LSU Routs Ohio State In Championship Game

Buckeyes Stumble Again As Tigers Win 38-24 For Second BCS Crown In Five Seasons

(AP)  Too easy.

No. 2 LSU danced, dodged and darted its way into the end zone Monday night, turning the BCS national championship game into a horrible replay for No. 1 Ohio State. It was over early, with Matt Flynn throwing four touchdown passes in a 38-24 win.

Playing at their home-away-from-home in the Big Easy, LSU (12-2) became the first two-loss team to play for the title. Shouts of "SEC! SEC!" bounced around the Superdome as the Tigers won their second BCS crown in five seasons. They are the first school to win a second title since BCS rankings began with the 1998 season.

And in a season of surprises, this was hardly an upset: Ohio State once again fell apart in college football's biggest game. A year after the Buckeyes were routed by Tim Tebow and Florida 41-14 in the Arizona desert, they barely did better.

Jacob Hester bulled for a short touchdown, Early Doucet wiggled loose for a touchdown and All-American Glenn Dorsey led a unit that outplayed the top-ranked defense in the nation. Ohio State (11-2) had little to celebrate after Chris "Beanie" Wells broke loose for a 65-yard TD run on the fourth play of the game.

Yet while LSU got to hoist the $30,000 crystal trophy, certainly many fans around the country were peering into their crystal balls, wondering if someone else was worthy of the title. Southern California, Georgia, West Virginia, Kansas and Missouri all put on impressive shows in bowl games, and will be among the favorites in 2008.

The final Associated Press poll was to be released early Tuesday.

LSU became just the fourth favorite to win in 10 BCS championship games. Coach Les Miles probably got a little extra satisfaction, too. Though he turned down a chance to return home to Michigan, he did something his alma mater hasn't done recently - beat the Buckeyes.

The loss left Ohio State at 0-9 overall in bowl games against teams from the Southeastern Conference. The SEC delights in whipping Big Ten teams in what's become a rivalry that steams up fans on both sides.

The Tigers rallied from an early 10-0 deficit, taking a 24-10 lead that held up. Two big plays on special teams kept them ahead - they blocked a field goal, and later took advantage of a roughing-the-kicker penalty.

Flynn hit Doucet with a 4-yard toss with 9:04 left for a 31-10 lead and celebration was on in earnest. The Buckeyes made the score more respectable on Todd Boeckman's 5-yard TD pass on fourth down to Brian Robiskie, only to have Flynn come back and throw his second TD pass to Richard Dickson.

As the clocked down, Boeckman threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Brian Hartline.

Ohio State was trying to win its second BCS title in six years, and add to the one that coach Jim Tressel captured by upsetting Miami 31-24 in double overtime for the 2002 championship.

For sure, the Buckeyes were perhaps the most-maligned No. 1 team in recent memory, with critics attacking them all season. Tressel gave his players a 10-minute DVD filled with insults hurled at them by television and radio announcers, hoping it would motivate his team.

Instead, the Tigers ravaged the nation's best defense and showed that maybe all those naysayers were right.

Known as a punishing runner, Wells got the game off to a quick start. On the fourth play from scrimmage, the Buckeyes' bruising back started left, made a nifty cut right and burst through the middle.

Wells was gone, off on the longest run of his career. And so much for SEC speed - Wells outran All-America safety Craig Steltz for a 65-yard TD.

Wells was welcomed by a familiar face once he got back to the sideline. Miami Dolphins receiver Ted Ginn Jr., wearing scarlet and gray Mardi Gras beads, knew all about early strikes. He provided Ohio State's only highlight in last year's BCS title game, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

This time, Ohio State made it 10-0 on its next possession. Boeckman hit a wide-open Brandon Saine for 44 yards, setting up Ryan Pretorius' 25-yard field goal.

Only five minutes into the game, Ohio State and its all-brass band was blowing away the Tigers. LSU looked dazed and defensive coordinator Bo Pelini - who now becomes Nebraska's full-time coach

had few answers.

Fortunately for the Tigers, their offense started clicking. On a team full of flash, it was the steady ol' Hester who settled down LSU.

First, he barreled into All-America linebacker James Laurinaitis for a short gain. Both players are the rugged type and in a nice show of sportsmanship, Laurinaitis - whose dad, Joe, once starred as "Animal" in the "Legion of Doom" wrestling tag team - helped up Hester.

Hester broke off a 20-yard run on the next play, and LSU eventually got a 32-yard field goal from Colt David that made it 10-3.

That score late in the first quarter seemed to jazz everyone in purple and gold. The Tigers zoomed into fast motion, the band's Golden Girls suddenly put more bounce in their step and thousands of fans started screaming even louder.

Flynn also seemed to recognize exactly what Ohio State was trying to do. LSU quarterbacks spend a lot of time with an Xbox, playing a custom-made video game to read defenses. Apparently, what worked on the screen did even better on the field.

Two big penalties against Ohio State helped set up Flynn's 13-yard touchdown pass to Dickson, who somehow found himself uncovered. Flynn punctuated the strike by hollering, giving a wild fist pump and putting up both hands to signal TD.

Tied at 10, the Buckeyes counted on Wells. He delivered one of the season's best stiff-arms on a 29-yard romp, and Ohio State seemed poised to retake the lead.

Instead, LSU defensive end Ricky Jean-Francois crashed through the middle, swung his big right arm and blocked Pretorius' 38-yard field goal try.

As Ohio State trudged off the field and LSU sprung on, it was all over. It only took a while to confirm it.

LSU turned to another of its five dangerous tailbacks, and NCAA sprint star Trindon Holliday zigzagged closer to the goal line. Flynn's perfect pass to Brandon LaFell in the back left corner of the end zone put the Tigers ahead 17-10.

Then, it was time for LSU's defense to make the big play. Cornerback Chevis Jackson intercepted Boeckman's loss toss and streaked 34 yards down the right sideline.

The Tigers moved to a first-and-goal at 1. On third down, Hester plunged up the middle and it was 24-10 with four-plus minutes left in the first half.

No doubt, this was a replay the Buckeyes hoped to avoid. Last January, the top-ranked Buckeyes got blitzed in the BCS title game, falling behind 34-14 at halftime to Florida.

On this night, the Buckeyes were equally humbled. Done in the locker room, offensive coordinator Jim Bollman led a silent, single-file line of coaches through the press box and back to their booth for the second half.

[tarbabynigr]

Jesus, it''s a repeat of last year for Ohio State.
Fu(king OSU PENALTIES set up 2 touchdowns for LSU.

[tarbabynigr]

It''s 31-17 now CBS you losers

[micma-2009]

Take that singinrick you beeotch!

[jwpaddon]

For God''s sake please give us a playoff. Anyone watching the Big 10 this year knows that no team would have been worthy of being in a 8 team playoff. For them to be the number 1 team in the country going into this game was a joke. They would have been blown up by USC, Georgia, or Missouri, just like LSU did. I am happy for LSU and their fans, but for the rest of the fans let''s have a real champion.

[fairandbal]

Pretty clear that everyone was correct about the big 10. Once again it''s completely overrated as a conference and OSU really really didn''t play anyone and YET again they get a chance to play for the national title. What a sham the BCS has become. At least 4 other teams were better than OSU and should have been in this game instead.
What do we get instead, another snoozer blowout. I''ve stopped watching college football bowl games!!!

[kennergirl]

Geaux Tigers!

Had me worried the 1st quarter but after that it was clear sailing!

[racam_us]

It is just the fact that a decent team can play in a weak conference and build up impressive statistics. Then they go up against a team who plays in a strong conference all year and OSU just can''t cut the mustard. This farce is ruining what is left of the BCS. Of course these sportswriters who think they know it all and call OSU the best team in the country contribute also add coals to the fire.

[crater7]

DOWN ON THE BAYOU, TIGERS ON THE PROWL AGAIN....

GEAUX TIGERS......

[hwy71so]

Awesome!!!

The team what Arkansas beat, beat the buckeyes...

[rafterman1]

A two-loss team the national champions? Another reason the BCS has got to go. And OSU never deserved it''s #1 ranking.

[excoachken]

Evenly matched, but Ohio State left their "A game" in Columbus. They seemed confused by LSU setting their D linemen another foot deeper than usual, then they made a number of "stupid" penalties, not consistent with their previous team personality. I think I saw an Ohio State team that spent too much time "enjoying" their mid-winter trip and not as focused as usual. LSU was impressive, particularly Hester, who consistently made the Buckeyes pay for poor tackling. I was disappointed, however in the highly touted DT Dorsey, who is either vastly overrated or protecting himself from injury for the NFL Draft. Congratulations to the Bengal Tigers, on a well deserved National Championship!!!!

[mitywhity]

Buckeyes? Geesh - they suck and had no business even being in the game. LSU should have played Georgia, Kansas or Missouri. Georgia and Kansas would have beaten them for sure. Missouri could have pulled it off as well.

[mitywhity]

The SEC is the complete football conference. Hello BCS, YOU HEARIN'' THIS?

[excoachken]

So much for trying to examine a game with logic. Mitwity is obviously still in the hangover stage.

[kattyclayz]

I was born and raised in Ohio until a year ago, and I STILL say that they didn''t have a chance against LSU. The conferences are just too different. East coast teams are SO much weaker than West coast. Why can''t they just all play in the same conference and THEN the 2 best teams play each other? Oh yeah, cause there wouldn''t BE any East Coast teams playin'' then. hmmm

[slim1h2o]

Congrats!! LSU!! Thanks for living up to my prediction!

On a side note,, I heard a announcer slam OSU, and calling them the "Buffalo Bills" of college football, For not winning a National Championship game.

Well, If they or anyone, thinks that going to a Super Bowl 4 straight yrs, is somehow, a loser!! I''d take that record any day.

After all,, no other team has gone to 4 straight,,some have never been.

[micma-2009]

singinrick


God doesn''t like the Buckeyes. It says in revelations that he will crush them and that this will signal the second coming of Jesus.

[kevzgrl]

The Buckeyes ARE a great team, but they didn''t take their GREAT game to New Orleans with them this time. Congrats to LSU, and "Go Bucks" - there is always next year. I do agree, however, that the BCS system is beyond stupid - there should be playoffs and then the best of the playoff teams compete for the National Championship. Whoever dreamed up the BCS system needed to be kicked right then and there!

OH-IO!!!

[marcodele]

It''s all Clinton''s fault. If he hadn''t diddled Monica Lewinsky, the Bucks would have won.

-- Sincerely, Fox News Viewer

[talkingham]

OSU gets way too many chances to play for the mythical championship. Only when there is a play off will there be a real champioship. It''s a rigged system, a lot like Faux Newz, and LSU shouldn''t have been in it either.

[slim1h2o]

-- Sincerely, Fox News Viewer

Posted by marcodele at 10:33 AM : Jan 08, 2008

LOL,,Is that the Milwaukee Bucks?? LOL

[cptdeuce]

The four best teams in college football are LSU, Georgia, West Virginia and USC. I am growing sick of watching Ohio State come into a National Championship Game and get smoked. The Big 10 is WEAK and this game was just another reason for a CFB Playoff.

[tejasdemo]

This game is totally unfair every yr. Same as the rose bowl with USC in it. It is a home field for LSU...in college, that makes all the difference in the world.

[keith.butler]

Ya gotta luv all these armchair quarterbacks! They''re all experts, commenting and criticizing a really meaningless event when children are starving, women and men are being cut up with machete''s like bush meat and the next murder-bomber is being told he can''t harvest his olive trees cuz they''re on the wrong side of the *** wall.

The glass is neither half full nor half empty.... it is broken.

[micma-2009]

singinrick


You either didn''t pray enough or God just doesn''t like the Buckeyes. The good news is that the Bible indicates this as a sure sign of the end of the world. Jesus is coming, look busy.

[rafterman1]

===Well, If they or anyone, thinks that going to a Super Bowl 4 straight yrs, is somehow, a loser!! I''''d take that record any day.===

Buffalo native here, and Bills fan. I would rather they have not made the Super Bowls than to lose like they did. Losing one Super Bowl is gutwrenching for a fan. Losing four in a row is indescribable.

[slim1h2o]

Buffalo native here, and Bills fan. I would rather they have not made the Super Bowls than to lose like they did. Losing one Super Bowl is gutwrenching for a fan. Losing four in a row is indescribable.

Posted by Rafterman1 at 11:20 AM : Jan 08, 2008

I understand your frustration, and on a certain level I agree with you. They should have one at least 1!!

But,, However,,going to 4 straight, is an incredible feat, in and of it''s ownself,,and one that won''t be duplicated, , anytime soon.

Unless the Pats do it,,BTW,,,I''m a Bills fan too!

[ov442]

yeah talk about getting to superbowls, the Detroit Lions have been to so many its getting boring now... not.

one of the oldest franchises in Football history, and no superbowls.
Look at the number of expansion franchises, or franchises that packed up and moved somewhere else that have made it or even won it.
Tampa bay, Tennessee, Atlanta, carolina, the baltimore ravens (used to be colts) St. Louis Rams, etc.
I loved those Buffalo teams of the 90s with thurman thomas, don beebe, Bruce smith, Darrel Talley, cornelius bennet, jim kelley, frank reich, great teams loaded with allstars and great personalities.

[rafterman1]

===I loved those Buffalo teams of the 90s with thurman thomas, don beebe, Bruce smith, Darrel Talley, cornelius bennet, jim kelley, frank reich, great teams loaded with allstars and great personalities.===

Ah, yes. The days before the salary cap. Keeping a team like that together now would be impossible, though the Pats are close.

[simonsez40]

I''m with a Playoff system and a College Super Bowl - most of the Bowl games are to generate money - not to prove who the best team is...........when are they going to toss out this stupid Bowl system and get a real championship.

[red164]

Where is singinrick that two years in a row for Ohio State trying to keep pace with G.W. evidently.

[slim1h2o]

Where is singinrick that two years in a row for Ohio State trying to keep pace with G.W. evidently.

Posted by red164 at 05:42 PM : Jan 08, 2008

What''s the obsession with singinrick? He''s not even posting here!

If you guys have a problem with him,,, take it up with him,, on a another post,,,not here!

BTW,,, he''ll shred you guys in a debate.

[mnmtrscutr]

Now that was one bbborringg game. Got my checking account balanced, clothes washed, dried and folded, hair washed and blow dried, dishes washed, dried and put away, two magazines read and read all my spam before halftime. Now that Texas Tech game, that was a ball game worthy of the name. I got nothing done but watch the game.