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(This 'analysis' and prediction is a paid advertisement that will run as a sticky post from 12/31/08 - 1/6/09. The 'expert' who provided it may or may not contribute to this thread if there are questions, comments, and/or good-natured ridicule. --C.)
Fiesta Bowl - Texas vs. Ohio State: Pat Hawkins
The two loss Ohio State Buckeyes (5-6 against the spread) caught a break by getting a BCS bid. Meanwhile, the Longhorns (9-3 ATS) have to be disappointed as they were snubbed by the BCS computers to make the Big XII championship game...and a chance at playing for a national title. Ohio State has played in the last two national championship games, performing poorly in both appearances (0-2 ATS). The Buckeyes are averaging 192 YPG on the ground but will face a very under-rated Texas defense that ranks second nationally against the rush (73.6 YPG).
On the other side of the ball, the Longhorns' offense can score in bunches as evidenced by them scoring 44 points per contest. Make no mistake; it will be difficult for the Bucks to slow this unit down. However, this might be the stiffest defense that Texas will face all season; the Buckeyes have been tough on defense allowing 12 PPG. After giving up 35 to USC in September, Ohio State has only allowed 21 points once all season and that was in garbage time against Minnesota. For OSU to have any success in this match, they'll have to have its ground game moving with Chris "Beanie" Wells. The Buckeyes having an effective running attack will allow Terrelle Pryor to be more of a dual threat...especially in play action situations.
Texas has been very successful playing against non-conference opponents going 6-0 ATS in their last six games, but hasn't fared well in the role of a favorite in bowl games going 2-6 ATS.
Keep your eyes on news reports to make sure Texas isn't disappointed for getting passed over, they may not show up if they feel they should be playing in the BCS championship game.
Prediction: Texas 28 Ohio State 21
College Football Expert Fiesta Bowl Picks for Texas vs. Ohio State on Monday, January 5, 2009 at VegasInsider.com, The Leader in Sportsbook and Gaming Information - College Football Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Picks for Ohio State vs. Texas, NCAA Football F
Fiesta Bowl - Texas vs. Ohio State: Pat Hawkins
The two loss Ohio State Buckeyes (5-6 against the spread) caught a break by getting a BCS bid. Meanwhile, the Longhorns (9-3 ATS) have to be disappointed as they were snubbed by the BCS computers to make the Big XII championship game...and a chance at playing for a national title. Ohio State has played in the last two national championship games, performing poorly in both appearances (0-2 ATS). The Buckeyes are averaging 192 YPG on the ground but will face a very under-rated Texas defense that ranks second nationally against the rush (73.6 YPG).
On the other side of the ball, the Longhorns' offense can score in bunches as evidenced by them scoring 44 points per contest. Make no mistake; it will be difficult for the Bucks to slow this unit down. However, this might be the stiffest defense that Texas will face all season; the Buckeyes have been tough on defense allowing 12 PPG. After giving up 35 to USC in September, Ohio State has only allowed 21 points once all season and that was in garbage time against Minnesota. For OSU to have any success in this match, they'll have to have its ground game moving with Chris "Beanie" Wells. The Buckeyes having an effective running attack will allow Terrelle Pryor to be more of a dual threat...especially in play action situations.
Texas has been very successful playing against non-conference opponents going 6-0 ATS in their last six games, but hasn't fared well in the role of a favorite in bowl games going 2-6 ATS.
Keep your eyes on news reports to make sure Texas isn't disappointed for getting passed over, they may not show up if they feel they should be playing in the BCS championship game.
Prediction: Texas 28 Ohio State 21
College Football Expert Fiesta Bowl Picks for Texas vs. Ohio State on Monday, January 5, 2009 at VegasInsider.com, The Leader in Sportsbook and Gaming Information - College Football Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Picks for Ohio State vs. Texas, NCAA Football F
