Fiesta Bowl 2009: Ohio State vs Texas

[Nate]

Fiesta Bowl

When: January 5th, 2009
Time: 8:00pm
Media: Fox

Here we go! 

 

[ScarletBlooded]

A huge test for our Buckeyes and I hope they'll be able to get past Texas which proves to be no easy task.

Our offense can handle themselves, the Defense however will want to keep their eyes open and their feet mobile. Colt McCoy can sling that football with excellent precision.

[AutoModGod]

Keys to the game tonight ...

1.  Pryor needs to be a factor with his legs first and his arm second.  If he takes off out of the backfield and makes the Texas D pay early in the game, that will give him more time to throw and could open up the running game for Beanie between the tackles.   Offensively, Pryor's play will be the key to our offensive success or lack thereof.

2.  We need to get pressure on McCoy, which means our DL needs to play as well as they have all year. 

3.  We need to lock Texas's WRs down with Jenkins and Chekwa.  Those two are capable of locking anyone down if we give them a chance to do it.  We cannot afford to play Big Ten style zone defense on the big stage any longer (see Rose Bowl).   If we play like that, our only hope is that McCoy has a horrible day, otherwise McCoy might complete 95% of his passes against us.

As for predictions, I don't think that defensively we will play the way we will need to play in order to stay in the game.  I also don't think our offense can score with UT in a scoring fest. Unless, UT shoots itself in the foot, I don't expect us to win tonight.

I hope I am wrong, very wrong!

Go Bucks!       

[Nate]

If we come out in a freakin zone again I think Tressel is going to have to get rid of his defensive coaches or the fans just might riot. 

We have the defensive talent to play with anyone.   Well, maybe not the best DL but they have played well down the stretch.   We need them tonight. 

I agree, we need Pryor to keep the UT defense honest by the threat of the run.  If they're scared he's going to run they'll have to have LBs or DBs spy him which will open up receivers for big plays.   

We just need the defense to hold UT offense honest.  We can't let them blow up in the 2nd quarter like USC did.   The defense needs to pound on McCoy early and hard and stay on him.   

This team has just had a way of letting things get out of hand quick.  If they can prevent an offensive burst, I think we're going to be fine.

[FlaBuck]

I agree with everyones setiments.............here are mine.........

Defensively, we need pressure on Colt, but also we cannot allow him out of the pocket. We need to keep him contained. And it might take a series or two.........but Laurenitis of Freeman or someone is gonna get a hard hit on him to slow him a bit. I also hope that practiced defending the hurry up offense..............

The Zone sh** I agree needs to left at the Hotel.............we cannot lay back and let these guys run thier routes.

Offensively,  it needs to be the Beanie and Pryor show................and don't be afraid to spread that run defense out with the plethera of young recievers to pepper the Texas secondary with. Two names to keep an eye on ..........Devier Poesy ( freshman WR ) and Taurian Washington ( sophmore WR ).


I would love  to see Tressel control the ball..........and keep Colt and that offense off the field as much as possible.Which means alot rides on the O-line play ( they need to play pissed off )  We do that ...........we are in good shape.

[FlaBuck]

I am watching Sportscenter.........and they are pimping McCoy and his offensive stats...............


but they are leaving out an important factor into those pumped up stats.................thier against defenses ranked 53rd or higher...............c'mon

[mjp28]

My prediction, well how about the BUCKEYES just get tired of the low expectations, B10 letdowns and just go out and kick some butt.

I don't care what XO scheme they run, how about just blow people off the line and a good dose of Beanie & Pryor plus some long balls. The "D" getting some turnovers, just play sound football.

OHIO STATE 34 Tex-ass 24......yeah, go ahead and take OHIO STATE +8'.
 

[FlaBuck]

Well put Mjp.............well put my friend..........

[Nate]

We're a little rusty.  Robie should have fought to keep that ball.  Pryor needed one more step before he steps out of bounds.   We're moving the ball for the most part. 

Now the defense is up.  Let's hope they can hold McCoy and the Texas offense in check.

[Nate]

Great job defense.  3 and out!  Whoot.  That's what I wanted to see.  They rocked the ball carrier on the first play and did well to defense the screen and next pass play.  Very nice.  WE need to be nasty on defense.  I want to see them hit and hit all night.