Longhorns, Buckeyes Collide for Third Time in Four Years in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

Alright everyone, you can come out now. The smoke is finally clearing from the battle over the BCS.

We now have a set National Title game: Florida vs. Oklahoma.

Whether these two teams deserved to be there is seemingly irrelevant now, as there is nothing that can be done to change the mind of the six BCS computers.

For the Texas Longhorns, this last week, has been a nightmare. Just a few weeks ago, Texas was preparing for its second National Title appearance in four years. Then the computers spoke: Oklahoma, not Texas, was to be the representative in the Big XII title game, - Bob Stoops' squad a trip to Miami on January 7th.

Despite a 45-35 victory over their rivals back in October, the BCS felt OU was the better pick because of the Sooners' recent success.

But alas, the 11-1 Texas Longhorns were awarded a spot in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against the Buckeyes of Ohio State. These two teams are familiar foes as they have faced each other twice in the last four years.

The first meeting between these two storied programs came on Spetember 10th, 2005 in Columbus. Vince Young led the Longhorns to a dramatic 25-22 victory, cementing Texas' run at the National Title.

The two teams would meet again the following season in Austin. The Buckeyes, led by soon-to-be Hesiman Trophy winner Troy Smith, defeated a young Texas team, 24-7. Like Texas the year before, Ohio State would end up in the National Title.

This season, the Longhorns finished at 11-1 (7-1), tied with Oklahoma and Texas Tech for first in the Big XII South.

The Longhorns are led this year by their fearless quarterback, Colt McCoy. The Heisman trophy finalist has been the do-it-all guy for the Horns this season, throwing for 3,445 yards and rushing for 576 yards, with 42 total touchdowns on the year.

His gutsy play has earned him the respect of his teammates and a burnt orange nation seeking another hero to lead them back to the promised land.

With McCoy at the helm, the Longhorns are averaging 43 points a game and 487 yards of offense, both of which are in the top 10 nationally. The Red Raiders of Texas Tech were the only team all year to slow down the Texas attack, and even then Texas had the lead with one second left in the game.

McCoy's two primary receivers, seniors Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby, have been very reliable all season long, grabbing 19 touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards receiving between them.

Shipley has been especially good at returning kicks and punts, as he has taken three to the house this season.

The Texas defense, led by the always entertaining Will Muschamp, has steadily improved over the course of the season. The traditionally stout run defense held form this season, holding opponents to a mere 73 yards the ground, good for second in the nation.

The defensive line, led by the Bronco Nagurski award winner, Brian Orakpo, has had a fantastic year, sacking opposing quarterbacks 42 times, which is tops in the nation.

Though the secondary is incredibly young, starting two freshman safeties, it has steadily improved over the last few games of the year. Senior corner Ryan Palmer has been the anchor of the secondary and has become a reliable play maker.

Ohio State's season has been a bit of an enigma. The Buckeyes boast a 10-2 record and own a share of the Big Ten title with Penn State.

However, in the two Prime Time games the Buckeyes have played in this season, they have faltered. Against USC in September, the Buckeyes were demolished 35-3. The Buckeyes would lose a defensive battle with Penn State 13-6 in late October.

Apart from the blunders, Ohio State has been a consistent football team all season. Though the offense isn't all that explosive, averaging 28 points per game, the Buckeye attack is led by freshman quarterback, Terrell Pryor. The young single caller is both physically imposing (6'6, 230 lbs) and one of the most gifted athletes in the nation.

Pryor's running ability is his best weapon (553 yards on the ground) as he improves on reading defensive coverages.

Tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells is one of the nation's premier running backs, and before his early season injury, many believed he was a Heisman front runner. The Buckeye bruiser hasn't missed a step since returning from his injury, as he has rushed for 1,091 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

The strength of this Buckeye team has been its defense, which is annually one of the best in the nation. The Buckeyes have held their opponents to 13 points per game and a mere 279 yards of offense.

The Buckeyes rely on senior linebacker James Laurinaitis, who leads the team with 121 tackles. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy should be familiar with Laurinaitis, as the linebacker disrupted the Longhorn offense in their 2006 meeting, picking off McCoy during a crucial part of the game.

Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins has been stellar as well, making a huge impact on both defense and special teams.

Texas and Ohio State have combined for 1,639 victories all time, a very impressive figure. These two storied programs are feared nationally and will get the chance to add yet another chapter in their short, but entertaining history.

If Texas is to win, Colt McCoy will have to be himself. It's that simple. If he lets the game come to him and doesn't force any plays, he should be successful behind a stout Longhorn offensive line.

On the flip side, the Buckeyes must find a way to get pressure on McCoy. You've got to figure Laurinaitis will be a key factor in doing so.

Additionally, Terrell Pryor must not let the pressure get to him. Because he is not yet an expert thrower, he will have to rely on his athleticism a little more than Jim Tressel would like. If the Buckeyes aren't able to get Beanie Wells moving to keep pressure off Pryor, the Texas defense will have an easy assignment and will take the game over.

Look for another classic game between these two powerhouses. The Buckeyes will stay competitive until early in the third quarter, when Colt McCoy and his explosive offense will take hold and pull away for good.


Prediction: Texas 38 Ohio State 24