It took longer than expected, but ex-Michigan QB Ryan Mallett gets his showdown with Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett practices for the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State.
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — These guys could've faced each other in one of college football's great rivalries.
Instead, they've had to wait three years for their showdown.
Finally, it's Terrelle Pryor vs. Ryan Mallett.
"It's pretty interesting, isn't it?" Arkansas defensive end Damario Ambrose said Saturday. "It's like a battle of the pocket passer against the scrambler."
Indeed, the contrasting styles — Arkansas' Mallett is a classic drop-back quarterback, Ohio State's Pryor can beat defenses with his arm or his legs — would be enough to make Tuesday night's Sugar Bowl (8 p.m., ESPN) an extremely compelling matchup.
But there's more.
Mallett started his college career at Michigan, which just happens to be the biggest rival for the No. 6 Buckeyes (11-1). And Pryor is clearly on a mission after the NCAA ruled he and four teammates must serve a five-game suspension next season for selling off rings, uniforms and awards, not to mention getting discounts on tattoos from an ink parlor in Columbus.
Already a beacon for controversy, Pryor acknowledges a further tarnishing of his legacy with this latest development.
"I've got to come up with some type of plan for next year because I'm going to have a five-game suspension," he said. "That's really messed up some of the things I wanted to accomplish. As of right now, all I can do is just keeping winning as much as possible, leading my team as much as I can. I guess I'll leave the rest to everybody else."
Pryor insists his long-stated plan of returning to Ohio State for his senior season won't change because of the suspension, even though it will keep him out of nearly half the games and make it impossible for him to match this year's numbers: passing for a career-best 2,551 yards and 25 touchdowns, and rushing for 639 yards and four more scores.
"Once you pledge to do something, I think you've got to keep your word," Pryor said.
Mallett has thrown for more than 7,000 yards since transferring to No. 8 Arkansas (10-2), but a BCS pairing with Ohio State has sparked a renewed focus on where he began his college career.
The 6-foot-6 Mallett initially signed with Michigan, starting three games as a true freshman in 2007. He even played sparingly in that year's finale against the Buckeyes, completing just one pass in a 14-3 loss. Still, that was enough to give him a good sense of just how much bitterness exists between the Big Ten rivals.
"It got ingrained in my system, so I think it still stuck with me for a while," he said. "I don't go to Michigan anymore, but I know what it's like going into that and getting prepared for that game."
His reaction when he found out he'd get another shot at the Buckeyes?
"I just had a big smile on my face," Mallett replied. "It's a great way to end the season."
He left Ann Arbor after Rich Rodriguez became the Wolverines coach, bringing along a spread offense that didn't fit with Mallett's strengths as a pocket passer. He transferred back to his home state and, after sitting out a season, flourished right away in Bobby Petrino's pro-style offense.
Mallett threw for 3,624 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2009. He's passed for 30 more scores and 3,592 yards this season.
"He's really matured as far as his technique, his fundamentals and his footwork. His balance and his delivery has gotten better and better," Petrino said. "I actually had him for a year and half before he played a game. That's a lot of time to spend and work on technique and fundamentals. He understands the game really, really well — both sides of the ball, offense and defense. As the years went on, he thinks more like we do as a coaching staff."
While Mallett's transition to the Razorbacks has been mostly smooth, Pryor has endured plenty of rough patches since arriving at Ohio State in 2008 as the nation's top-ranked prep player.
He's antagonized teammates, petulantly brushed off rivals and confidently predicted he could be putting up the same type of numbers as Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton if allowed to play in a similar offensive system.
There was some question about whether Pryor would even be allowed to speak to the media in New Orleans. Two years ago, coach Jim Tressel didn't bring his then-freshman quarterback to the Fiesta Bowl media day. The Buckeyes would've faced a heavy fine if they didn't make him available this time, so he was there — shadowed closely by a member of the football staff.
While the NCAA was criticized for allowing Pryor to play in the bowl, the quarterback is grateful that he's had a place to escape all the turmoil.
"The best way to get into my focus zone has just been to practice," Pryor said. "I'd be most stressed at home. Being on the field has been the least stressful place. I'm just looking at it as, 'We've got a game to play, let's play it.'"
Still, he hasn't been able to get beyond earshot of his critics.
"You shouldn't worry about what other people say, but you do take a lot of what other people say into your mind," Pryor said. "They're saying it for some reason. That's the hardest thing, I guess, is hearing people say some cruel things about you. You know what you did and you take the responsibility, but guys are still out there nailing you and talking about you."
Pryor's teammates expect him to respond with a huge performance Tuesday night.
"He's taking it as a challenge," fullback Zach Boren said. "He's had a chip on his shoulder since everything happened. He's just gotten that much better. During practice and stuff, he's taking everything more seriously. He's harder on himself than he's ever been."
Comments
NoBowl4Blue
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 6:52 a.m.
LOL Barwis like his boss were a joke. A family friend who played with Borens father says he hears the buckeyes program is much more smoothly run than Michigans under crybaby. Another reson crybaby has to go. I hope Mallet has a huge day but part me wants the Big Ten to win this one.
15crown00
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
Just think this is the guy that should be throwing passes for The Victors Valiant. Thanks again Rod Man for losing this player.
3 And Out
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
sorry that was a typo..it is "there" not "their" i just typed it too fast... either way, Mr. Pet Wolf / fake MMA guy will soon be gone and rightfully so.
3 And Out
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Barwis was/is a fraud...our players were slow, small, poorly conditioned and got pushed around badly for 3 years. The guy actually has a website where he hocks his "program" and advertises his services for several thousand dollars a day. It will be a great day when he and the rest of the snake oil crew are broomed away and we get people with integrity in their.
D21
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.
TulsaTom, Denard would be better off in a hybrid pro style offense that will accentuate his rushing talent from time to time. That can only help his NFL stock instead of garnering more "so what stats" under RR. Where is Pat White now? Nuff said.
D21
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:43 p.m.
Pryor, just say NO to tattoos but if ya still insist on having another one then here's one for ya: Michigan 27 O-h-i-o St 24 2011
D21
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 6:40 p.m.
Go Mallett & Razorbacks, beat the Buckeyes and re-capture the glory days of Lou Holtz, Ron Calcagni and Ben Cowins.
BlueGator
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
Sean T, I agree. That whole Barwis thing was just another batch of snake oil we all bought three years ago. Within weeks, all the players were supposed to immediately add tremendous muscle mass AND pick up speed. They were to become veritable beasts in no time. We're still waiting...
tulsatom
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 5:24 p.m.
It is bittersweet to see Mallett playing for Arkansas and having such success. He should've been doing that for U-M and would've if U-M didn't radically change coaching philosphies. He will most likely be an NFL first-round draft choice. Losing him, Arrington, and Manninggham was the price U-M paid for hiring RR because they knew they weren't a good fit for RR's system, just like Denard may bolt if Harbaugh or another pro-style coach comes in because it doesn't make full use of his talents. In the long run, talented players who want to go pro some day want to play in the pro-style system. As soon as the pros start going to the spread, RR's style will be more in demand, if that ever happens.
3 And Out
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
Oh...what could have been. Thanks Bill Martin.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 4 p.m.
I hear a lot of hate from some of you, some hate Brandon, some hated Bo, some hated LC, some hate our Mich. Wolves, none of it makes sense oh, and I forgot to mention that some of you are obsessed with hate for RR. This whole thing is entertainment nothing more, won't affect your pay unless your gambling, won't affect your love life unless your spouse is caught up in the ridiculousness of the hate for a sport and figures that really have no affect on you except what you imagine as part of your well being. Michigan is going through a cycle of unfortunate events which is impossible to put a blame on one person without blaming a whole chain of people going way back before RR. I guess we could blame Bo for retiring and leaving us Gary who stuck us with LLoyd and the former AD for his role and of course Brandon for his role in not listening to all the RR haters in the beginning oh, and lets not forget what was his name, Boren? Mistakes have been made enough to go around maybe even a few by us fans. I believe this thing is going to turn around with or without RR I think there are enough hardheaded folks in Mich. that love this program and are in a position to turn this around. We may not get Harbaugh, we may keep RR and get some new assis. coaches but lets support this AD and give him our support so no rash decisions are made try to remember, patience is a virtue we don't want to repeat these mistakes, believe me it could happen again.
michboy40
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
Watching Mallett in the Sugar Bowl will be surreal. When he came to Michigan you could see he was going to be special, but I don't think it's all RR's fault that he left. I think Mallett butted heads with LC, Henne, and several other team mates. The RR hire just game him the perfect out and he took it. The only reason he came to Michigan to begin with is because Mitch Mustain(sp) committed to Arkansas and he did not want the competitiion. Good luck Tuesday though. I will be rooting for the Hogs to steam roll the Suckeyes. It's not like the Suckeyes can fix the BIG TEN image problem all by themselves, so why bother rooting for a team that you hate.
Sean T.
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Is it a fact that Boren was one of the players that reported the extra practice time? I've never read any article stating that Boren said anything except for the diminishing family values. AZ said it best, you can recruit speed but you can't build it very much. Barwis was a joke, as was his Boss who brought him!
Blu-dogg97
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 11:54 a.m.
AZwolv.. I respect your opinion here,and your correct about the current players been soft,but Barwis didn't recruit them,and Boren was a key player in blowing the whistle to the freep,and start the NCAA investigations against Mich,which turn out to be too much practice time, and totally un-warranted and a waste of time and $.. Go Mallett & Go Blue..
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:27 a.m.
AZwolverine I whole heartedly agree with you.
azwolverine
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 10:12 a.m.
blu dogg, I agree with much of what you said, however I disagree wholeheartedly with the fact that Barwis would have somehow benefitted Boren. Boren did just fine at OSU and will be playing in the NFL, whereas Barwis will ultimately be run out of town with RR just like he should be. He is as much to blame for UM's current struggles as any other coach on the staff. His conditioning program has turned UM into a small, soft team that get run over by strong physical teams. While speed is a good thing, that is mainly recruited, not built in the weight room. Miss St was not only faster than UM, they were far stronger as evidenced by pounding UM into submission on all 5 fourth down attempts (theirs and ours). No, Barwis would not have helped Boren at all. In fact, he would have hurt his development much like he did all of the current players on Michigan's team.
Blu-dogg97
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:58 a.m.
I'll be pulling for the Razorbacks and Mallet,he's showed great character and integrity..something none of the Hairless nuts have shown,selling Big ten championship rings is a total dis-respect for the University,the Big ten and his fellow students and players..Pryor has no class!! remember the press conference he held prior to signing with osu,to only say he hasn't made a decision yet!! come on quit hanging out with Lebron!! and boren I mean moron,saying there was no family at UM,and was trader and took his yellow streaked back to the flatland's in Ohio..he couldn't handle the training& fitness workouts,and would have to get into shape under Mike B.program.. There birds of feather.. Mallett will be throwing TD passes in the NFL,and the bucknuts will be getting free tattoo's and idling in Mediocrity!! Go Razorbacks.. GO Blue!!
Ben
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:53 a.m.
tOSU will be shredded. I will watch this game in bitter amusement. If tOSU wins, it's vindication for the players who disrespected their school. tOSU needs to and will lose Tuesday night.
PortageLkBlu
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:30 a.m.
I don't really care who wins after all I'm a Mich. man. Now that I've identified that I'm a Mich. man I will admit it should be an entertaining game, as far as the big 10's rep they have a long ways to go to fix that if Wisconsin was the best they could offer.
tulsatom
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 9:22 a.m.
It ought to be a good one. I normally have a hard time rooting for Ohio State but I'll be doing just that in this game to see if they can redeem a little respect for the Big Ten conference against the SEC. With the way the games went yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if Mallett and the Razorbacks win.