(Post game Texas, 2006)
Face it. Texas got screwed. There is something seriously wrong when the team you beat gets to push you aside and play for a title game.
But what’s bad for Texas (and Boise) is good for Ohio State. At this point, the Buckeyes don’t have much more to lose in the way of Bowl reputation. However, a solid game against the team that should be playing in the national championship game would go a long way toward putting some of that bad bowl mojo behind us.
I also like that fact that Texas is one of the few schools with a football program that rivals Ohio State in just sheer…how do you describe it…footballness. Texas and Ohio State are two of the largest schools with two of the largest fan bases in the country. When these two teams descend on Phoenix come Jan…let’s just say you better book your room tonight.
We all know of the Buckeyes struggles the past two years with big games. However, drop back only two seasons and suddenly, you’ve got a different story. In Dec. of 2006, we were 4-0 in the BCS including big wins over #2 ranked Texas and #2 ranked Michigan. The Buckeyes faced three #2 ranked teams that year. That was only two years ago folks. Yet all the media can seem to remember of that season was the loss to Florida.
There’s no question the long break doesn’t help anything but down in there somewhere, Tressel knows how to prepare his teams to win big games.
The Buckeyes need to do two things to beat Texas:
1. The defense needs to step up and play to their abilities. The Buckeyes have a ton of talent on defense but too often, they hold back. They need to come out looking for blood on the first play. Texas hasn’t faced a defense like Ohio State yet this year. The Buckeyes have a great secondary, probably better than anything the Long Horns have seen in a while. Combine it with serious pressure on Colt McCoy and the Bucks could throw a wrench in the Long Horns’ high scoring program.
The Buckeyes will need to hit McCoy and hit him hard on the first possession. Put the fear in his eyes and let the secondary pick up the turnovers.
2. The offensive line needs to step up and play.. When they are on, they are good. When they are off…let’s just say it’s really bad. Texas brings a powerful rush defense which means Pryor is going to need to throw the ball. No question his passing game looked much better toward the end of the season.
Pryor showed great improvement coming off the bye week. Let’s hope he can continue to grow like that during the mini off season ahead.
Of the possible BCS games, I think I like this one best. Sure, an ACC bowl slumpbust might have been fun but honestly, what would have gained from that. The Rose Bowl would have been nice but nobody wanted to see a USC rematch this year. We play them next year in the Shoe. We’ll get our chance then.
However, a win over Texas at the Fiesta and a win over USC next fall and suddenly, reputation won’t be much of a problem for the Buckeyes. Both games will be high stake affairs and I say bring it on.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This could be a great game, or a blow-out for Texas. I don’t have much confidence in the Bucks putting together a great game on a big stage against a solid team like Texas.
When I take my Scarlet colored glasses off, I see defense being stretched out, out gunned, and out run. I think Pryor will be a great QB, and this game will be a valuable, albeit painful, lesson along his bumpy learning curve.
This is going to be one of the better bowl games this year. I think both teams will match up well. Texas’s offense is good, really good, and Ohio State is going to need to keep it in check in order to have a chance. But if the Buckeyes defense, which is highy underrated, plays to their potential then Ohio State will have a great chance to win. The Buckeye defence is one of the best in the country. Their d-line is strong and is backed up really well by one of the best linebacker groupings in the nation, led by James Laurinaitis. Their secondary is also one of the best, led by Malcolm Jenkins. Texas will not have met a defense like this and are not going to put up the numbers we’ve seen all year. Ohio State’s offense will have to play their best game of the season facing a strong Texas defense. Everything starts with Terrelle Pryor. With Texas’s strong run defense, Ohio State will be forced to throw more. That’s not to say Texas will shut down Ohio State’s running game. Remember the Buckeye’s have Chris “Beanie” Wells, arguably the best running back in the nation. If any running back stands a chance to expose a defense’s weakness, it’s him. Terrelle Pryor is going to have to throw the ball. He showed considerable improvement in his passing game at the end of the season, and he’s going to need to be on point this game. Texas’s secondary is good, but will face tough recievers who are good at getting open. If Terrelle Pryror establishes his passing game then running will certainly be easier.
Both teams need to play their best game of the year in order to win. Undoubtedly, both Texas and Ohio State will be up to the challenge. This game is going to be heated and intense. Two great football programs with a rich history, as well as a great rivalry produced over the past few years. Like I said this is going to be a great game, I look forward to seeing how it plays out. My prediction, Ohio State will come out on top in a close game 27-21.
If Texas doesn’t come out flat, (like they did against Tech), look for Ohio State to get a good ol’ fashioned butt whuppin from Texas. Face it, Ohio State is plain lucky to be in the bowl and if it weren’t for money, they wouldn’t be in the bowl other than a crap bowl. It’s just another example of how screwed up the BCS is. As Lindell White says, Ohio State still……(you know).