Kickoff Set for 8:30 for the Battle Between Ohio State and Texas

Ok, Ohio State Buckeye fans, we know that tonight is a bit anti-climatic after playing (and losing) in the last two National Championship games. The same can probably be said for Texas Longhorn fans who are still steaming from getting snubbed for playing for all the marbles in the BCS Championship Game. But, once the ball is kicked off, all will be forgotten and we both will be rooting for our respective clubs.

The Buckeyes showing in tonight's Fiesta Bowl is very important for the Big 10. The conference has been embarrassed this year only winning one bowl game but a win by OSU can change the perception of a conference on the downward spiral. To get a win as more of an 8 point underdog will be a tough task as Colt McCoy has been on fire throughout the season shredding defense after defense. The Buckeyes will likely pound the ball with Chris "Beanie" Wells and hope that freshman phenom Terrelle Pryor can handle the bright lights on the big bowl stage.

The Longhorns, meanwhile, will want to show that they deserved the right to play in the BCS Bowl game and will be out for blood against the scarlet and gray. McCoy will look to exploit the OSU defense by finding WR tandem Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby. Texas will have to contend with linebacker James James Laurinaitis and CB Malcom Jenkins (pegged to be a top 10 pick in this years NFL draft) which sets up for an interesting matchup of tough "d" versus potent "o".

Here is the information on the game:

Rankings Texas #3 11-1 Vs OSU #10 (10-2)
Texas 8 point Favorites
Over Under 52
Kickoff: 8:30 pm
Teams have played twice, splitting two games in 2005 and 2006
Televison FOX
Radio: Cleveland Radio AM 850 WKNR

Cleveland Leader prediction: Ohio State 24 Texas 20