Ohio State linebacker Soloman Thomas interecepted Ryan Mallett with under a minute to play to seal a 31-26 win for the Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
Arkansas, who trailed by 18 twice, had a chance to win the game after they blocked an Ohio State punt with 1:09 to play. But with the ball deep in Buckeye territory, Mallett forced a pass into coverage, where Thomas was able to wrestle it away from a Razorback receiver.
Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, whose status had been uncertain according to some heading into the game after NCAA violations, was simply outstanding. He was 14-of-25 for 221 yards and two touchdowns through the air, but also ran for 115 yards on 15 carries. For his effort, Pryor was named the game's MVP.
The win for Ohio State erased what had been a winless bowl season for the Big 10.
