Will McCoy be able to pick apart the Buckeyes' D?
The Texas Longhorns have a lot to prove tonight when they face the tenth ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Texas fans have been screaming for months that they, not [tag]Oklahoma[/tag], deserved the chance to play for a national title and if they need to win tonight to help their case. The Buckeyes are the best defense the Horns have faced all season and if they can win and put big points on the scoreboard there’s still an outside shot of a split national title.
Check out our predictions for the game below…
Brian – Texas hasn’t faced a defense as tough as Ohio State’s all year long but there aren’t any Big 10 offenses in the same league as the high-powered [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] led Longhorns. OSU’s young quarterback Terrelle Pryor will make a few plays but the Texas pass rush should also force some huge mistakes. I think [tag]Brian Orakpo[/tag] is headed for a huge performance in his last game in the burnt orange. If the Horns slow down running back Beanie Wells than they win, it’s that simple. Texas 34 – Ohio State 21.
Matt – The rubber match between these two teams looks like it could be another instant classic. If you look at the major factors here, Texas clearly has the advantage. You have Colt McCoy versus a freshman, an offensive line that should dominate, and a defensive line that puts serious pressure with just their front four. Pryor looks like he will be a good qb, but he just doesn’t have the experience right now. I think [tag]Will Muschamp[/tag] will have a field day with him and Texas will control this game. Look for a close game early and then Texas will pull away late. Texas 38 – Ohio State 20.
Mike – Texas isn’t where they want to be. The team has to feel like they should be playing [tag]Florida[/tag] in Miami for the BCS championship. In years past the possibility of playing flat would be on everybody’s mind. The combination of the makeup of this team and the coaching staff has most believing the Longhorns will come to play Monday night. The game won’t be as easy as some are making it out to be because of Ohio State’s power running game and their defense which will be the best UT faces all year. Texas has too much speed and Will Muschamp will do everything he can to keep the Buckeyes true freshman quarterback off balance. It will be tight early, but expect the Longhorns to pull away late. Texas 31 – Ohio State 17
reply to #1
Matt
January 5th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
All pretty similar scores.
reply to #2
Erin
January 5th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
This will be a tough game, for wither team…. I can’t wait til my friend gets back with the report. He will be there to get pictures for me. Can’t say that I am a Texas fan, except through connections.
reply to #3
Vince
January 5th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I say both of these teams are evenly matched but I think texas has the advantage with Colt McCoy’s experiece at the quaterback position over the freshman Terelle Pryor
reply to #4
Brian
January 5th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
@Matt: Yeah I’m thinking it’ll be a pretty comfortable 4th quarter though and tOSU scores late to make it closer.
reply to #5
Brian
January 5th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Orangebloods staff predictions are right in line with ours as well: 34-23, 31-21, and 31-17.