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Palmer gives his take on OSU vs. USC, the Bengals' upcoming season

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By Tom Archdeacon, Staff Writer 2:43 AM Thursday, September 10, 2009

CINCINNATI — What a difference a year makes.

Four days before his Cincinnati Bengals season was to begin — and just three before his beloved Southern Cal Trojans meet Ohio State at Ohio Stadium — quarterback Carson Palmer held court during his team’s lunch break Wednesday, Sept. 9.

In the process, he spoke quite differently than he did a year ago about everything from Chad Ochocinco and his own running backs to OSU, of whom he so famously told a Los Angeles radio station in 2008: “I cannot stand the Buckeyes and having to live in Ohio and hear those people talk about their team. It drives me absolutely nuts.”

One topic Palmer didn’t try to retouch Wednesday was his assertion in last week’s Sports Illustrated that — because of the game’s violent collisions — “somebody is going to die in the NFL.”

This time he brought up the elimination of the protective wedge for kick returners:

“That’s gonna create some dangerous hits. Guys are going to be coming full speed from 80 yards. ... And it’s hard for a kick returner to see a guy ... running with 4.4 speed right up the middle of the field. I’ve been on a team where a guy broke his neck. I’m not saying it’s gonna happen, but it’s a possibility.”

As for his own health — and the ankle injury that hampered his preseason — he said he’s back “100 percent.”

And he wasn’t about to turn himself into a pinata again for OSU fans. Although his Trojans did rout the Bucks 35-3 last year and are a six-point favorite again, he was diplomatic:

“This one’s a little tough to judge — especially the way Navy played (OSU) last week and with a rookie at quarterback (for USC). But when you’ve got Terrelle Pryor, you’re always in the game. He showed that last year in the bowl game ... where he just took over.”

He thinks the Bengals running backs — Cedric Benson, Bernard Scott, Brian Leonard and DeDe Dorsey — will make a statement this season, as well.

“They’re four very unique guys with four different skill sets. I don’t know if we’ve had that since I’ve been here. ... It was one spot on the roster where everyone was holding their breath to see what would happen. It’s tough to keep four guys, but it’d be even tougher to cut one.”

When it came to Ochocinco, he believes the veteran receiver is headed for a huge year after last season’s funk derailed him:

“One reason is just his attitude. He’s come in so focused ... and then there’s his work ethic. In my seven years, I’ve never seen a receiver be able to take every rep. (But) he just never gets tired. He’s like Bruce Bowen of the Spurs.

“And Chad doesn’t age. He may be 31, but he acts like he’s 19 and he plays like his body is 20. ... He’s got a good shot to take over the No. 1 slot (among NFL receivers) again.”

While he was in prediction mode, Palmer was asked again about Saturday’s USC-OSU game. This time there was no hesitation, just a smile:

“I still think my boys are gonna take care of business.”

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The Bengals will go 10-6... Carson Palmer will go to the Pro Bowl along with 85.... USC will crush OSU 35-13... Michigan will beat OSU and win the Big 10.... Florida will beat USC to win their 3rd national Title in 4 years.... The Stock market will be 11,000 by December 31 2010... World Peace will be acheived on December 21 2012.... gas prices will be 2.00 a gallon by the end of the year. The Reds will win the pennant in 2019....

Harry the Horse
7:51 PM, 9/12/2009

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When you have only one Big Time team in your state then what else is there? Fight On

Beege
9:59 PM, 9/11/2009

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35 - 3 last year....this year might be much worse....usc might pull out a large can of whipazz this year.....they used a small can last year.....OUCH

nyc
7:57 PM, 9/11/2009

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Just because you live in ohio doesn't mean you have to root for or like the buckeyes. That'd be like saying you have to root for the bengals or browns just because you live here. What is funny is that most of the people that got mad at Palmer's comments didn't even go to Ohio State.

I went to Northwestern and I have someone at work who didn't go to college telling me I have to root for the buckeyes because I live in Ohio. Hilarious.

amanda
5:25 PM, 9/11/2009

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I agree with every word Palmer said last year. I hope the buckeyes have their helmets on tight, have fun looking at the game through your ear holes. OSU will look like Jerry Lewis playing.

vest
5:22 PM, 9/11/2009

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