2011 Sugar Bowl
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Sugar Bowl
Game (known via sponsorship as the Allstate
Sugar Bowl) was an American college football
bowl game
that was part of the Bowl Championship Series
(BCS) for the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
and was the 77th Sugar Bowl. The contest took place on January 4, 2011, in the Louisiana Superdome
in New Orleans, Louisiana
. The game had an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff. Paul Hoolahan was the executive director.
The game featured the Ohio State Buckeyes
from the Big Ten Conference
and the Arkansas Razorbacks
from the Southeastern Conference
. The Buckeyes won 31–26, but vacated the victory on July 8, 2011. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor
was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
On July 8, 2011, under scrutiny from the NCAA due to a variety of program irregularities and violations of Ohio State University and NCAA policies, Ohio State vacated the 2011 Sugar Bowl win along with 11 other victories in their 2010 season. Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel, initially dismissed during the scandal, was subsequently allowed to retire from his position as Head Coach. The game's MVP, Terrelle Pryor, did not finish his fourth year of eligibility for football at Ohio State, opting instead to seek employment in the National Football League.
Initially barred from the Postseason play by Ohio State University staff were Pryor, leading rusher Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas. On December 23rd 2010 Pryor and the four other players were granted permission to participate in the upcoming Sugar Bowl contest. This reversal came after the five suspended players publicly committed to remain at the institution for the 2011 season if allowed to participate in the upcoming Sugar Bowl. Subsequent to the 2011 Sugar Bowl, Pryor reneged on his promise to complete his fifth year.
had a record of 105-22 (10th year) at Ohio State. His team was led offensively by Dan Herron
with 192 rushes for 1,068 yards and 15 touchdowns, quarterback Terrelle Pryor
with 196 of 298 passes for 2,551 yards and 25 touchdowns, and receiver Dane Sanzenbacher
on 52 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Brian Rolle had 70 tackles, Nathan Williams had 4.5 sacks for 35 yards, and Chimdi Chekwa
with 3 interceptions for 22 yards.
On December 22, 2010, it was reported that Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey
, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas had traded autographs for tattoos, a violation of NCAA rules. The school investigated the allegations and reported that the five players would not miss the Sugar Bowl but will miss five games of the 2011 season. The sixth player will miss Ohio State's season opener. The five players involved stated their intentions to return to Ohio State for the 2011 season, but after Coach Tressel's resignation in May, 2011 Terrelle Pryor announced that he would not return to play for Ohio State in 2011 and would probably enter the NFL supplemental draft.
was in his third year with the team, with a 23-14 record. Offensive leaders included tailback Knile Davis
, who ran 178 times for 1,183 yards and 13 touchdowns, quarterback Ryan Mallett
who completed 242 of 364 passes for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns, and a pair of receivers in D.J. Williams
(49 receptions for 589 yards, 4 TDs) and Jarius Wright (38 catches for 718 yards, 4 touchdowns). Operated on a 4–3 defense scheme, the team was led by Jerry Franklin
with 93 tackles, Jake Bequette on 7.0 sacks for 36 yards, and Tramain Thomas who had 4 interceptions for 24 yards.
In the third quarter, the momentum shifted Arkansas' direction. Hocker and Devin Barclay traded field goals, then Mallett connected with Jarius Wright for a touchdown, then made the two-point conversion on a pass to D. J. Williams to pull within ten. The Razorbacks closed the gap further in the fourth, on a safety by Jake Bequette and another field goal by Hocker. With just over a minute left, Arkansas blocked Ohio State's punt and recovered on the 18 yard line. However on 2nd down & 10, Mallett's pass was intercepted. The Buckeyes would run out the clock for a 31–26 victory. This was Ohio State's first bowl win over an SEC opponent.
Sugar Bowl
The Sugar Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Sugar Bowl has been played annually since January 1, 1935, and celebrated its 75th anniversary on January 2, 2009...
Game (known via sponsorship as the Allstate
Allstate
The Allstate Corporation is the second-largest personal lines insurer in the United States and the largest that is publicly held. The company also has personal lines insurance operations in Canada. Allstate was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Co., and was spun off in 1993...
Sugar Bowl) was an American college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
bowl game
Bowl game
In North America, a bowl game is commonly considered to refer to one of a number of post-season college football games. Prior to 2002, bowl game statistics were not included in players' career totals and the games were mostly considered to be exhibition games involving a payout to participating...
that was part of the Bowl Championship Series
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
(BCS) for the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on Thursday, September 2, 2010. The season progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game on Monday, January 10, 2011.-Rule changes for...
and was the 77th Sugar Bowl. The contest took place on January 4, 2011, in the Louisiana Superdome
Louisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
in New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
. The game had an 8 p.m. (ET) kickoff. Paul Hoolahan was the executive director.
The game featured the Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the intercollegiate sports teams and players of The Ohio State University, named after the state tree, the Buckeye. The Buckeyes participate in the NCAA's Division I in all sports and the Big Ten Conference in most sports...
from the Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
and the Arkansas Razorbacks
Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks, also known as the Hogs, are the names of college sports teams at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The term Arkansas Razorbacks properly applies to any of the sports teams at the university. The Razorbacks take their name from the feral pig of the same name...
from the Southeastern Conference
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
. The Buckeyes won 31–26, but vacated the victory on July 8, 2011. Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2008−2010...
was named the game's Most Valuable Player.
On July 8, 2011, under scrutiny from the NCAA due to a variety of program irregularities and violations of Ohio State University and NCAA policies, Ohio State vacated the 2011 Sugar Bowl win along with 11 other victories in their 2010 season. Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel, initially dismissed during the scandal, was subsequently allowed to retire from his position as Head Coach. The game's MVP, Terrelle Pryor, did not finish his fourth year of eligibility for football at Ohio State, opting instead to seek employment in the National Football League.
Initially barred from the Postseason play by Ohio State University staff were Pryor, leading rusher Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive tackle Mike Adams and defensive end Solomon Thomas. On December 23rd 2010 Pryor and the four other players were granted permission to participate in the upcoming Sugar Bowl contest. This reversal came after the five suspended players publicly committed to remain at the institution for the 2011 season if allowed to participate in the upcoming Sugar Bowl. Subsequent to the 2011 Sugar Bowl, Pryor reneged on his promise to complete his fifth year.
Ohio State
Coach Jim TresselJim Tressel
James Patrick Tressel is a gameday consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, and former collegiate football head coach at both The Ohio State University from 2001 to 2011 and at Youngstown State University from 1986 to 2000. Tressel is most notable for his time at Ohio State. He was hired by the...
had a record of 105-22 (10th year) at Ohio State. His team was led offensively by Dan Herron
Daniel Herron
Daniel "Boom" Herron is a senior running back at Ohio State University. Herron played football at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, OH. Herron was recruited by Jim Tressel. Herron's dad is a preacher...
with 192 rushes for 1,068 yards and 15 touchdowns, quarterback Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor is an American football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was the starting quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2008−2010...
with 196 of 298 passes for 2,551 yards and 25 touchdowns, and receiver Dane Sanzenbacher
Dane Sanzenbacher
Dane Sanzenbacher is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at Ohio State.-High school career:...
on 52 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. Defensively, Brian Rolle had 70 tackles, Nathan Williams had 4.5 sacks for 35 yards, and Chimdi Chekwa
Chimdi Chekwa
-External links:*...
with 3 interceptions for 22 yards.
On December 22, 2010, it was reported that Terrelle Pryor, Dan Herron, DeVier Posey
DeVier Posey
DeVier Posey is an American college football wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Posey attended La Salle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio...
, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas had traded autographs for tattoos, a violation of NCAA rules. The school investigated the allegations and reported that the five players would not miss the Sugar Bowl but will miss five games of the 2011 season. The sixth player will miss Ohio State's season opener. The five players involved stated their intentions to return to Ohio State for the 2011 season, but after Coach Tressel's resignation in May, 2011 Terrelle Pryor announced that he would not return to play for Ohio State in 2011 and would probably enter the NFL supplemental draft.
Arkansas
Arkansas Coach Bobby PetrinoBobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arkansas, a position he has held since the 2008 season...
was in his third year with the team, with a 23-14 record. Offensive leaders included tailback Knile Davis
Knile Davis
Knile Davis is an American football running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He is considered one of the best running back prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft.-2010 season:...
, who ran 178 times for 1,183 yards and 13 touchdowns, quarterback Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett
Ryan Mallett , nicknamed "Big Tex", is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League , taken in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks...
who completed 242 of 364 passes for 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns, and a pair of receivers in D.J. Williams
D. J. Williams (tight end)
-External links:***...
(49 receptions for 589 yards, 4 TDs) and Jarius Wright (38 catches for 718 yards, 4 touchdowns). Operated on a 4–3 defense scheme, the team was led by Jerry Franklin
Jerry Franklin
Jerry Franklin is an American football linebacker. He is currently entering his redshirt senior year at the University of Arkansas....
with 93 tackles, Jake Bequette on 7.0 sacks for 36 yards, and Tramain Thomas who had 4 interceptions for 24 yards.
Game summary
The Buckeyes struck first, with Dane Sanzenbacher recovering a fumble in the end zone after Terrelle Pryor fumbled on the 3 yard line. Arkansas struck back with Ryan Mallett connecting with Joe Adams on a 17 yard pass. Dan Herron added a 9 yard run, and Sanzenbacher and DeVier Posey caught touchdown passes of 15 and 43 yards respectively to give the Buckeyes a big lead. Zach Hocker hit a 20 yard field goal as time expired and the Razorbacks were down 28–10 at the half.In the third quarter, the momentum shifted Arkansas' direction. Hocker and Devin Barclay traded field goals, then Mallett connected with Jarius Wright for a touchdown, then made the two-point conversion on a pass to D. J. Williams to pull within ten. The Razorbacks closed the gap further in the fourth, on a safety by Jake Bequette and another field goal by Hocker. With just over a minute left, Arkansas blocked Ohio State's punt and recovered on the 18 yard line. However on 2nd down & 10, Mallett's pass was intercepted. The Buckeyes would run out the clock for a 31–26 victory. This was Ohio State's first bowl win over an SEC opponent.
Scoring summary
| Scoring play | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | |||
| OSU – Dane Sanzenbacher recovered fumble in end zone (Devin Barclay kick), 11:41 | OSU 7–0 | ||
| ARK – Joe Adams 17-yard pass from Ryan Mallett (Zach Hocker kick), 9:43 | TIE 7–7 | ||
| OSU – Dan Herron 9-yard run (Barclay kick), 7:17 | OSU 14–7 | ||
| 2nd quarter | |||
| OSU – Sanzenbacher 15-yard pass from Terrelle Pryor (Barclay kick), 9:53 | OSU 21–7 | ||
| OSU – DeVier Posey 43-yard pass from Pryor (Barclay kick), 1:59 | OSU 28–7 | ||
| ARK – Hocker 20-yard field goal, 0:00 | OSU 28–10 | ||
| 3rd quarter | |||
| ARK – Hocker 46-yard field goal, 9:14 | OSU 28–13 | ||
| OSU – Barclay 46-yard field goal, 4:10 | OSU 31–13 | ||
| ARK – Jarius Wright 22-yard pass from Mallett (Mallett pass to D.J. Williams), 0:58 | OSU 31–21 | ||
| 4th quarter | |||
| ARK – Herron tackled in end zone by Jake Bequette, 11:52 | OSU 31–23 | ||
| ARK – Hocker 47-yard field goal, 8:55 | OSU 31–26 | ||
Statistics
| Statistics | Ohio State | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| First Downs | 20 | 23 |
| Total yards | 446 | 402 |
| Rushes-yards (net) | 45-225 | 31-125 |
| Passing yards (net) | 221 | 277 |
| Passes, Comp-Att-Int | 14-25-0 | 24-47-1 |
| Time of Possession | 27:59 | 32:01 |