Battling a Legend
There was once a time when Urban Meyer was considered a young coach, and not that he is considered an old coach now, but he’s had enough success to where his years have counted more than most.
For any up-and-coming coach — as well as any established head coach — the example set forth by Urban Meyer is one that could be followed by any number of future and current head coaches.
This has certainly been the case for USC head coach Clay Helton.
“I mean, the guy is a legend,” Helton said. “As a young coach growing up, I think all of us tried to model ourselves after Coach Meyer. Wherever he’s been, he’s had success. And one thing that I think I’ve really taken away from Coach Meyer is how he builds relationships with his players. That’s evident when you see him around his guys.
“And I think that’s a big part of college football today. It’s something that I’ve tried to emulate with our players. You can see that that’s something he’s had a long time, whether he was at Utah, Florida, now Ohio State, he finds ways to capture his players and make them play at the highest level.”
Battling a Future Legend?
USC quarterback Sam Darnold began the 2016 season as the Trojans’ backup quarterback. He ended it as the No. 1 prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.
This season, Darnold has thrown for 3,787 yards with 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, but it was his performance in last year’s Rose Bowl that caught Ohio State linebacker Chris Worley’s eye.
“I actually didn’t know who he was until last year when they played Penn State,” he said. “Because when you’re on different sides of the country for real, you don’t really get to see guys play. But my first time actually watching a USC game last year was against Penn State. He lit it up.
“So I’ve got tremendous respect for him already. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be — I’m going to have more respect as I continue to watch film and things like that – and continue to watch film on him, but he’s a tremendous talent.”
A Happy Ending
No matter how you feel about the way the Ohio State season has gone, it is impossible not to be impressed by the wins the Buckeyes have gotten, and the one win that could yet be ahead of them.
This is Chris Worley’s final season and now this is his final game. So would going out with wins over Michigan, Wisconsin, and USC be something that he will be able to appreciate years on down the road?
“I think it will be felt right then and there,” Worley said. “To say that we beat those teams, just about every team in the nation, if they can beat those teams in one year, it’s very tough to do, to beat all those teams in one year. It’s very, very hard to do. And just to know that we have that opportunity, we’re all blessed and I think the thing to do is to thank the man upstairs.”
Woody was still in his glory and Nixon was president. USC has beaten OSU seven times in a row. Think about that. I’m glad we are playing them. I only wish it was in the Rose Bowl but nonetheless it will have more meaning to me than a forgettable contrived playoff. The Buckeyes have their work cut out for them. USC will be the best team Ohio State has played since Oklahoma.
I would question the seven trojan wins ina row. We did beat OJ’s SC team at least once.
It’s true OSU has a lot of impressive wins BUT this will be the first team we have played who has a QB. who can actually hit a moving target. I believe OSU has a chance but I would take the points. It might get worse then last year. Can’t spot USC 14 & expect to win. You beat USC by passing, Never mind I’am tired!!
Rose Bowl, Jan. 1st, 1974. Archie’s Sophomore year
While we are disappointed w/o getting into the playoffs, it was clear that OSU could have some issues to keep them from winning it all. However, an 11 win season, with the B1G crown and a win over TTUN and a win over one of our nemesis USC and a Cotton Bowl title would be quite satisfying. BTW, when was the last time we beat USC?