Arkansas Razorbacks (10-2, 6-2 SEC) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten)
AllState Sugar Bowl
January 4 - 8:00 pm - ESPN
New Orleans, LA
$17,000,000 payout per team
This hasn't been a banner year for the Big 10 in terms of bowl games. The conference stands at 2-5 and Ohio State will try to improve on that record in its game against Arkansas. The Buckeyes were one game away from possibly playing in the National Championship game and are finishing their season under controversy. Five players, including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor, will be suspended for the beginning of next season for receiving improper benefits, but all five are eligible to play in this game. Still, the distraction could have been enough to help the Buckeyes lose some of their focus. Still, with one of the top combinations of scoring offense (11th in the nation) and scoring defense (3rd in the nation), Ohio State will still be difficult to beat.
With Ryan Mallett, Arkansas boasts one of the the best quarterbacks in the country. And even without a 1,000 yard receiver, the Razorbacks have a top 15 passing game. Mallett throws the ball all over the field as evidenced by Arkansas' five receivers with at least 500 receiving yards each. 1,100 yard rusher Knile Davis helps even things out and give the team a balanced attack. With the game in New Orleans, the Razorbacks should also enjoy a nice home field advantage.
- SBN Pittsburgh analysis by Anson Whaley
SBN PITTSBURGH BOLD PREDICTION: Ohio State 34, Arkansas 20
Analyst Projections
Aaron - Arkansas
Anson - Ohio State
Jeff - Ohio State
Ohio State gets another shot to end its futility against the SEC in bowl games when the Buckeyes take on Arkansas. As Ohio State fans are well aware, the Buckeyes are 0-9 against SEC teams in bowl games. They face an Arkansas team that will be making its first BCS bowl appearance. The Hogs are playing in the Sugar Bowl for the first time since 1980. -- Chris Low