Fiesta Bowl Field Guide: Ohio State's Four Necessities for Victory

SportsCenter has coined the phrase "same face, new place" many times. With the Ohio State Buckeyes and their repetitive appearances in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, I may have just given Rece Davis some new material to open up the Buckeyes' highlights.

Unfortunately, if Coach Jim Tressel's senior-laden squad wants those highlights and the score to be on the smiling side when the fourth quarter game clock hits all zeros, he may want to take some of the following precautions. 

So Buckeye fans, buckle up, remain calm, and know where your exits are if any of the following suggestions nosedive.

Have offensive coordinator Jim Bollman call the plays

Tressel has become way too predictable and conservative with his play-calling. Many times he has not utilized his most prized possession and recruit, Terrelle Pryor. Big rewards come from big risks, and let's face it, Tressel has failed to prove he can step outside his comfort box when crunch time comes around.

With Bollman at the helm of the offense, wide receiver Ray Small could get more touches on "trick plays" and end-arounds that might give the Buckeyes a much-needed boost.

Pass early and often

You can count on Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and his defense to show up on Jan. 5, despite the National Championship snub. Their front seven is as tenacious and dangerous as ever, but their secondary is the exact opposite. Their defense ranks in the 100s in giving up pass yards, and while that could be because of the pass-happy conference, weaker teams have found ways to exploit the defense for double-digit points.

Terrelle Pryor certainly has the arm strength and touch to find his receivers and has the ability to elude pass rushers for more time in the pocket or to break upfield. If the stingy O-line of the Buckeyes can protect Pryor, he will have a good chance throwing to receivers Brian Hartline, Brian Robiskie, Dane Sanzenbacher, and the aforementioned Ray Small. This will also open up the next key for the Buckeyes.

Pound Beanie when necessary

Junior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells may be playing his final game for the Buckeyes. If he wants his draft stock to be off the charts, he'll need to have a big game and stay healthy.

Beanie is a must-have on third-and-shorts and goal-to-goes, and the game could come down to how he and his running mates fare. Tressel will want his star to get many touches, but if Wells needs a spell, backups Dan "Boom" Herron, Brandon "Zoom" Saine, and Maurice (let's say Doom) Wells will all help keep Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo on his toes.

Show Colt McCoy the Heisman pick was right

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy has done many wonderful things in his career, but he has yet to add a win over the Buckeyes to his NFL résumé. His only game against the Buckeyes to date was two years ago in his freshman year, where his Longhorns fell short. Buckeye defensive stars James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins will need to disrupt McCoy's timing and rhythm and keep the overrated Texas receivers in check. 

For the Buckeyes to win, they will need to also win the battle at the line of scrimmage, force penalties and turnovers, and limit their own of each. The Buckeyes have the talent to win, but as their past has shown, they may not be the best "big game" team. Tressel's Buckeyes will have to come on to the field prepared with passion, confidence, and their pre-game sway, which pumps them and the crowd up.

If the Buckeyes can do most, if not all of the objectives on my checklist, they will have a great chance a winning. Pending what I just said happens, Ohio State 27, Texas 24. If not, the score will definitely change.

Come Jan. 5, the Buckeyes better forget the past, make the best of the present, and prepare for lift-off.