans get together at the 2008 game at the Coliseum.

Photo courtesy of Cynthia Christian, USC Alumni Club of Marin

Yes, Pryor is that fast

2009-08-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Buckeyes quarterback Terrelle Pryor created a buzz, doesn't he always, when he reportedly ran a 4.33 40 time in the spring at The Horseshoe.

At Thursday's media day Pryor didn't come out and say he ran the time, but teammates said they did see that time posted and coach Jim Tressel said the time was done electronically.

"Let's say it's only 4.38 instead of 4.33," Tressel told the Plain Dealer. "It's fast. ... I assumed he'd be better than 4.5, but I'm not sure I was sitting there thinking he'd be 4.33."

The time shouldn't be terribly surprising as Pryor was touted as running a 4.4 40 when he was the top-ranked high school recruit in the class of 2008.

Corp may be back sooner than later

2009-08-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

Photo from USC athletic department

Matt Barkley rolling out in practice.

Aaron Corp says he is improving and could be back as soon as next week from a cracked fibula in his left leg. He was expected to miss as much as three weeks.

Corp, who was fitted with a brace, has said he is in the training room as often as possible and told the Orange County Register his leg is "definitely improving." Corp may be trying to push his return as true freshman Matt Barkley continues to work as the No. 1 quarterback in practice.

Barkley was intercepted three times in Thursday's morning practice, but rebounded to have on turnovers in the afternoon.

"He came right back out here and cranked it up," coach Pete Carroll told reporters.

Mays chats and adds watch list

2009-08-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

USC safety Taylor Mays had a live chat with ESPN SportsNation on Thursday afternoon and also was named to the watch list for the Bednarik Award. Mays already was named to the Thorpe and Walter Camp award watch lists.

Named after Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik, the award is given to the nation's best defensive player. USC linebacker Rey Maualuga won the award in 2008.

"District 9" for Trojans

2009-08-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a movie poster redone by the USC Video Operations Department:

USC players got a surprise when coach Pete Carroll announced they were going to see the new Peter Jackson movie "District 9" instead of meetings.

Pryor ready for flight

2009-08-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

Paul Schofield of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has a look at Terrelle Pryor.

Wide receiver DeVier Posey says of Pryor in the story: "He does do a lot with his feet, and you will see this year he'll make a lot of things happen with his arm.

"He prides himself with his throwing ability. He wants to stay in the pocket. He wants to throw the ball, and he's always keeping his eyes down the field looking for a receiver. It's going to be fun."

Bollman talks to BTN

2009-08-13T21:53:00.001-07:00

Buckeyes offensive coordinator Jim Bollman talks to The Big Ten Network

Buckeyes talk on picture day

2009-08-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here what several Buckeyes, including Dan Herron, Terrelle Pryor, Lawrence Wilson and Brian Rolle have to say on picture day at The Horseshoe.

SI's scouting report on Ohio State

2009-08-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sports Illustrated has ranked Ohio State No. 10 and has a scouting report on the team that will appear in the Aug. 17 issue.

Losing may not be a bad thing

2009-08-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

By Peter Bartell

We all know that USC and Ohio State are two teams that are national powers every year. We also know that both teams tend to fall off the saddle once a year.

The most recent example happened last year for the Trojans when they lost to the Oregon State Beavers in Corvallis in the fifth week of the season. After that, the Trojans were unstoppable for the rest of the season thanks in large part to their defense that shut out three opponents and allowed just 56 points in their final nine regular season games. They finished the regular season ranked fifth in the BCS standings.

The Buckeyes were on the losing end of their match up with the Trojans last year in the second week of the season and had crept back up to third in the BCS standings by the ninth week of the season. This clearly put them in line for a shot at the BCS National Championship had they not dropped a 13-6 decision to the the Penn State Nittany Lions in week 10.

Both teams have shown that they’ve played their best football after a loss. Unfortunately for the Trojans, that loss happened in week five last year. Had it happened earlier we could’ve seen a different national title game. So sure people will write the loser of this game off, but history shows us that when either of these teams lose, they come back even stronger, which could spell trouble for the rest of the nation.

Moeller's mother addresses injury in letter

2009-08-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

The family of Tyler Moeller, Ohio State's junior linebacker who suffered a head injury in an attack in July, has posted a letter on the Ohio State football Web site regarding the situation.

Moeller's mom, Amy, writes in part:
"On the first evening of vacation, Tyler was with several family members, including his uncle at a popular restaurant/bar; it was there that Tyler was assaulted. He never saw it coming and did nothing to provoke it, which is substantiated by neutral parties. The subject was immediately arrested and the case is currently in the hands of the State Attorney's Office."

Matchup of No. 1 quarterbacks

2009-08-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

With USC's Aaron Corp sidelined with a cracked bone in his leg, true freshman Matt Barkley, the No. 1 quarterback recruit last season, is working with the first team. That means he could possibly face Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor, the class of 2008's top-ranked quarterback recruit. The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises takes a look at how the top-ranked quarterbacks have done early in their careers.

Best case-worst case for USC

2009-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is ESPN's Ted Miller with a take on the best case-worst case scenario for USC as kickoff nears just little more than three weeks away.

Mays will chat on ESPN SportsNation

2009-08-12T23:32:00.000-07:00

USC All-American safety Taylor Mays will chat live on ESPN SportsNation at noon Pacific on Thursday.

Mays is considered the best free safety in the country and expected to be one of the top picks in the 2010 NFL Draft.

DT Spicer suffers severe sprain

2009-08-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Times is reporting that defensive tackle Averell Spicer suffered a severe ankle sprain in Wednesday's practice. How much time Spicer will miss is unknown.

"It's not like he's going to just brush this off," coach Pete Carroll told the Times.

Spicer will be replaced by transfer Hebron Fangupo.

USC singing "Lean on Me"

2009-08-12T22:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the popular "Lean on Me" video from USC's team meeting

Hunter on Buckeyes' practice policy

2009-08-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Columbus Dispatch columnist Bob Hunter has an interesting take on why Ohio State coach Jim Tressel might want to close practices to the media.

Also here is a video of Tressel talking about Terrelle Pryor and Tyler Moeller.

Lesmerises reveals AP ballot

2009-08-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writer Doug Lesmerises has the Buckeyes No. 10 in his preseason Associated Press ballot, and Penn State at No. 9. He has Florida at No. 1 followed by Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, USC, California, LSU and Alabama.

The poll comes out Aug. 22.

Ohio State media guide online

2009-08-12T16:49:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Ohio State media guide is now available online and can be accessed here.

The guide is available in forms best for online viewing as well as printing.

Pettrey on Groza watch list

2009-08-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Ohio State kicker Aaron Pettrey has been named to the Lou Groza Award watch list.

Catch Coach Carroll on KLAC

2009-08-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

Coach Pete Carroll will be KLAC's (570 AM) "Petros Money Show" at 5:30 p.m. today

Aaron Corp out 1-2 weeks, Barkley takes over

2009-08-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of US Presswire through the L.A. Times

USC starting quarterback Aaron Corp will be out one to two weeks after an MRI revealed he has a small crack on his left fibula. True freshman Matt Barkley will take over for Corp.

"Matt's going to try and make the most of this opportunity," coach Pete Carroll told media.

Here is a report from the Los Angeles Times on the injury and here is ESPN's take on the injury.

USC fall practice schedule

2009-08-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here is USC's practice schedule for the rest of fall camp until the Sept. 5 opener against San Jose State, courtesy of the RipsIt Blog.

Aug. 12 - Practice 3 p.m.
Aug. 13 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 14 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 15 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 16 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 17 - Practice 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 18 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 19 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 20 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 4 p.m. (two-a-day)
Aug. 21 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 22 - Practice 9 a.m.; Practice 3 p.m. (two-a-day) - Salute to Troy at 5 p.m.
Aug. 23 - OFF
Aug. 24 - OFF (First day of fall semester)
Aug. 25 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 26 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 27 - Practice 4 p.m.
Aug. 28 - Practice 4:15 p.m.
Aug. 29 - Mock game at 12:30 p.m. (Coliseum)
Aug. 30 - OFF
Aug. 31 - Practice 4 p.m. (Normal game week commences)
Sept. 1 - Practice 4 p.m. (Competition Tuesday)
Sept. 2 - Practice 4 p.m. (Turnover Wednesday)
Sept. 3 - Practice 4 p.m. (No Repeat Thursday)
Sept. 4 - Practice 4:15 p.m. (Review Friday - CLOSED to the public)
Sept. 5 - USC vs. SAN JOSE STATE 12:30 p.m. (Coliseum)

Here is a guide to USC practices from the invaluable USC RipsIt Blog

Corp will undergo MRI; Barkley impresses

2009-08-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Aaron Corp will have an MRI today on his left knee.

"My pain tolerance is the only thing now, which is good news," Corp told the Los Angeles Times.

Meanwhile, freshman Matt Barkley performed well in Corp's absence and is pushing for the starting spot.

"He's not shy a bit and he believes very much in his ability to move the club when he gets his chance," USC coach Pete Carroll told the Times.

Here is USC's practice schedule for Wednesday from the RipsIt Blog:

7 a.m. • Wake up/breakfast
8:15 a.m. • Meetings begin
10 a.m. • Team walk-thru
11 p.m. • Lunch
2 p.m. • Position group meetings
3 p.m. • Practice (full pads)
5:30 p.m. • Dinner
7:30 p.m. • Nightly meetings begin
10 p.m. • Nightly meetings end
11 p.m. • Bed check

2009-08-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

Top 20 players on Ohio State roster - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Who are the best 20 players on Ohio State's roster right now?This is a venture with no right answers, but I think it's an interesting way to evaluate just how the 2009 Buckeyes are going to come together.

Pryor's teammates see signs of growth - ESPN

Ohio State senior tight end Jake Ballard didn't have to search for the subtle signs showing Terrelle Pryor's growth as a leader this summer.
Pryor made it plainly obvious during 7-on-7 workouts.
If a Buckeyes receiver dropped a pass, Pryor let him have it.