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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2009 > January > 05 > Entry
Longhorns ready to take OSU to woodshed
GOOD LUCK, BUCKEYES …
YOU’RE GONNA NEED IT!
As a proud 1976 graduate of The Ohio State University, as a guy who counts Archie Griffin, Clark Kellogg and Kirk Herbstreit among his circle of friends, as a guy who bleeds Scarlet and Gray (and Elder Panthers’ purple), I’ll be rooting hard for the Buckeyes tonight in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Clark Kellogg
Archie Griffin
Kirk Herbstreit
I’ll also be rooting for the Texas Longhorns to take it easy on the Buckeyes.
I screamed at the TV throughout the Cincinnati Bearcats’ meltdown in their 20-7 loss to Virginia Tech — I prefer calling VaTech “The Gobblers” and not the “Hokies” — at the FedEx Orange Bowl.
So at least I know, going into tonight, that I’ll wind up hoarse after the Fiesta Bowl because I’m afraid the Longhorns are going to take OSU to the woodshed.
I like Texas’ aggressive defensive backs, especially the ability of the corners to play press coverage on the perimeter.
But the matchup I fear the most: The Longhorns’ defensive front seven against the Buckeyes’ big, slow and soft offensive line.
The only way Ohio State can win is if they control the tempo, move the chains with a balanced attack and score touchdowns.
The Buckeyes have to keep Texas quarterback Colt McCoy anchored on the sidelines. In order for that to happen, OSU quarterback Terrelle Pryor must patiently dissect the Longhorns’ defense with his arm and legs, and spread the ball around to his playmakers.
OSU’s offensive line must protect Pryor so he can throw the ball to wideouts Brian Robiskie, Brian Hartline and Raymond Small. It must open holes for Chris “Beanie” Wells, who needs to play the game of his life. And punter A. J. Trapasso and kicker Ryan Pretorius must shine on special teams.
If the Buckeyes don’t run the ball effectively, they’ll fall behind. And if they become one-dimensional, they’ll die in the Arizona desert with buzzards circling above.
Tonight’s game will be the most severe test of the season for the Buckeyes’ defense. The unit needs to play hard and smart, keep the penalties to a minimum and force at least two turnovers.
Texas is out to prove it belongs in the national title picture. The ‘Horns won’t hold back. They’re going to stand on the gas and not let up.
May the best team win.
Chick’s prediction: Texas 34, Ohio State 27.
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment | Categories: College football
Comments
By Speedy Thomas
January 5, 2009 3:04 PM | Link to this
Is this a video sight or a sports blog?? Stop with the tv previews please and just give us the sports knowledge…thank youBy Jamestown Joe
January 5, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
Well, actually I like the videos so please keep them coming…By VietVet
January 5, 2009 3:32 PM | Link to this
Bucks will probably lose.I’m afraid it will be over by halftime. Just hope they don’t embarrass Ohio football like the two championship games did. Next year, the Ohio State offense and Tressel need to get all the game films played by Florida and tailor the offensive plays after Florida. Throw away the old Big Ten offensive plays of slow, predictable and ineffective. Stop being so conservative and open it up.An “SEC” offense in the Big Ten would win alot of games. A “Southern Cal” defense would help too.By photoman
January 5, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this
Yep, keep the videos. Helps to soften the blow from the way these Ohio teams play football. Helps to make the season more interesting for me.By hardballcoach.com
January 6, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this
What a great game, nobody needs to be ashamed. Hold your heads high buckeyes fans. Love the college football, only 8 months until it starts back up. hardballcoach. com