Arkansas defensive end Colton Miles-Nash leapt over two Ohio State linemen to make the block on the punt by Ohio State punter, Ben Buchanan. Then, Julian Horton, a freshman wide receiver, for Arkansas fell on the ball at the Ohio State 18 yard line.
Down 31-26, the Arkansas offense needed only 18 yards in 1:09 to win their first ever BCS Bowl Game.
Junior Quarterback Ryan Mallett led the Arkansas offense on to the field.
On 1st and 10, Mallett threw a pass to senior tight end D.J. Williams, which was dropped. On the next play, Mallett was pressured into forcing a pass to junior receiver Jarius Wright, only to have the pass intercepted by Ohio State junior defensive end Solomon Thomas.
That pass ended the Razorbacks’ chances for a BCS Bowl win.
It is also the end of Arkansas quarterback, Ryan Mallett’s career at the University of Arkansas. The career ended with an 18-8 record, as well as Mallett becoming statistically, the greatest quarterback in Arkansas history, in only two seasons at the helm of head coach Bobby Petrino’s offense.
Now, Mallett will take his chances in the NFL, after declaring for the NFL Draft on Thursday.
Mallett is a projected first round pick and could be the first quarterback drafted.
Mallett released this statement to the media through the University of Arkansas’ athletic media relations department:
“After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play for the Razorbacks, and I am thankful I had the opportunity to do so. A year ago, when I returned to school, I said I wanted to help lead this team to a place among the nation’s elite and for the Razorback community to have a mindset to expect greatness. There is no doubt we got there together and this program will continue to play games on the biggest stages, and when it does we’ll come out swinging. Playing in the NFL is a goal of mine, and I am grateful to the people that have prepared me to take the next step. Coach (Bobby) Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen. I’d also like to thank Coach (Garrick) McGee for everything he has done for me and in particular helping develop my mental approach to the game. The leadership of Chancellor David Gearhart and Director of Athletics Jeff Long is a model for me and I am extremely appreciative of the tireless work they do for all University of Arkansas students every day. The Razorback fans are the greatest in the country and their support for me and the team throughout my career has been humbling. Arkansas is where my heart is and I’m proud to say that I will always be a Razorback.”
