SCOUTING REPORT | Tonight's Fiesta Bowl

Game time: 8:20
Television/radio: WYTV (33), WEWS (5), WTAE (4), WKBN-AM (570), WBBW-AM (1240).
Site: Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.
Surface: Grass.
The coaches: Jim Tressel is 20-5 in his second season at Ohio State and 155-62-2 in 17 seasons overall. Larry Coker is 24-0 in his second season at Miami.
When Ohio State is on offense: Ball control is the name of the game for the Buckeyes. For one reason, Ohio State ran the ball on 69 percent of its plays from scrimmage this season. Secondly, the Buckeyes want to keep Miami's balanced and explosive offense off the field. Of Ohio State's 65 scoring drives this season, 19 of them lasted four minutes or longer. The play along the line of scrimmage will be of utmost importance, particularly OSU center Alex Stepanovich and right guard Bryce Bishop against Miami defensive tackle Matt Walters. Tailback Maurice Clarett, who proclaimed himself healthy from an injured shoulder, must again bring that certain intangible that seems to bring an electricity to the Buckeye huddle when he enters the game. First down will be highly important as the Buckeyes will want to avoid second- and third-down and long situations. Ohio State had a third down conversion rate of 36 percent (58 of 161) during the regular season and will have to get better. Quarterback Craig Krenzel, who completed 62 percent of his passes and rushed for 287 yards this season, will have to again make good decisions and avoid turnovers. Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, who stands 6-foot-5, will have a height advantage of at least three inches over all the Miami defensive backs.
When Miami is on offense: The numbers are gaudy. During the Hurricanes' 34-game winning streak, they have averaged 42 points per game, winning by an average of more than 25 points. Quarterback Ken Dorsey and running back Willis McGahee, both finalists for the Heisman Trophy, are the marquee players. McGahee rushed for 1,686 yards and 27 touchdowns, but the Buckeyes have made it clear their first priority is to shut him down. The OSU defense will have to play assignment-sound because of McGahee's ability to cut back and gain extra yards. But, for the Buckeyes, it may be a case of "pick your poison," because Dorsey completed 55.4 percent of his pass attempts for 3,073 yards and 26 TDs, and threw just 10 interceptions. Dorsey averaged more than 15 yards per completion. Led by Rimington Award winner, center Brett Romberg, the 'Canes' offensive line permitted just 11 sacks of Dorsey all season. Ohio State must get pressure on Dorsey or at least knock him down a few times, even if it doesn't record sacks. A key matchup will be WR Andre Johnson against the Buckeyes' cornerbacks, Dustin Fox and Chris Gamble. Johnson caught 48 passes and averaged 21.6 yards per reception. He scored nine touchdowns. Also, TE Kellen Winslow had 46 catches and seven receiving TDs this season; he'll be matched up against the Ohio State linebackers.
Special teams: If the game comes down the kicking game, the Buckeyes have a decided advantage. PK Mike Nugent made 24-of-26 field goals this season, and was 9-of-10 from 40 yards or farther. By comparison, Miami's Todd Sievers made only 12-of-20 field goals and was just 4-for-10 from 40 yards and out. Ohio State punter Andy Groom averaged 44.6 yards per kick and had a net average of 37.2. Miami's Freddie Capshaw averaged 41.0 yards per punt and had a net average of 33.3. Neither team had terrific kickoff and punt return numbers during the season, but watch Chris Gamble on punt returns -- the 'Canes allowed two to be returned for touchdowns this season.
Intangibles: The Hurricanes, quite simply, don't believe they can lose. That's what a 34-game winning streak will do for a team. If Miami gets off to a fast start on the scoreboard this game will be over early -- just remember last year's Rose Bowl win over Nebraska. However, if the Buckeyes can keep the score close into the last 10 minutes of the game one has to like their chances -- Ohio State has developed a terrific ability to make the big plays in the fourth quarter all season.
-- Rob Todor