Cheap Shots

Last night’s game was by far the most interesting of the three memorable OSU-USC games I have covered.  Before the game started, you could tell this was going to be a big game.  The press box was packed, and once I made it down to the field I noticed there were about twice as many photographers on the sidelines.

The game was televised, so there was the usual camera cart behind the visitors’ bench.  This game had a second camera on a crane on the visitors’ sideline, and a third on cables hanging above the field.

During the first half, most of the photographers I spoke with on the sidelines were pretty shocked the Beavers had a 21-point lead. It was pretty obvious that Jacquizz Rodgers was the story, because most of our photos were of him running right at the USC defense.

With two minutes to go, students began jumping over the wall, and the State Police and security began to line the back end of the end zone.  Twice before I have tried to shoot from field level as the students rush the field.  It is pretty difficult to shoot in a crowd like that with a telephoto lens and monopod combo balanced on your shoulder.

This year I tried something different. With about a minute and a half to go, I made my way to the top of the stands at the corner of the end zone.  My idea was to make a photo of the students as they rushed onto the field celebrating the upset.

Our original plan was to leave the game in the third quarter unless it was close.  We had to switch to plan B and decided to walk back to the office. We were already behind schedule and were worried we would get stuck in post-game traffic.

Back at the office I discovered that our software could not open the celebration photos I had made at the end of the game. The solution was to run home — I live within a mile of the office — to work up the photo and run back.  I made it just before deadline

We have had many compliments on our coverage and both the front page and the sports front page were on ESPN. While it was both exciting and exhausting covering the game, I sure am glad USC does not play here every year.

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