Buckeyes hunt Ducks

By: Cooper Ledford SWO SPORTS FOUNDER & CEO

The Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) were playing in the Granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Their opponent was the Oregon University Ducks (10-3). The Ducks were favored by 75% of people in the United States, OSU was heavy under-dogs. Oregon was trying to finish with their first win in school history over the Buckeyes, while the Bucks were trying to end the bowl losing streak. Ohio State ended up winning the Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi, with a score of 26 to 17. Here is how it all happened.

To start things off, on Ohio State's first drive of the game, Terrelle Pryor connected with Brandon Saine for a 13 yard touchdown pass, OSU had a quick 7-0 lead. Late in the first quarter, it was fourth down, so the conservative Jim Tressel sent out Devin Barclay to kick a field goal. Barclay's kick was perfect, the score was 10-0, Silver Bullets on top. The Webbed foots would get on the board when Morgan Flint kicked a 24 yard field goal, it was a one possession game, 10-3. Oregon would tie it up when running back, LeGarrette Blount, extended him arm over the goal-line as he was falling, but that gave Oregon a touchdown, 10-10 was the score. In the last minute and fifteen seconds of the game, after a Devin Barclay field goal, OSU had a 13-10 lead. Masoli, on the next drive would throw an interception to Ross Homan, the Buckeyes would get the ball back. Right before the half, Aaron Pettrey kicked a 45 yard field goal to give Ohio State a 6 point lead going into the half. To start off scoring in the third, Jeremiah Masoli ran for a one yard touchdown for the Ducks to give them their first lead of the game, 17-16. Ohio State would regain the lead when Barclay kicked a 38 yard field goal, it was 19-17, Bucks on top going into the fourth quarter. with 7:02 to go in the fourth, OSU had the ball on third down, Pryor found DeVier Posey making a great catch in the endzone, a 17 yard score, Ohio State had a 26-17 lead. The Buckeyes would get the ball back later on after a missed field goal by Morgan Flint, OSU was able to run the clock out and win the game.

Terrelle Pryor was the 2010 Rose Bowl MVP. Pryor went 23 for 37, passed for a career high 266 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Pryor also added 72 yards on the ground. Pryor was 80% of Ohio State's offense, getting 338 total yards.

DeVier Posey lead the game in receiving yards, he had 101 off of 8 receptions. Ohio State now gives the Big Ten their first Rose Bowl win since 2000. The Buckeyes also end their 3-in-a-row BCS skid. Ohio State finished with a record of 11-2, and give the seniors their first bowl win, and Jim Tressel's first Rose Bowl game, and win.

All through the game Ohio State did good on drives. Here is how OSU's drive summaries went: Passing TD, punt, Field goal, punt, field goal, field goal, field goal, Interception, punt, passing TD, end of game. Oregon was not as successful here is how the Ducks' drives went: Punt, punt, field goal, rushing TD, Interception, rushing TD, fumble, punt, punt, missed field goal.

Ohio State controled the ball a lot longer than Oregon. Ohio State had the ball for 41:37, as opposed to 18:23 for Oregon.

PICTURES: THE ROSE BOWL TROPHY, COACH TRESSEL GETS THE GATORADE BATH, THE TEAM CELEBRATES THE ROSE BOWL WIN

Which game will be better, Sugar or Rose Bowl?

By: Cooper Ledford

Some people have asked me, which game will be interesting, the Sugar Bowl (Cincinnati vs. Florida) or the Rose Bowl (Oregon vs. Ohio State)?

My answer to that is the Rose Bowl. Oregon and Ohio State is a great match-up. Oregon has a high-powered offense that can score a lot of points, while the Buckeye's defense is one of the best in the nation, and is ranked first in passing defense and second in rush defense (Texas is first). Oregon loves to run the football, but they will have a hard time against the OSU defensive line.

Cincinnati does not have much of a defense, while the Gators have a great offense, and by offense I mean Tim Tebow. I don't think the Bearcats D is good enough to stop #15 and the Gators. The Bearcats do have a good offense, but I don't think it is good enough to beat Florida.

Now I am going to do a thing where I say who has the advantage on each side of the ball. I will start with the Rose Bowl match-up.

OFFENSE- Oregon has the advantage in offense, Masoli, James, and Blount can all run the ball very well. Masoli also has a great arm and has some great receivers to help him out. Ohio State's offense is still okay, Terrelle Pryor is similar to Masoli, and Dan Herron and Brandon Saine also can be dangerous running backs.

DEFENSE- Ohio State has the advantage in defense. OSU has had three shut-outs this season (Toledo, Illinois, and New Mexico State) and hold opponents to about 12.0 points per game. The most points they have gave up this year is 27, to Navy (31-27 Ohio State won). Oregon does score a lot of points, but with a great run defense, with Cameron Hayward, Thaddeous Gibson etc., they will not be able to do much on the ground. OSU also has a great secondary, with Chekwa, Worthington, and Coleman, Oregon will have a hard time through the air as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS- Both teams are equal on special teams, Ohio State will not have their main punt and kickoff return man, Ray Small. Oregon is okay on punt and kickoffs as well. Ohio State has two great kickers, Devin Barclay and Aaron Pettrey. It is unsure who will be the primary kicker in the game.

Now for the Sugar Bowl (these will be breif)

OFFENSE- Florida, one word, Tebow!

DEFENSE- Without a doubt, Florida has the better defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS- Cincinnati has a better special teams, Jake Rodgers is a great kicker, while Mardy Gilyard can take back both punts and kickoffs.