Saturday

Trojan Romp

The biggest regular season collegiate football game in three seasons will pit two of the nation’s top programs against each other for far more than bragging rights today, when No. 5 Ohio State takes on No. 1 USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Barring injuries at skill positions (a factor that last year mercilessly plagued prognosticators), USC will manhandle an athletic, run-stopping veteran Buckeye defensive line, while a mobile Mark Sanchez will frustrate OSU blitz packages.

Special teams play will favor Ohio State. A blocked field goal by OSU, and a few ill-advised throws by Sanchez might keep the game close for the Buckeyes. But a healthy, well-rested, Pete Carroll prepared Trojan squad will break the game open in the second half, and the Heisman buzz will begin on Sanchez.

USC 31 Ohio State 16