No. 10 Ohio State (10-2)
vs. No. 3 Texas (11-1)
When » Monday, 8 p.m.
Where » University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Line » Texas by 8
TV » Fox
Why you should watch » To see if Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor really is that good. The freshman has thrown for 1,245 yards with 12 touchdowns and rushed for 553 with six scores, but has struggled against better teams, including during a 13-6 loss to Penn State. And he already may be cracking under the pressure as Ohio State officials made the star unavailable for the Fiesta Bowl’s media day. Texas more than counters with Colt McCoy, who placed second for the Heisman Trophy, has completed an NCAA-record 77.6 percent of his passes for 3,710 yards with 34 touchdowns against eight interceptions. He also leads the team in rushing with 576 yards and 10 touchdowns on 128 carries. McCoy’s receivers, Jordan Shipley (79 catches, 982 yards, 11 TDs)–McCoy’s roommate– and Quan Cosby (78 catches, 952 yards, 8 TDs), are among the country’s best.
Best fact about Texas » The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on the east side of campus is one of just 12 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.
Best fact about Ohio State » The campus has four structures on the National Register of Historic Places: Enarson Hall, Hayes Hall, Ohio Stadium and Orton Hall.
Did you know this person went to Texas » Janis Joplin, famous singer whose work includes “Piece of my Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Bye, Bye Baby.”
Did you know this person went to Ohio State » Dwight Yoakam, country music singer who has had more than 30 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including “Please, Please Baby,” “Always Late with Your Kisses,” and “Honky Tonk Man.” We’d rather party with Janis than Dwight –point to Texas.
Game comes down to » The Big 10 just isn’t good. Texas will build a 17-3 halftime lead and put the game away late in the third quarter with a long touchdown pass from McCoy to Shipley following a Pryor turnover.
Carey predicts » Texas, 27-9
Bimbo predicts » Texas
