Happy New Year to everyone in Buckeye nation. I hope that 2009 brings each and every person good wishes for the upcoming year. I also hope that it will bring our Buckeyes a much needed bowl win over a Texas Longhorn team that SHOULD be in the BCS Championship Game in Miami. Let's look at what needs to happen in order for the Bucks to come up successful this Monday night.
 
1) Prevent Colt McCoy from making big plays: I know, I know...easier said than done, right? Well, it can happen if the Bucks can perhaps keep a spy on McCoy at all times. Not only can he throw, but he's also the leading rusher on the team with 576 yards. The OSU front four will have to get enough penetration on McCoy to keep him on the run and make mistakes along the way.
 
2) Keep the Texas receivers in check: Both Jordan Shipley (79-982-11TD) and Quan Cosby (78-952-8TD) are more than capable of keeping the OSU DB'S busy all night. More than likely, Malcolm Jenkins will lock up with Cosby while Shipley will be in the slot trying to keep the chains moving in the Longhorns' direction.
 
3) Let Terrelle Pryor run free: Not only by running with the ball, but designing more passing plays to where he can get all of the receivers in the mix. TP will need to get the Tight Ends involved more than ever to keep the Longhorn D honest. A steady diet of Beanie and Boom will be critical in spreading the field.
 
Will this be Beanie's final game in Scarlet and Gray? As of this write-up, he's undecided. If he busts for a huge night and the Bucks win, I see him declaring for the NFL Draft in the few days after the Fiesta Bowl.
 
Prediction: OSU 24 Texas 23. I believe it will either take a Ryan Pretorius FG or a missed FG by Texas that will be the difference.
 
GO BUCKS!!! BEAT TEXAS!!!
 
Luckybuck