BREAKING: Fiesta Bowl Will Host Buckeyes

As first reported here, our Ohio State Buckeyes will face Texas in the 38th Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (January 5, 8:00 p.m. – Fox 8). This will be the third meeting in four years between the two schools. In 2005, Texas won 25-22 in Columbus. In 2006, the Buckeyes won 24-7 in Austin.

“When you start talking about playing against the Longhorns, they are a great program historically,” said Coach Jim Tressel. “They had one of their finest teams they’ve had this year. They may be as good as any football team in the country. It is a tremendous opportunity for our guys to face off against them and in a terrific venue and on a stage where there is only one game that day.”

Despite a 45-35 defeat of rival Oklahoma in the regular season, Texas was left out of the Big 12 Championship game and the National Championship game in favor of the Sooners. In the final BCS Standings, Oklahoma was first, Florida second, Texas third, and the Buckeyes tenth.

Colt McCoy, likely a Heisman finalist when those are announced on Tuesday, says he looks forward to playing the Buckeyes. “I'm really looking forward to it because they came down here to Austin and beat us,” he said. “It was just my second start then, so it will be fun getting another chance to play them. They've got a great defense, so we know it is going to be tough to score. We just have to practice and prepare like we have all season and, hopefully, we can come out with the win.”

Since 2002, Ohio State has appeared in three Fiesta Bowls and one Tostitos National Championship Game. In 2002, they defeated Miami 31-24 in double overtime to win their last national championship. In 2003, they defeated Kansas State 35-28. In 2005, they defeated Notre Dame 34-20. In 2006, they lost a national championship to Florida 41-14. This will be only Texas second Fiesta Bowl appearance in a dozen years. In 1997, they were throttled by Penn State 38-15.