Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas is getting a sweet reward for a 10-win regular season.

Sunday, the No. 8 Razorbacks were officially invited to the Sugar Bowl. They’ll be matched up in the Jan. 4 bowl against Ohio State (11-1), tri-champion of the Big 10.

Coach Bobby Petrino guided the program to its first BCS Bowl game in his third season. Arkansas hasn’t been to a Sugar Bowl since 1980 and it is the most prestigious bowl appearance for the school since the BCS system was implemented in 1998.

"We’ve had a great year. We’ve had a lot of fun," Petrino said. "It’s one of the most enjoyable years I’ve had as a head coach."

This is the fifth Sugar Bowl appearance for Arkansas in school history. Other trips to the bowl came in 1962, 1963, 1969, 1970 and 1980.

Ohio State and Arkansas will meet for the first time, according to information on Hog Database.

“This means everything," defensive end Jake Bequette said. "Our fans are the best in the country and have been with the program through it all. It is an honor to represent them in the first BCS appearance in school history. Playing Ohio State will be a challenge, but we look forward to a great game against a program with such a great tradition.”

Their first meeting should be a good test for an Arkansas offense ranked No. 10 nationally in total offense and third in passing offense. Defensively, the Buckeyes are one of the strongest teams in the country. They rank No. 2 in total defense, third in scoring defense and fourth in both rushing and pass efficiency defenses.

Quarterback Ryan Mallett said he is looking forward to the challenge. It's the sort of matchup he was hoping for when choosing to return for another season at Arkansas.

“As I said when I made the decision to come back, we want the Razorbacks to be among the elite teams nationally," Mallett said. "Everyone knows ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a part of an Arkansas team in a game like this and I’m thrilled for the opportunity. I know our fans will be in New Orleans to support us.”

Essentially, the Razorbacks clinched a spot in the Sugar Bowl when Auburn won the SEC title on Saturday with a 56-17 victory against South Carolina. Auburn will represent the league in the BCS title game, opening up the slot for Arkansas in New Orleans.

"We really didn't root for Auburn yesterday," Petrino said. "We rooted against South Carolina. That made it easier for us."

ArkansasSports360.com will provide additional coverage throughout the weeks leading up to the Sugar Bowl.

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