The first week of college football came up with few surprises, especially on the local front. USC and UCLA beat teams that they were suppose to beat.
Saturday afternoon will be the first big test for both schools. No.4 USC travels to No. 6 Ohio State for a 5 o’clock game and UCLA goes to Knoxville at 1 o’clock to play Tennessee.
These games will go a long way in determining what type of seasons both teams will have.
One game does not make a season, but these two games are extremely important.
At Columbus, the Trojans will face one of the best young quarterbacks in the nation in Terrelle Pryor, a Michael Vick-type quarterback who can beat you with his arm or legs.
Ohio State opened up last week with a 31-27 victory over a good Navy team that has an outstanding quarterback, a solid running game and good wide receivers.
If USC plays good defense and stays away from turnovers, the Trojans should win if the offense stays on the field long enough.
USC's offense is so good that starting a freshmen quarterback, Matt Barkley, does not limit the potential of one of the best offenses in the nation. They have one of the best offensive lines in the country, one of the best wide receivers in the nation in Damian Williams and the best multi-purpose fullback in America, StanleyHavili.
If the Trojans have a weakness, it is an inexperienced defense. Although they have an All-American safety in Taylor Mays, their defense has a lot of young players.
UCLA will play a Tennessee team that scored 63 points and gave up 7 against Western Kentucky.
UCLA's defense must play better if they expect to control an offense that is must better than last year. The Bruins' defense is led by three former Los Angeles high school players who are some of the best players at their positions in the nation — defensive lineman Brian Price (Crenshaw), linebacker Reggie Carter (Crenshaw) and Rahim Moore (Dorsey).
Moore, a freshmen starter last year, had three interceptions in the Bruins’ 33-14 win over San Diego State last week.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
