Ohio State Football 2K8: The Battle For Respect

tage: TEXAS

Rushing:
Beanie Wells averages 5.7 yards per run on 191 carries (1,091 yards) with eight touchdowns.

After McCoy (128 carries for 576 yards), Vondrell McGee is the Longhorns' next best runner, going 88-376 with four touchdowns.

Advantage: OHIO STATE

Receivers:
Brian Hartline is Ohio State's best wide receiver, but it is uncertain if he will be playing in the Fiesta Bowl because of an alleged curfew violation on New Year's Eve, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Regardless, Hartline averages 22.8 yards per reception and is 21-479 this season with four touchdowns. Robiskie is 37-419 with 8 touchdowns and averages 11.3 yards per reception.

The Longhorns' Jordan Shipley is 79-982 with 11 receiving touchdowns (leading the team in total touchdowns with 13 for the season) and averaging 12.4 yards per reception. Quan Cosby is 78-952 with eight touchdowns and averages 12.2 yards per reception.

Advantage: TEXAS

Expect another strong outing from McCoy and his wide receivers, who have dominated almost every game they've played this season. Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes defense need to attack McCoy in order to stop Texas' passing game, and the offensive line must figure out how to keep Brian Orakpo away from Pryor and open up routes for Wells. As this Buckeyes squad is already aware, mistakes and penalties were a huge factor in their previous losses. There is no room for error against a loaded Texas offense, while Alex Boone and the rest of the offensive line will have their hands full with the No. 2 run defense in the country.

Unfortunately, considering the Longhorns' offensive weapons, this looks to be another BCS loss for the Buckeyes. Ohio State's defense is the best Texas has seen all year, and I wouldn't be surprised if the score is tied going into the half, but Texas will pound Ohio State late in the game.

My prediction:
Texas Longhorns 31, Ohio State 17

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