Fiesta Bowl Prediction: Texas Longhorns Ohio State Buckeye

GAME INFO:
Bowl Game: Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Game Date/Time: Jan 5, 2009 8:0 pm EST
Teams: Ohio State Buckeyes vs Texas Longhorns
Location: Glendale, Az TV: FOX

THE TEAMS

The Ohio State Buckeyes finished the 2008 college football season at 10-2 and 7-1 in the Big Ten Conference. Ohio State is ranked #10 in the nation in the AP Top 25 Poll. They have scored 338 points and given up only 157.

The Texas Longhorns finished 11-1 overall and 7-1 in the Big 12 conference. Texas is ranked #3 in the AP Top 25 Poll. They have amassed 527 points and given up 223 in 2008.

THE LINE

Texas is the favorite by 8 1/2 points (-8 1/2). The Over/Under is 53 1/2 points

AGAINST THE SPREAD

The Longhorns are 9-3 ATS

The Buckeyes are 5-6 ATS

THE PREVIEW

Texas QB Colt McCoy has been the ringleader of an offense that has posted big numbers without a featured running back. McCoy has been the Longhorns' top rusher and has thrown to wide receivers Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby, who rank among the top 20 nationally in receptions per game.

That offense will be challenged by a typically stout Ohio State defense that places in the top 10 nationally in total defense, scoring defense, turnover margin and pass defense. And the Longhorns probably still have nightmares about the way James Laurinaitis ripped through them during a 2006 loss in Austin.

THE PREDICTION

Texas Longhorns 42 Ohio State Buckeyes 28
Colt McCoy and the Longhorn offense will be no match for the Buckeyes