Ohio State-Texas: The Complete Fiesta Bowl Guide

No. 10 Ohio State (10-2) vs. No. 3 Texas (11-1)

Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, 8:00 PM ET

University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

Spread: Texas -8

How they got here...

The Ohio State Buckeyes started the year of with very high expectations. With 20 returning starters, the Buckeyes, who went to the previous two BCS National Championship Games, were expected by many to make a third consecutive appearance.

In the pre-season AP Poll, the Buckeyes were ranked second, behind the Georgia Bulldogs, receiving 21 first place votes to Georgia's 22.

But the Buckeyes ran into trouble early.

In the third week of the season, Ohio State traveled to Los Angeles to take on the USC Trojans in a game considered by most to be the game of the year. But the Trojans proved to be too much for the Buckeyes, and USC went on to win the game, 35-3.

From that point on, the word "overrated" was generally used when discussing the perennial Big Ten powerhouse, and much respect was lost.

The rest of the season was built upon gaining that respect back.

The Buckeyes went on to win five straight before losing their second game of the season to Big Ten opponent Penn State 13-6 in a thrilling conference matchup.

Ohio State was given the "at large" bid to the Fiesta Bowl over Boise State, and are playing in this bowl for the fourth time in seven years.

It's hard to believe, but Texas was ranked as the third best team in the Big 12 at the start of the 2008 season.

Oklahoma and Missouri were both ranked ahead of the Longhorns early on, and it wasn't until Oct. 11, when Texas beat Oklahoma and Missouri lost to Oklahoma State, that the Longhorns moved past the two conference foes and also grabbed the No. 1 position in the AP Poll.

But Texas would run into some trouble of their own.

After winning six games to start the season, the Longhorns fell to in-state rival Texas Tech, 39-33.

This game would prove to be very significant in the Big 12 standings. Texas Tech would go on to lose to Oklahoma, thus creating a three way tie in the Big 12 South.

There was much debate about which of the three teams would represent the South division in the Big 12 championship game. But ultimately it would go to Oklahoma because they were ranked higher in the BCS standings.

Texas would argue their case for not only the Big 12 championship game, but also the BCS National Championship game, because they are the only team to have defeated the Sooners.

With Oklahoma going to Miami, the Longhorns were invited to the Fiesta Bowl to face the Ohio State team that beat them 27-7 in 2006.

Statistically speaking...

Ohio State's storied defense was once again a major factor in the Buckeyes' success.

Led by senior linebacker James Laurinaitis, the Buckeyes only gave up 16 touchdowns to their opponents and only 279 yards-per-game. Ohio State ranked seventh nationally, allowing only 13.1 points-per-contest.

The Buckeye offense, on the other hand, went through two major changes during the 2008 season.

First, Heisman hopeful and star running back Chris Wells was injured in the first game and wouldn't return until week five. Despite missing three games, Wells was able to rack up 1,091 yards on 191 carries.

The second change came as coach Jim Tressel decided to start freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor instead of senior Todd Boeckman after the USC loss.

Pryor won the hearts of many Buckeye fans as he led the team to a final 10-2 record. He had an impressive 152.1 QB rating and passed for 1,245 yards. He also added 553 yards rushing.

Texas was famous this year for their high powered offense, led by junior quarterback Colt McCoy. McCoy was a Heisman trophy finalist, and threw for 3,445 yards. He also led the nation in passing percentage, completing his passes 77.6 percent of the time.

McCoy was also a running threat, tacking on 576 rushing yards for the season.

The Longhorns boast the best defense in the Big 12 conference. Allowing only 18.6 points-per-game and 339.9 yards-per-contest, Texas' defense also came up with six interceptions.

Ohio State wins if...

...they keep pressure on Colt McCoy. The Buckeye defense will need to play the game of their lives. If they can keep McCoy uncomfortable in the pocket, he is more likely to make mistakes.

Ohio State will also have to use up the clock on offense to keep the Texas defense on the field. Chris Wells is one of, if not the best, back in the country and will need to have a big game running the ball and keeping the Longhorns winded.

Texas wins if...

...their defense stops Ohio State's running game. Chris Wells averaged over 121 yards-per-game, and that was with an injured toe. Wells is said to be at 100 percent for this game, and that could be trouble for the Longhorns. Wells is known for being big in big games.

Colt McCoy will also need to handle the intimidating Buckeye defense and play his style of football. Texas is averaging more than 44 points-per-game, thanks to McCoy's arm, and Ohio State has only scored 44 points twice this season. Even if the Buckeyes have a good game offensively, the Longhorns are very capable of just simply outscoring them.

B/R Expert Picks:

Trey Bradley                    Texas

Lisa Horne                       Texas

Mitch                             Texas

Brian Scott                      Texas

David Wunderlich              Ohio State

Justin Goar                       Texas

GeorgiaDawg                    Texas

Michael Cline                    Ohio State