Thoughts on the 1st game of the year!

[Scott4USC]

First I want to say what a great game to break in the college year! Both teams fought hard and too bad one team had to lose. V-Tech is a very good team and showed me a lot tonight. V-Tech's performance tonight should suprise nobody.

Players of the game easily were Reggie Bush and QB Randall! Randall played awesome and carried his team. Boy do I hate mobile QB's. They make a great defense look bad. How many times did USC have perfect defensive coverage and Randall runs for 10+ yards.

Before talking about the game, I agree the PI foul on V-Tech was bogus. Yes the V-Tech WR put his hands on USC DB but he did NOT push off. No foul should have been called. I agree that play could have changed the game but USC was leading by 8pts at the end of the game so that call alone would not have won it for V-Tech but def. could have changed the game.

I would much rather USC the #1 team in the country win by 11pts vs V-Tech than beating a div. 2 or weak div. 1a team by 40pts. Glad USC scheduled V-Tech and both teams played hard. Should see similar game with FSU and Miami. No cupcakes to get the kinks out.

USC played like a team that was inexperienced on the OL and inexperienced at the WR position. USC defense played very well and Randall played awesome. USC weakness is at the DB position but I think you have to give Randall and that TE credit they deserve. They are GOOD!

USC played exceptionally well IMO for having 2 major off the field distractions AND having multiple injuries/suspensions during the off-season. USC counted on having exactly 7 guys to start in this game and contribute significantly. ALL 7 guys did not play for various reasons. Gotta tip your hat off to Norm Chow and Pete Carroll. I also tip my hat off to Beamer as well. I do not think many coaches in the country could win a ball game tonight with all the problems USC had coming in. But I guess having Reggie Bush helps a lot! He won the game for USC but everyone knew coming in he is the best NCAA football player in the country.

Both teams made STUPID penalties and I think USC hurt themselves more and the ref screwed V-Tech on one major one.

I predicted a USC win 31-13 and USC ended up winning 24-13. I predicted USC to be sloppy on offense and to pull away late which they did. USC also missed out on an easy TD in the beginning with WR out of bounds.

All in all, I was confident USC would make great 2h adjustments and they did and USC pulled out a win. Beating V-Tech by 11pts is 10x better than beating a cupcake by 50pts to start the season. V-Tech def. help prepared USC to win the National Championship. This win is better than blowing out Tech. Great win for USC and what a great game to start out the college football season.

One more time. Randall played AWESOME tonight. What a great performance. Also the TE position is awesome for V-Tech.

 

[bbk]

lienhart is the most overated qb in the country and usc got bailed out by a bogus pass int call; if they dont call that usc the supposed #1 team in the nation is down double digits with less than 15 minutes to play against an unranked team; imo usc got very lucky and i expect them to lose at least 2 games this year even though they do play the easiest shedule of any top 10 team in the nation

 

[Scott4USC]

Seems like the V-Tech Defense backed off after Bush beat them deep the second time, and that gave Matt time to start finding some WR's down-field. USC offense looked a lot better in the 2nd half.

I think everyone is being too hard on USC after this 1st game. USC DID NOT PLAY A CUPCAKE TEAM! You are showing dis-respect for V-Tech and not giving Randall credit for dominating a game.

USC OL will be one of the best in the country at the end of the year. USC team needs time to get better. USC has suffered major injuries and suspensions. 7 guys, COUNT IT, 7 guys did not play tonight who USC counted on playing and contributing significantly. ALL 7 guys would have started tonight. How many teams win a tough ball game with 7 guys missing, inexperienced OL and WR's and the other teams QB playing an awesome game? (Mike Williams is not one of those 7 guys)

Looks like Carroll and Chow proved how great of coaches they are. WOW what a game and this close hard fought game will help USC immensely!

 

[oldschoolcapper]

Scott,

I think the main thing this close game gives is hope to the mediocre Pac-10 teams that they may be able to pull off a huge upset at some point this season. It was a great game to get the college season kicked off. I think we will get to see another good one on Thursday (A&M-Utah).


osc

 

[Scott4USC]

oldschoolcapper

I think Pac 10 teams have a lot to be worried when facing USC. USC won tonight and had everything against them coming into this game. I guess missing 7 starters for this game that you counted on meant nothing. How about an inexperienced OL and WR's group? How about 60k hokie fans vs 15-20k USC fans? How about 2 major off the field distractions? How about traveling across the country to play 1st game of the year? THAT ALL COUNTS FOR NOTHING? :142lmao:

The USC team Pac 10 teams will face will be a completely different team. That is what is great about Carroll and Norm Chow. USC gets better and better every game until the end of the season. I be very very worried if I am other Pac 10 teams. Randall played AWESOME tonight and they did not win and USC has a LOT OF ROOM TO IMPROVE. Pretty scary if you think about it.

Now USC has a bye week to heal up and get better and 2 average OOC opponents to tune up against. USC will be rolling when they face CAL.

Great win tonight by USC! V-Tech played great as well and they should hang their heads up! USC found themselves in a TOUGH battle and came through on top. This win will pay dividends and is a much better WIN than if USC won by 50pts against a cupcake.

I think this is a case of identity seeking. This USC team is a patchwork of all american talent and green youth.

I predicted 31-13 game and USC pulling away late in a very close game. Pretty much what happened.

 

[BobbyBlueChip]

Double-digit road win against a quality program. Thought they played well. They definitely need some work, but they've got a whole season with not much opposition.

 

[gman2]

7 guys, COUNT IT, 7 guys did not play tonight who USC counted on playing and contributing significantly. ALL 7 guys would have started tonight.

Miami and Florida State do it every year. The good teams reload, retool, and use their depth to their advantage.

Scott -- the bottom line is this was a neutral site game. Of course Tech has the advantage in terms of proximity to campus. But if USC is the #1 team in the nation, a neutral site game vs. an unranked team should not be a problem for them.

Let's be honest. They looked like shit today. You can spin it however you'd like but they looked bad. Frankly, I was surprised by that because I expected them to have little problem with the Hokies.

For all this blue chip talent that theyve got. For all the genius coaching (Chow, Carroll) -- they were unprepared.

Whether is was the coaching, I don't know.

Maybe USC isn't as hungry this year.

Or maybe they are going to go back to the old USC teams who underachieved with tons of talent.

If they are a true #1, they will absolutely bury Colorado State in two weeks.

If they come out flat again, then I'd start to worry that they're starting to think they're better than they are.

 

[oldschoolcapper]

scott,

you are too funny. everything was against usc tonight?? i can think of one thing that certainly went their way.

wow, i thought the beauty of college football was that sometimes teams have to play through "major" distractions (media, academics, injuries, etc.) oh, i can't forget having to fly cross-country to play in that "hostile" Fed Ex Field.

Randall--great 1st half, but a poor 2nd half in the game i watched
14-29 150 yards sacked 5 times, 1 Int, 1 fumble, 90 yards rushing in the 1st half, but none in the 2nd.

Was it a great game?? Hell no!!! It was a close game. Don't confuse the two. It was great to watch because it was the first college game we've seen in nearly 8 months.

2 avg. OOC games???

Col. St.--lost their team leader in passing, rushing, and most importantly guts...not to mention 7 starters gone from the defense.

BYU--4-8 last year...scored 18 or more points in 3 games last year.

You might need to throw these into your "cupcake" category this year.

2 things we saw tonight--
1. USC will have some close games this year. They may lose a couple, or they may run through the season undefeated and win it all, only time will tell.

2. Va. Tech is a little better than what most people thought, but they are a middle of the pack ACC team that will end up with 5 or 6 losses. Don't give yourself any ideas that they will be competing for the ACC crown.


osc

 

[Scott4USC]

gman2 thanks for posting and sharing your viewpoint. I respect you a lot.

I disagree with you saying USC came out flat tonight. You are showing dis-respect to V-Tech. USC did not look great but who expected USC to look great tonight. I certainly didn't. I thought USC would struggle in 1st half and pull away late in game. That is exactly what happened.

You say FSU and Miami reload every year that is what USC would be like this year but they suffered these injuries/suspensions/distractions AFTER last season. These were not players who graduated or left to go to the NFL. These were players who were EXPECTED to play and start. Huge difference.

V-Tech has 16 rushing attempts and I think gained only 61 yards. V-Tech got bulk of their yards from Randall scrambling and everyone knows a GREAT defense will/can struggle against mobile QB. Plus Randall just play awesome tonight and lets give him credit. USC will NOT face a QB like Randall for the rest of the year and no option team either. That is what hurt USC defense tonight and V-Tech only scored 13pts.

Yes this technically was a neutral site but this was basically a home game for V-Tech fans. Over 60k hokie fans compared to 15-20k USC fans is a home game for V-Tech. What would be the difference if the game was at V-Tech? Maybe even less V-Tech fans because their stadium might not be that big? There be 10k USC fans there. So this was a home game for V-Tech any way you look at it but technically it was at a neutral site. Maybe you had the TV on mute when the hokie fans were screaming.

USC did not look like shit but did not look like the #1 team in the country either. But would you have been more impressed if USC beat a cupcake by 50pts???? People need to give V-Tech credit and they played well tonight.

USC did not click against Auburn last year and USC has struggled early in the season the last 2 years. How did USC look at the end of year the last 2 years? This team was NOT EXPECTED to click on all cylinders tonight but was capable of beating V-Tech by double digits.

I think USC did not play as well as most felt they would and V-Tech played better than most expected. USC sure made great 2h adjustments and the defense looked great in the 4th quarter. USC has a lot of work to do no question about that. Good news is the sky is the limit with this USC team with all the talent and injured players who coming back!

Then again, maybe you expected USC to play well with 7 starters missing for this game that you counted on.. USC only had 2 returning starters in this game on offense!!!! How about an inexperienced OL and WR's group? How about 60k hokie fans vs 15-20k USC fans? How about 2 major off the field distractions? How about traveling across the country to play 1st game of the year? As a Trojan fan I am very happy with the way the game turned out and the way the team played under these circumstances. Still a ways to go for USC to reach the same level as last years team.

Good luck this season gman2! I respect you and your knowledge about CFB. I always read your posts. I guess we disagree on this issue.

*Hokie fans you have a lot to look forward to this season especially if your QB plays like the way he did tonight!

 

[johnnyb.]

well said bobbybluechip & gman,
sometimes as gamblers, expectations are higher than expected...
17 points was way too many, good 1st game for both teams.
sc impressed me in the 2h, having the huevos to come back and win 2h.

 

[Scott4USC]

oldschoolcapper you misunderstood what I said. I was talking about things going against USC coming into this game. I think during the game there were breaks that went for/against both teams. I think both teams made bad/good plays and I think V-Tech got a bad call by refs on PI. Again, I was talking about all the variables against USC coming into this game. I think USC has long ways to go but I much rather beat V-Tech in tough game vs beating a cupcake by 50pts. Lets see how USC looks 2 weeks from now against Colorado St. Lubick is a great coach and I expect CSU to be an average team. I also think BYU will be an average team. I guess you are not familiar with their program but they suffered a lot of crucial injuries last year. I think #1 and #2 QB's were injured.

Again, this was ONLY the first game of the season. I will not say USC will or won't win the NC based on tonights game.

 

[oldschoolcapper]

scott,

I'm going to step out on a limb here and say I am as familiar if not more than you are about BYU's program and injury problems last year. Whew!! Lucky for me that was a short limb. But will that translate into them becoming an average team?? If you mean an average Mountain West team, yes.

osc

 

[buddy]

"...and I think V-Tech got a bad call by refs on PI. "

Just out of curiosity...

Why is it you "think" VT got a bad call on PI and the rest of the sportsbetting world "knows" they did?

One horrendous call was the turning point of the game.

VT gets a fair call and Usc is in deep doo-doo. Down by double digits with 15 min left and playing scared.

#1 team in the country vs an unranked opponent?

Usc was unprepared for the task at hand and it was obvious.

Anyone notice a strange resemblance between Usc and the Mens Olympic Basketball team?

I think they both deserve the bronze medal.

 

[Scott4USC]

oldschoolcapper

I'm going to step out on a limb here and say I am as familiar if not more than you are about BYU's program and injury problems last year. Whew!! Lucky for me that was a short limb. But will that translate into them becoming an average team?? If you mean an average Mountain West team, yes.

:142lmao:
Very very good line and you cracked me up big time. Very funny. Ok, BYU very well might be a below average team nationally but playing AT BYU is not easy. Very hostile environment similar to the very hostile environment USC played in tonight. V-Tech fans were very loud tonight and are great fans! I heard they all stood up everytime V-Tech had the ball.

BTW, who is your team?

buddy

Just out of curiosity...

Why is it you "think" VT got a bad call on PI and the rest of the sportsbetting world "knows" they did?

Reason I said think is because I think the WR did touch the DB in the back but did not push off. I would not have thrown the flag but I think the ref saw the WR's hands up in the air and touching the DB in the back and the DB was over-running the play so it might have looked like he was shoved. YES IT WAS A BAD CALL AND YES IT CHANGED THE GAME. I do not think that call would have won the game for V-Tech but it certainly would have given V-Tech a hell of a better chance at winning the game.

 

[hm23]

I wasn't able to watch the game on TV and just saw some highlights.

Folks overrated USC and underrated Va Tech, that's the short of it. But this is the season opener and you can't read too much into this one game. It appears as if Hokies are capable of reaching a bowl but are a mid-rung ACC team.

I sure hope the Trojans romp their next 3 opponents (though it's possible they could have some problems in Provo) and face Cal as DD HF.

I think Cal will pull the upset. Bears have the top WR corps in the Pac-10 and will exploit SC secondary. I like UCLA's talent, Perry is gonna be back, but who the hell is gonna get them them ball...and the nitwit coaching staff is gonna make anything easier. Cal will also be improved on D. Last season wasn't a fluke.

Trojan men...may also lose at Oregon State. A lot of that is contingent on QB Anderson cashing in on his sr. year...good luck on that one Beaver fans. But Beaver D is capable of puttin' the clamps on the Trojans...ouch.

 

[taoist]

Scott,

...what can I say except...guess those "long-shots" on USC were well worth the offshore book's while. Stop being a homer and try to learn how to be a handicapper...or get lost.


Buddy,

...you hit the nail on the head.

 

[Scott4USC]

taoist

I think my recommendation was to take V-Tech 1h and Under. I myself took USC -15.5 for 1 unit just so I could have some action on the game and lost. 1unit not gonna make or break my season. I do not and will not ever bet against USC or take o/u on USC game but I def. will give my advice if I believe there is good bet against USC. NY Reb took my advice and won on 1h bet. If you do not want my advice or think I am a poor handicapper then simply do not open my threads or fade me. Either way I do not care.

Worry about your own handicapping skills. Good luck this season!

There's a reason Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, and LSU open their seasons against Georgia Southern, North Texas, Bowling Green and Arkansas State (OK I cheated here OSU is LSU's first game but @LSU of course). First games are scary. First games on the road are even more scary. And first games with 3 new OL and a brand new receiving corp are terrifying. I applaud the USC coaches for having the balls to play at Auburn and effectively at Virginia Tech in back to back openers. It would be nice to see other top programs step up!

 

[taoist]

I do not and will not ever bet against USC....

...yeah, we know. give it a break, will ya?!?!?!? There isn't a person on this board that hasn't already figured out that your ignorant ass loves USC.


...when you get a few years older and a lot brighter, come back and join us. :sadwave: :142lmao:

 

[dr. freeze]

that USC offensive line is TOILET

they would get killed by the Sooner Nation!!

 

[oldschoolcapper]

Scott,

I am an Auburn alumni and fan. Ask some of your fellow Trojan fans what they thought a "hostile" environment is and they will tell you that last night doesn't compare.

And here's something to think about...let's do a little poll.......

All Oklahoma, Texas, LSU, and Georgia fans.....would you rather play your open with a cupcake and then play your tough conference schedule (all playing 3-5 ranked teams), or open in the "hostile" neutral Fed Ex Field against an unranked team then cruise through the rest of the schedule playing only 1 or 2 ranked teams the whole way???

I think we all know the answer to that question.

osc