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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Ohio State-Arkansas Sugar Bowl Score: Buckeyes Win and Cover

The Ohio State-Arkansas score, with the Buckeyes winning 31-26 means the greatest football betting season has gotten even better.

In the last night under the name ScoresOddsPicks, the service now known as The Canadian Crew, continues the outlandish run, going up to 52 units for the year based on one-unit per bet.

No sports betting service has ever topped 60 units.

Here is what the Crew told you before the game.

Sugar Bowl odds: Ohio State vs. Arkansas

In a classic Top-10 match up, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes will face the No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks in Tuesday's Sugar Bowl. Both teams are incredibly talented, and the Buckeyes have a narrow three-point edge on Sugar Bowl odds.

Ohio State Buckeyes (-3) vs. Arkansas Razorbacks – Tuesday at 8:20 p.m. ET

Ohio State (11-1, 9-2-1 ATS) might be playing in the BCS Championship if it weren't for a midseason hiccup at Wisconsin. Since then, the Buckeyes have won five straight games, going 4-0-1 ATS along the way. Facing Arkansas is a daunting task, however; the Buckeyes are 0-9 against the SEC in bowl games.

The Buckeyes averaged nearly 40 points per game this season by employing a very balanced attack. They rushed for over 200 yards per game and, in the regular-season finale, Dan Herron established himself as the go-to back; he racked up 175 yards against Michigan. Quarterback Terrell Pryor is also a major threat on the ground, though his passing has improved a great deal this season and his arm must be respected. Certainly, play-action should be a large factor in OSU's game plan.

The "D" was absolutely dominant. Ohio State allowed just 13.3 points and 250 yards per game this season. The Buckeyes are vicious against the run, holding opponents to just three yards per carry. They're equally as devastating against the pass thanks to a very experienced secondary. Ohio State allowed just seven touchdown passes and 5.5 yards per catch this season; it racked up 18 interceptions.

Arkansas (10-2, 9-2 ATS) closed out the regular season with six straight victories—including a fantastic 6-0 run against the spread.

The Razorbacks boast one of the best passing attacks in the country. Ryan Mallet was excellent this season, throwing for nearly 3600 yards and firing 30 touchdown passes. He's complimented by a very strong rushing attack, as Knile Davis racked up 1151 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. With Mallet distracting defenses, Davis averaged a gaudy 6.5 yards per carry.

While the offense was brilliant, the defense was carved up a few times. It surrendered over 22 points per game, largely thanks to a soft run defense. Arkansas allowed over 150 rush yards per outing, which is troubling with the ground-and-pound Buckeyes on tap. At least the Razorbacks played excellent against the pass, ranking 16th in the country.

Despite Ohio State's awful record in bowl games against the SEC, most of the match ups seem to favor the Buckeyes. Arkansas' best weapon is the pass; OSU is brilliant at shutting down the pass. Arkansas struggles to stop the run; OSU has an impressive, smashing running game. That should be especially crucial, as the Buckeyes will be able to control the football and keep it out of Mallet's hands. Consider the bowl curse over, as Ohio State wins and covers against Arkansas on Tuesday night.

Pick: Ohio State as Bowl Best Bet of the Year

For more information: Get all the winning sports picks from the Canadian Crew now at OffshoreInsiders.com