Game Thread Sugar Bowl: tOSU vs Arkansas, Tue, Jan 4th, 8:30 ET ESPN

[Hogtropolis]

In terms of the attendance comment, I submit much past anecdotal evidence that Buckeye fans typically outnumber the opposition in almost every game except for conference away games... in which they are often still the majority.

Buckeye's in the Rose Bowl last year, Buckeyes in the desert in 03, 06, 07. Buckeye's in Ann Arbor that turned it into a home game.

The fan's travel well... but Ohio State does have, I think, the largest national alumni base. Not to mention the entire state of Ohio and everyone who has ever lived there is pretty much a Buckeye fan, and everyone and their mother is from Ohio at some point.

Point being, I'd be shocked if Arkansas' fans outnumber the Buckeyes' by much.

As to your prediction: I think you'll find most Buckeye posters think Arkansas could win this game (though most think that Ohio State SHOULD win the game). However, I do think the prediction on expected points in the game will be where you get a strict disagreement. 28 points is a lot for the Buckeyes to give up.

Agreed...who wins is a separate issue altogether. I was simply pointing out earlier that, for example, Oregon was gonna hang 50 on us last year. This D is the real deal. We give up 28 points and we probably lose. Of course, unless we hang 65 on em

That's exactly right. I think Arkansas has a very good chance at winning, but it wouldn't surprise me at all (although it would frustrate the crap out of me) if we lost 35-28 or so. Just because I think the Hogs will score 28 doesn't mean that I think they'll hold Pryor under that. We won't give up 65 again though.

 

[Mrstickball]

Looking at Arkasas' bowl record....I can't help but think its in our favor.

In the past decade (99-09) They are 3-5 in bowl games. 0-2 against the Big Ten. No real marquee wins except Texas in 99. They've won against E. Carolina and Mizzou in their other games.

If we beat them, can we say that we've finally shaken the SEC curse, given that they are a transplant from the SWC?

 

[Rayzor]

New to this board. Thanks for allowing me on. I've read several of the posts from Buckeye and Razorback fans giving predictions. I have no idea which team will win, but I think either team has the ability. For me, this game is HUGE for Arkansas. I mean, playing "THE" Ohio State University is playing the best of the best. What more could you ask than to play against one of the elite programs in the whole country!

Our #1 goal is Razorback fans is to one day have a program that is as nationally respected as yours.....huge opportunity for us to make steps in that direction.

GO HOGS!

 

[HogsFan]

Hello everyone! Hog fan here

Just wanted to say congratulations on a successful season! You guys have my respect, your program seems to always be top notch. Just bought tickets today and looking forward to playing you guys (as long as the BCS selection doesn't overlook us).

Have a great night!

 

[Gatorubet]

Looking at Arkasas' bowl record....I can't help but think its in our favor.

In the past decade (99-09) They are 3-5 in bowl games. 0-2 against the Big Ten. No real marquee wins except Texas in 99. They've won against E. Carolina and Mizzou in their other games.

If we beat them, can we say that we've finally shaken the SEC curse, given that they are a transplant from the SWC?

If they beat you, S-EC, S-E-C!!!!!

If we lose, "Those old SWC guys never fit in here and screw the pooch like all of 'em do. "

I'm surprised you asked

 

[Razorbacks]

I'm here now as well, looking forward to a GREAT game between the Buckeyes and the Hogs! I haven't been able to see anything but highlights of tOSU this season, but I can honestly say that this will be a great game.

What are some of your strengths/weaknesses?

 

[Mike80]

Main strength for this team: More than anything this team has a very strong veteran presence. The Buckeyes won't get rattled if Arkansas gets up a TD early.

A weakness is the relative inexperience in the secondary due to injuries this team sustained all throughout the year. That's really a good and a bad thing: The kids got a TON of meaningful playing time but they could still make a mistake or two. another possible weakness is sometimes the entire team is a bit too laid back and/or complacent (I'll refer you to the Penn State game where Tressel was actually swearing at the team).....

We'll see what happens. I think Arkansas absolutely has to establish the run for Mallet to be effective. He seems like he gets happy feet when there's pressure. For Ohio STate on offense, the biggest thing will be moving the chains, getting first downs and not allowing the defense to be on the field for more than 35 minutes in the game. If they can do that, I think Ohio State has a good chance of winning this one.

 

[Razorbacks]

Just checked out some of the Hogs boards. Seem a largely respectful bunch. Couple of flamers, but you have that anywhere I guess.

Mallet has a great arm, Petrino and co. will no doubt have a solid gameplan cooked up. I'm a little nervous about tight ends running uncovered down the middle of the field, but overall, I think our DB's have been solid enough all year to win some battles.

Many respectful and intelligent Arky fans think this game is in the 30's or 40's. I seriously doubt either team scores in the 40's.

TP needs to step up and deliver another signature performance. Likewise for the D.

This is gonna be a good one! Excited to get another crack at an SEC team, though I almost wish USC-E had won today so we'd be playing the SEC Champ

We stomped a mudhole in USC-E, so you should consider it an equal honor. :)

On a serious note, this will be a GREAT game. I think if you look around our boards, we have nothing but respect for your program. Despite what you say, I think it will definitely be a high scoring affair. Our defense is good, but not great. Our offense is the definition of great (not trying to sound cocky). I could easily see this game being a shootout. I really just hope for a good game, and not a blowout on either side like the SECCG. Here's to hoping the Hogs win their first BCS game, and good luck to the Buckeyes.

 

[Razorbacks]

Looking at Arkasas' bowl record....I can't help but think its in our favor.

In the past decade (99-09) They are 3-5 in bowl games. 0-2 against the Big Ten. No real marquee wins except Texas in 99. They've won against E. Carolina and Mizzou in their other games.

If we beat them, can we say that we've finally shaken the SEC curse, given that they are a transplant from the SWC?

You have to realize that 10 years of those statistics are under the infamous Houston Nutt, who is historically bad in bowl games. Regardless, past stats don't matter. Isn't tOSU 0-9 vs. SEC teams in bowls or something like that? I honestly don't think that holds any water in the sugar bowl THIS season, as it was the past and just that.

 

[PORKEROINKER]

Another HOG fan here, really like the board you guys have here. I think this is going to be one of if not the best BCS game this year. I really like the HOGS chances on offense, but I am not sold on our defense against Pryor. Tha kid can be a beast if given the chance. Early prediction HOGS 31 Buckeyes 28!

 

[razorbackmike]

Ohio State has the 3rd best scoring defense, giving up 13 points per game. LSU has the 9th best scoring defense, giving up 17 points per game.

LSU has played 5 teams in the top 25, and 5 teams that ranked in the Top 50 nationally in Scoring Offense (3 in the Top 25)

OSU has played 1 teams in the top 25, 3 teams that ranked in the Top 50 nationally in scoring offense (1 in the top 25)

We saw what happened to LSU...

I don't think 28 for Arkansas is such a long shot as some think..

But I do expect a good game!

 

[Razorbacks]

Main strength for this team: More than anything this team has a very strong veteran presence. The Buckeyes won't get rattled if Arkansas gets up a TD early.

A weakness is the relative inexperience in the secondary due to injuries this team sustained all throughout the year. That's really a good and a bad thing: The kids got a TON of meaningful playing time but they could still make a mistake or two. another possible weakness is sometimes the entire team is a bit too laid back and/or complacent (I'll refer you to the Penn State game where Tressel was actually swearing at the team).....

We'll see what happens. I think Arkansas absolutely has to establish the run for Mallet to be effective. He seems like he gets happy feet when there's pressure. For Ohio STate on offense, the biggest thing will be moving the chains, getting first downs and not allowing the defense to be on the field for more than 35 minutes in the game. If they can do that, I think Ohio State has a good chance of winning this one.

I respect your thoughts, and thank you for an honest answer.

I don't think Arkansas will have a problem establishing our run game, unless your D-line is one of your absolute strengths. Knile Davis has been on absolute fire since about week 5 of this season, and I don't see anyone with anything other than a top of the line d-line stopping him. Like I said earlier, all I have seen of tOSU this season are highlights, and unfortunately ESPN doesn't really show highlights of the d-line, so I have no idea.

I can honestly say that the last 8 games, I'm not sure whether we throw to set up the run or run to set up the throw, and I consider that a good thing.

 

[RockstarBuckeye]

That's exactly right. I think Arkansas has a very good chance at winning, but it wouldn't surprise me at all (although it would frustrate the crap out of me) if we lost 35-28 or so. Just because I think the Hogs will score 28 doesn't mean that I think they'll hold Pryor under that. We won't give up 65 again though.

On the other hand, Buckeye Nation feels that we will win. In our only loss this season, the power running game of Wisconsin could only generate 336 total yards of offense and 31 points on our defense. 31 points also represents the most points scored on our defense this season. The next highest is the 24 point effort from Miami. Our defense is scary good. They give up yards at times but not many points.

 

[stowfan]

Welcome to the board, to catch up as quickly as possible, check out this thread:)
http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/college-football/622757-arkansas-visitors-thread.html

 

[razorbackmike]

Main strength for this team: More than anything this team has a very strong veteran presence. The Buckeyes won't get rattled if Arkansas gets up a TD early.

A weakness is the relative inexperience in the secondary due to injuries this team sustained all throughout the year. That's really a good and a bad thing: The kids got a TON of meaningful playing time but they could still make a mistake or two. another possible weakness is sometimes the entire team is a bit too laid back and/or complacent (I'll refer you to the Penn State game where Tressel was actually swearing at the team).....

We'll see what happens. I think Arkansas absolutely has to establish the run for Mallet to be effective. He seems like he gets happy feet when there's pressure. For Ohio STate on offense, the biggest thing will be moving the chains, getting first downs and not allowing the defense to be on the field for more than 35 minutes in the game. If they can do that, I think Ohio State has a good chance of winning this one.

I think Arkansas' D-line will get pressure on Pryor, unless the OSU O-line is solid and experienced. Arkansas' secondary needs a lot of coaching between now and game day in January--they still give up the big play from time to time and it drives me nuts!

Do you think the OSU secondary will heal up with the month they have until game day? After 12 games and months of practice, I think a few days off would help. Although, if Tressel is anything like Petrino, the kids will only get about a week or so off before they get back to work.