Collisions expected at Fiesta
Texas, Ohio State both play power games
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – In the Big 12, where offenses are built on the spread, speed and on-target quarterbacks, the Texas defense got the job done with a fierce pass rush, swift linebackers and plenty of help from its high-scoring offense.
Now it’s time to play power football, Ohio State style. The No. 3 Longhorns (11-1) meet the 10th-ranked Buckeyes (10-2) on Monday in the Fiesta Bowl.
“I’ve been waiting for a smash-mouth running game all year. I think our whole defensive line has. That’s our mentality,” Texas defensive tackle Roy Miller said.
They will be plenty of big collisions in this one.
Buckeyes tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells, 6-foot-1, 237 pounds, ran for 1,091 yards and eight touchdowns despite missing three games with a foot injury, including a 35-3 loss at Southern California early in the season. Freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, 6-6, 235 pounds, picked up another 553 yards and ran for six TDs.
Pound-for-pound, those two are as big and fast as Texas’ linebackers.
Wells “is by far the best back we’ll see this year,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “It’s a shame we didn’t get to see USC and Ohio State with Beanie Wells healthy. He is a game-changer.”
Texas ranked No. 1 against the rush in the Big 12, allowing only 2.8 yards per carry and 73 yards per game. But that came in a passing league that produced only three 1,000-yard rushers.
Oklahoma State’s Kendall Hunter, the Big 12’s rushing leader with 1,518 yards, was the only back to hit Texas for big gains, rushing for 161 yards in a 24-20 Texas win.
“We’ve got some great backs in the Big 12, but not a big back with quick feet and capable of doing what he (Wells) is doing,” Texas LB Roddrick Muckelroy said.
Wells was supposed to be a Heisman Trophy contender this season, but he hurt his foot in the third quarter of the Buckeyes’ season-opening win against Youngstown State.
When healthy, Wells gives Ohio State power and finesse. He’s strong enough to rip through tackles, yet athletic enough to leap over tackles.
“Every time I watch him, he reminds me of Brandon Jacobs with the New York Giants. He’s so big and so fast,” said Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo, who won the Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s best defender.