Ohio State Game Day Musings: First Half

Observations from the first half of the USC-Ohio State showdown:

• Both teams went three-and-out on their opening series, perhaps an omen of what many expect to be a defensive battle.
• The new scoreboard in the Coliseum? Awesome.
• Jim Tressel's surprise: Todd Boeckman isn't too bad on his feet. He ran four yards on a keeper and had a sneak.
• Have you ever noticed that fans of both teams applaud after a three-yard pickup on first down? Who really comes out ahead on that one?
• It's the band's second third year positioned behind the east end zone, but it's still a little discombobulating when you're on the field and think you're hearing music from the wrong location.
• Joe McKnight's trick play (taking a snap directly) is one that was practiced all week. It was pretty hush-hush until a reporter asked Pete Carroll about it Wednesday. Carroll was even faster on his feet than his speedy tailback, saying they were using McKnight on the scout team to simulate Ohio State backup quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
• Speaking of that play, he really can seem to do it all. Might be fun to see him throw one of these days.
• USC went for a touchdown in the closing seconds instead of kicking a field goal. Going for the kill seems like a very Pete-Carroll-like thing to do. The resulting interception, not so much.
• With a few minutes left in the first half, USC fans started chanting, "Overrated!" at Ohio State. As the Buckeyes went to the locker room, fans around the tunnel pointed and chanted, "You are a bad team!"
• Halftime score: USC 21, Ohio State 3.

-- Adam Rose

Comments

[LilyC]

Ugh - regarding the "overrated" and "you are a bad team" comments... why can't 'SC fans have some class and be good hosts? It's not like Ohio State needed a kick in the collective groin with the game what it was. As a longtime USC fan of several decades, I have never been embarrassed by the team performance through good and off years, but I have been embarrassed by the fans' behavior on several occasions. This is one of those times. Grow up people!

[IrishTrojan]

LilyC, I couldn't agree with you more.

I had the best time attending the USC Post-Season Award Banquet a few years ago (2003 or 2004.) I got into several conversations with the players and was blown away by their demeanor - they were quietly confident and very appreciative that we would come to honor them. They were true gentlemen.

Then, I go to the games and am embarrassed by the displays I see from our fans, both young and some surprisingly older and usually drunk. Let the fans get as much class & dignity as the team.

[LeeB]

Minor clarification: This is actually the *thirid* year the band has been in the end zone.

[jack m]

unfortunately bad behavior is not confined to a sporting event, it's all around us in our everyday living.
If you want quiet and a peace, attend a PGA event

[Bonnie Lee]

HAHA I agree with jack! I mean come on people, half the fun of a football game is the rivalry and pride for your team. But, on the other hand, was "You are a bad team" the best the fans could come up with?? LOL...