Sugar Bowl: Ohio State vs. Arkansas

What to trust? You can look at the paper strength. Ohio State may have the best all-around defense in the country, combating a one-dimensional offense. You can look at the history. Ohio State is 0-9 against the SEC in bowl games, 0-3 under Tressel. The two losses in BCS bowls were by double digits.

Improper Benefits: Terrelle Pryor and four others were suspended five games next season for selling autographs and memorabilia. Pryor may face some further difficulty if the NCAA looks into his car rental habits, but with every step, he’s exposing how nebulous and ineffectual NCAA rules really are.  You were once the most sought after recruit in the country.  I’m sure the NFL scouts will find that really impressive.

Win One For The Big Ten? An Ohio State win might save some face for the conference, but not much. This really has been a disappointing year. The only good thing about last weekend was that it deflected attention from the “Legends and Leaders” debacle. For the school itself, however, it would get rid of some negative energy, and get people to stop spouting that SEC stat.

For Arkansas to Win: The Razorbacks must pressure and confuse Terrelle Pryor without losing contain on him. The “Truth” was far less effective passing against imposing defensive lines. Their offensive line needs to have a huge day, protecting Mallett and establishing the run against a physical offensive line.

For Ohio State to Win: They should play their normal Tressel-ball. Establish the running game with Herron against a weak Arkansas run defense, play solid defense, limit mistakes and make a play or two on special teams.

Prediction: I like Ohio State. I think the Buckeyes would lose to a loaded SEC team. I don’t think Arkansas is that team. They aren’t well placed to exploit the Buckeyes’ weakness against the run. Buckeyes win, assuming the five guys play.

[Photo via Getty]