COMING UP NEXT
Ohio State Has Work To Do Before Facing USC
Terrelle Pryor, top, and Ohio State's offense converted just 3 of 12 third downs in Saturday's win over Navy.
(By Terry Gilliam -- Associated Press)
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Ohio State has made a bit of a habit in recent seasons of turning in shaky performances in the week prior to its matchup against Southern California. In 2008, the Buckeyes trailed by two entering the fourth quarter against Ohio before prevailing by 12. They then lost to USC by 32 points.
On Saturday, No. 6 Ohio State needed an interception on a late two-point conversion attempt to seal a win over Navy. Next up for the Buckeyes is a No. 4 USC squad that gained significant confidence for its freshman quarterback, Matt Barkley, in a 56-3 rout of San Jose State.
Despite forcing three turnovers, the Ohio State defense gave up 342 total yards and allowed the Midshipmen to hang around all afternoon. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor showed individual improvement, but the Buckeyes' offense converted 3 of 12 third downs.
Chief among Coach Jim Tressel's concerns are his squad's inability to convert short-yardage situations and its inept secondary coverage -- especially late in the game -- on defense.
Ohio State went for it on fourth and two from the Navy 15 with less than seven minutes remaining in the game and failed. On the next play, Navy completed an 85-yard touchdown pass, making it a one-possession game.
The Midshipmen scored two touchdowns in just less than four minutes in the final quarter.
