Will Vince/UT come out hot?

[Favpack]

Vince comes into the Rose Bowl with a huge chip on his shoulder - similar to West Virginia being told they couldn't compete in the BCS at Georgia - does VY come out on fire - or will he be a bit rusty?

I think this is the key. IF Texas can go into halftime up 24-14 or so, I think they can win. If VY finds his rhythm early - I think he has a huge game. If he makes a few mistakes early and USC gets rolling - it could be a big loss.

Outside of Ok. State and maybe A&M, UT typically takes it to the house early and often in the first half - I see that trend continuing - I think they put up 21 to 28 first half points.

Then the D must respond with a few good 3rd qtr. stops - and it wouldn't hurt to lay major wood on Bush and Matty early and often in the 3rd qtr. as well. Outside of Leinart last year - the Heisman trophy winner usually is raw meat come bowl time- ala Jason White two years ago, Chris Weinke a few years back -- going all the way back to A&M stealing Tim Brown's lucky hand towel in the Cotton Bowl 15 years ago.

[KT2000]

VY is the last Texas player I'm concerned about for a game like this. I'll be looking for the Longhorn WRs, OLBs and DBs to come out with some fire. If Texas plays similar to the way they did against Colorado, they can win by at least 2 touchdowns in my opinion.

[wide-e-wide]

I agree with KT...I'm not worried about Vince...that dude is cool no matter what the circumstances...If Texas can jump out in front early...Look out...they score in bunches....and the defense will tee-off on pretty boy and the game will get out of hand real quick.

[jtk1519]

There is only one position that I am at all worried about... OLB. There will be a ton of pressure on Babino and Kill. They have to have solid games for the Texas defense to be effective.

I'm gonna make a prediction and say that Jamaal Charles is the talk of the Rose Bowl by the time the game is over. Since he is finally back to 100%, I expect him to have a HUGE game rushing and receiving. Pete Carroll love to blitz which will open up a lot of short passes and swing passes to the RBs. I like Jamaal in the open field against USC's defense.

[KT2000]

Greg Davis loves to work the short passing game, and this could be a game when that really pays off if USC is overly concerned with coming after Young. Also, if they want to blitz that'll leave lanes for VY to tuck and run through. He's converted 3rd/4th and longs with his legs multiple times. The OLBs are the key to the Texas defense in this game. Also, USC needs a huge effort from the interior of their defense (DLs back to safeties) if they want to avoid a shoot out. I list UT WRs because USC corners aren't very good this year. Pittman could have a huge game.

If you want an X Man to look for in this game...Billy Pittman is the one to watch in my opinion. If he can get open for Vince in the passing game, look out. Ohio State and Oklahoma can tell you about Mr. Pittman. One of the pleasant surprises of this season.

My X Men for this game:

Offense- WR Billy Pittman
Defense- LB Andrew Kelson

Kelson will probably sub in for Killebrew in passing situations to cover USC's TE Dominique Byrd. Byrd had a huge game against OU last year, and Kelson's coverage ability could be very valuable in this game.

Those two were huge difference makers in Columbus and they can make a difference in this one too.

[jtk1519]

My X man on defense would probably be Michael Huff since he will probably be on Reggie Bush patrol. Bush is their big play man. You limit him and you limit USC. Simple as that. Of course, that's easier said than done.

[KT2000]

Definitely Re: Huff. I didn't list him because he's as important to the defense in this game as VY is on offense...was going for more "unknowns" or guys we need to step up.

I should have listed all the OLBs as potential X Men in this one. Bobino, Killebrew, and Kelson. Each can also make plays on special teams.

[jtk1519]

I would love to see Kill have a huge game.

[Favpack]

Clearly the defense has to play their best game of the year and I think they can and willl - the D is subsantially faster than Notre Dame's - bigger upfront and harder-hitters.

The reason I mention Vince is simply because he will be lethal if he finds his throwing and run/throw feel early on. Remember the Ohio State game - two quick, early scores before they had a clue what he was about? It could be 3-4 early scores before the Trojans get any feel for his speed. Conversely, USC always starts slow - except for no D UCLA. That's why I think it's important to come out cranking - and I think they do.

[stevefoxsc]

my X men is wolverine!!!