Column: Can Troy give OSU a scare?

COLUMBUS - In a statement that surely will make him a finalist for this year's Lou Holtz Award for inflating an opponent far beyond its true size and strength, Jim Tressel called today's game against Troy "the most dangerous game on Ohio State's schedule."

Forget that beating at No. 1-ranked Southern California last Saturday night. Forget that night game at Wisconsin in two weeks. Don't worry about Penn State coming into Ohio Stadium next month or that trip to Michigan State.

Troy, a team that has been in NCAA Division I only eight seasons, is the scariest game on the schedule. Troy, a team that is 1-13 lifetime against ranked teams, is the scariest game on the schedule.

Granted, a loss to a team like Troy would rattle many Ohio State fans more than if their bank failed.

But calling Troy the most dangerous game on the schedule is a little like saying the scariest trick-or- treat outfit you've ever seen was that neighbor kid who dressed up as an accountant last year.

How about saying Troy is the scariest team from a town of 14,000 people in southeastern Alabama where Hank Williams Jr. used to live that has sent several players to the NFL who is on Ohio State's schedule this season?

Ohio State is in need of a win, not a scare, today. Considering the way OSU played in losing 35-3 at USC last week and in barely getting by Ohio University the week before, maybe this game is dangerous.

If Ohio State plays the way it did in those games, everyone becomes dangerous.

The Buckeyes also are dealing with the disappointment of knowing they won't be going back to the BCS national championship game. They're dealing with the absence of standout running back Chris Wells for a third straight game and with a possible shake-up at quarterback.

In an un-Tressel-like move this week, the Ohio State coach has publicly entertained the idea of giving freshman Terrelle Pryor significant playing time at the expense of senior starter Todd Boeckman only three games into the season. He also wouldn't rule out starting Pryor.

So, how does Troy measure up? Is there some danger here?

The Trojans (2-0) pounded Alcorn State 65-0 last week and opened with a 31-17 win over Middle Tennessee.

They play a spread offense and have averaged 45 passes a game so far this season. Quarterback Jamie Hampton, who was recruited by Purdue, has thrown for 459 yards and five touchdowns, even though he was pulled out of the game at halftime last Saturday.

Their 31-17 win over Middle Tennessee State looks solid after the Blue Raiders went on to beat Maryland and lost only 20-14 to Kentucky. Alcorn State is another story, though, having been outscored 94-0 in its last two games.

So, can Ohio State handle disappointment? Can it handle the distraction of alternating or changing quarterbacks? Is it ready for a team determined to prove it belongs in Division I?

Yes. Yes and yes. But not without a struggle or two.

The prediction: Ohio State 31, Troy 14