Once a week, I’ll be writing about the games that I happen to see on Saturday. Just random opinions from a sports nut.
Ohio State vs UCS
After watching this game, you came away seeing two things.
- USC with Matt Barkley looks really human
- Terrelle Pryor needs to develop an arm
We’re used to see USC teams come into town and run up the score on almost everyone they play. This is usually due to the fact that their roster is extremely deep. Their starters, have had some playing experience. Even last year, former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez saw some time as a starter before he took the job in the 2008 season.
With Matt Barkley a true freshman running the show on offense, they seemed at time overwhelmed by playing on the road. At times they seem confused and slow. Granted, with more playing time Barkley will be a pretty good player but with games coming up against Cal, Oregon and Notre Dame (all on the road) USC could face a one or even two loss season if Barkley plays in those games.
As for Pryor, he needs to show that he’s more than a running threat. Pryor due to his build has been compared favorably to Vince Young the former Texas Longhorn quarterback. When Young played at Texas, we wasn’t afraid to throw the ball. He wasn’t the best at throwing the ball but defenses did respect the fact that Young could hurt them if he stayed in the pocket. With Pryor, he looks ready to run first and throw second. He doesn’t seem as comfortable throwing the ball, as of now.
Ohio State could have won this game, if the passing game had worked. If Pryor can develop his arm by the time Ohio State plays Penn State, then they should finish the season with some quality wins only having one loss. If not, then Michigan has a shot at beating Ohio State this year.
Notre Dame vs Michigan
Wow.
This game makes me love football so much more. :)
Both teams fighting for their seasons and possibly for their coaches jobs left everything they had on the field. It came down to the last play and if you’re a fan of either of these programs there are some things you can smile and wince about.
Tate Forcier looks like a big time player. I’m not ready to proclaim him as the Tim Tebow of the North, but he has played well in a big game. To see that kind of composure from a true freshman is great to see. However I would like to see him play against a stronger defense. The games against Penn State as well as a road game against Michigan State could tell us a lot about him as a big time college player.
Michigan needs to find a defense. If they can find that, then big blue will be back as football power house. Also it will shut everyone else up about the Big Ten conference being slow.
Jimmy Clausen has grown up. He’s playing well and with the exception of a questionable passing calls with three minutes left on the clock Notre Dame could have won this game. This offense looks like its ready to make some noise.
The game against USC will be the litmus paper test for Notre Dame. It might be the game that decides the fate of Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis. He needs to call a almost perfect game on offense and the defense can’t give up so many points.
I know it’s early to say but it looks like the luck of these four programs have switched.