Why Arkansas will beat Ohio State in the 2011 Sugar Bowl

Ohio State is 0-9 all time in bowl games versus the SEC. Recent history provides us with the the 2007 All State BCS Championship game against LSU in which the Buckeyes took a 10-0 lead and then utterly fell apart. Todd Boeckman lost his poise and started getting tentative in the pocket. The Tigers were aided by a total of 60 Ohio State penalty yards and 2 personal fouls levied against Tressel's team. The final score was 38-24.

While Ryan Mallett's game is that of a classic pocket passer, Pryor is a duel threat with his arm or legs. So, for all stats presented I have added in rushing yards as part of the conversation. Pryor has only reached the 300 total yard mark three times in 2010. That was against Indiana, Eastern Michigan, and a 7-5 rebuilding Miami Hurricane team. He has a knack for playing better against inferior competition, leaving open the question of his mental toughness on a large stage.

Numbers don't lie, so here are the 2010 stats for each quarterback:

Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
Passer Rating: 170.53
Yards: 3,592
Touchdowns: 30

Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State
Passer Rating: 105.1
Yards: 2,551
Touchdowns: 25

Schedule of Quality Opponents: The Big 10 is not nearly as difficult a league as the SEC top to bottom. In a season with Florida and Georgia down, the playing field is more even but still tilted towards the SEC. Arkansas played both Alabama and Auburn during their regular season. The best conference match-ups for OSU were Iowa and Wisconsin. Arkansas went 0-2 in those games, while Ohio State edged Iowa 20-17 while losing to Wisconsin on the road. The week after week grind of the SEC is not present in the Big 10. Simply put, a team the caliber of Ohio State can go 50% and beat the likes of Indiana and Purdue. The mental toughness gained by facing a challenge every week proves beneficial come bowl season.

The professional style offensive of Arkansas challenges defenses to adapt, showing everything imaginable, testing the defensive coordinator's skill. Multiple sets and formations highlight an offense that includes John Mackey Award Winning tight end D.J. Williams and 1,000 yard rusher Knile Davis. Davis emerged in his sophomore year after a disappointing freshman campaign that was injury riddled. D.J Williams will be a difficult match-up for the Bucks as they have historically struggled against talented tight ends. Lining up a linebacker to defend Williams may be Ohio State's best bet.
Prediction for the 2011 All State Sugar Bowl is 24-14, Arkansas coming away victorious.
by: Amber R.