Sugar Bowl: Why Ohio State's Defense Should Have a Chip On Its Shoulder

The 2010 Sugar Bowl pits the Big Ten Co-Champion Ohio State Buckeyes against the Arkansas Razorbacks, second in the SEC West division.  

While there is bound to be a lot of talk about the two offenses in this game, it might be the Ohio State Buckeyes' defense that has the most to prove come January 4th.

At first glance, one would have to think that it is Arkansas' defense that has more to prove, with Ohio State's defense ranking in the top 10 nationally in several categories,  including third in the nation in points allowed.

But Ohio State's strength of schedule, or lack thereof, combined with their recent performance in bowl games against SEC teams would suggest that the Silver Bullets, as the Ohio State's defense is commonly known, does indeed have something to prove.  In fact, in the only game Ohio State played against a team that is ranked in the BCS top 10, Wisconsin, the defense gave up a season-high 31 points.

In the Buckeyes favor, however, is their recent history in BCS bowl games.  Last year in the Rose Bowl, Ohio State held the high-flying spread option attack of Jeremiah Masoli and Oregon to only 17 en route to their first Bowl victory in four seasons.  Ohio State's defense was led that day by the performance of then junior defensive end Cameron Heyward.  Heyward will again be called upon to have a big day if the Buckeyes are to be successful in the Sugar Bowl.

And the Buckeyes are no stranger to Arkansas starting quarterback Ryan Mallet.  The Buckeyes played against Mallet while he was a true freshman for Michigan subbing for an injured Chad Henne.  Mallet may have different weapons around him this time, but there is no doubt that the OSU coaching staff has reminded the players aware of the talent this kid has.

So at the end of the day, while the spotlight may shine brightest on on of the two offenses on the field come Jan. 4, it just might be Ohio State's defense that has the final say on the outcome.