Final Analysis
The BCS Championship again comes down to a power attack from the Big Ten against a speedy, athletic team from the SEC. Ohio State's defense should slow the Tigers more than they were able to control the Gators last year, but unless Wells can run for over 150 yards, it’s hard to see the Buckeyes coming out on top. Sorry, Columbus.
Break Down LSU
With preseason hype putting the Tigers second in the national rankings behind only USC, Les Miles’ team came into 2007 with lofty expectations. And they were as good as advertised, except of course when they were forced to play in three-overtime games. LSU’s only two losses came against SEC foes Arkansas and Kentucky in triple-overtime thrillers, and they played as tough of a schedule as anyone in the nation (including a 41-point pounding of Orange Bowl-bound Virginia Tech).
On offense, the key is at the quarterback position. Senior Matt Flynn (2,233 yards, 17 TDs) had a solid season but missed the SEC championship with injury. His replacement, sophomore Ryan Perrilloux (694 yards, 8 TDs), is a change of pace much like Tim Tebow was last year for Florida against these same Buckeyes. Hard-nosed senior tailback Jacob Hester led the team in rushing with 1,107 yards and 11 TDs, while receivers Early Doucet (474 yards, 4 TDs) and Demetrius Byrd (593 yards, 7 TDs) are the key targets through the air.
On the defensive side of the ball, new Nebraska coach Bo Pelini will coach his final game with the Tigers. After allowing only 32 points in the first five games of the season, they allowed 223 in their final eight contests. The long layoff could help this banged-up unit more than anyone in the game. Their leader is senior defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (64 tackles, 6 sacks), who was hampered by a knee injury the second half of the year but should be healed for New Orleans. Senior safety Craig Steltz led the team in tackles (97), interceptions (6) and forced fumbles (3).
Ohio State
Break Down Ohio State
Jim Tressel’s team is no stranger to big games, and you can expect the Buckeyes to come into this year’s BCS Championship, their second in two years, more prepared than they were against Florida last season. Just like last year, it will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes come out early in the game after a 50-day layoff. It’s a safe bet that Tressel will try to pound the ball inside and establish his team’s power running game early with sophomore tailback Chris “Beanie” Wells (1,463 yards, 14 TDs).
If the Buckeyes can run the ball, that will open up the offense for junior quarterback Todd Boeckman (2,171 yards, 23 TDs) through the air. Boeckman threw no touchdowns in Ohio State’s final two games against Michigan and Illinois, but they won’t be able to survive here without a passing game. Receivers Brian Robiskie (885 yards, 10 TDs) and Brian Hartline (619 yards, 5 TDs) will be the main targets.
If you are a fan of defense, you’ll love to watch Ohio State. The Buckeyes allowed only two rushing touchdowns all season long, and also led the nation in both total and scoring defense, allowing 222.5 yards and 10.7 points per game. Butkus Award winning junior linebacker James Laurinaitis led the team with 103 tackles and also added five sacks. Up front, junior Vernon Gholston had his second straight big season, recording 13 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, both tops on the team.
Comments (2)
that sucks
hawaii15rocks | 01/03/08, 03:39 PM
Report Offensive Commenthow did you come up with the point totals when there were only 120 total possible?
clint | 01/08/08, 10:22 AM
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