Status of Wilson unclear
December 14, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "It isn't clear whether Lawrence Wilson will be available to give the pass rush an infusion Jan. 7...Tressel said he and Wilson will have a better sense once the team, which is practicing until Dec. 19 before taking Christmas break, reconvenes Dec. 26..."

 

Watching the (future) enemy OSU coaches guests of LSU December 5, 2007 Source: Toledo Blade - "They have not only been behind enemy lines, they've been in the camp. They've seen the LSU Tigers in their lair. Not just an Ohio State coach or two, but coach Jim Tressel's entire offensive and defensive staffs. Early this spring, before the Buckeyes started their spring practice here in the chilly Midwest, the Ohio State brain trust flew to Louisiana and was the guest of LSU coach Les Miles as his team went through spring workouts in a warmer clime..."

 

Championship matchup
January 7, 208 Source: USA Today - "See how the Buckeyes and Tigers will line up on Jan. 7 in New Orleans..."

See who has the position-by-position edge when the Buckeyes and Tigers take the field. Source: USA Today

On the edge
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "When...Buckeyes run & pass, Tigers run & pass, Special teams, Other factors..."

This is the The Baton Rouge Advocate's take on position breakdowns...position by position

Matchups: LSU offense tough to defend
January 5, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - " To Luke Fickell, New Orleans looks a lot like patterned wallpaper, carpet, a conference table and swivel chairs. Fickell, Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator, has not had time to sightsee in the Big Easy, but rather has been huddled with his fellow coaches, trying to figure out how to contain a diverse and powerful Louisiana State offense in the national championship game..."

Matchups: Buckeyes offense, Tigers defense suited to play inside power game
January 4, 208 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The players on the Louisiana State defense have seen it, as they prepare for Monday night's national championship game against the Buckeyes in the Superdome. They watched Florida's defensive front, especially end Derrick Harvey, have its way with the OSU offensive line. The point to remember, LSU defensive end Kirston Pittman said, is the Buckeyes also have watched it. They've lived it, and he said it's apparent from watching video from this season that they learned from it..."

Jim Tressel On LSU's Offense: “They bring a lot of speed at you. … I love that quarterback. He’s a tough kid. I love people who are patient. He’s a patient guy, whether it was patient in his career or patient in the pocket or patient in the course of a game. I love people that have patience. They’ve got great receivers and backs. And you better know where that tailback/fullback guy is, because, hooo, he’s special. They’re just very deserving.”

Jim Tressel On OSU's Defense: “We have played good defense. I haven’t seen much of anything (of LSU), but what I have seen, I’ll tell you the similarities. Both defenses can run. LSU will strike you. You can watch games on TV, and you don’t have to go study film to know that. Excellent speed, very aggressive. (Both teams have) the same kind of mentalities. Both teams like to come after you, put the pressure on you as an offense. Excellent athletes."

Les Miles On the LSU Defense: “When you have to play week after week against quality opponents, it takes its toll. It is about the understanding that ‘Now we have to find another way to win.’ We were winning with ‘that guy’ at quarterback, ‘that guy’ on the defensive line and ‘that guy’ was making the plays. It’s a young player, one that we suddenly have to count on. There is a responsibility at the position. Our players understand that. I think any team, including Ohio State who has a defensive lineman returning to duty who was lost earlier in the year due to a broken bone, shuffles the lineup a little bit towards to end of the year."

Les Miles On the OSU Offense: “On offense, they seldom make mistakes. They have a tremendous running back (Chris Wells) who ran for 200 plus yards in their last outing. He is a strong running back that runs hard and fast. They have a big traditional Ohio State offensive line. (Former LSU running back) Terry Robiskie’s son (Brian) is a tremendous player there and is their leading receiver. As I watched him, and I know his father, I can tell you that Terry must be very proud of his son because he is a tremendous competitor, talented and a quality teammate.”

Play of the week: 47 wham January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "A power play by any name -- call this one "47 wham" -- is a sight to behold when it works, which is why it wouldn't be a surprise if Ohio State runs this play or a derivative in the national championship game tonight against Louisiana State..."

Boone, OSU line will have hands full with Dorsey
December 31, 2007 Source: Canton Repository - "Alex Boone had a tough assignment against Florida in last year’s title game. It gets even tougher this year against LSU. Glenn Dorsey will line up opposite Boone some of the game. Dorsey, a two-time All-American defensive tackle, is big enough and fast enough to attack offenses from the outside as well. Even if Dorsey doesn’t line up near Boone, he has to be accounted for across the line..."

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Todd Boeckman mustn't be pick-y
December 25, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Two weeks ago, Jim Tressel called Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman in for a healthy film session. About half of the Buckeyes' 11-1 season was there for the critiquing. 'I didn't know what to expect at first,' Boeckman said. 'But it wasn't too bad, going in there and seeing what you need to work on. It was constructive criticism. He'd say things like, 'You can't be throwing that ball there; you can't be doing that.' But when I'd make a good throw, he said 'Good read.'' Boeckman was then ready to focus on watching LSU, Ohio State's opponent in the BCS National Championship in 13 days. He might want to also take a gander at the previous nine BCS National Championship games..."
Quarterbacks in BCS title games

Who has the edge?
Source: Dayton Daily News - "The Ohio State Buckeyes face off against the LSU Tigers in the BCS National Championship January 7. Who has the edge (position by position)? View our editor's picks and make your selections..."

PREVIEW: Tigers-Bucks Head to Head (Source: TigerRag.com)

Ohio State QB vs. LSU QB
Todd Boeckman vs. Matt Flynn
Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman and LSU signal caller Matt Flynn have something very much in common. Both are in their first year as quarterbacks of their respective teams and both replaced legendary quarterbacks. Boeckman was forced to fill the shoes of Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith while Flynn has came on to replace the NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick last spring in JaMarcus Russell. Both have done quite well. While Boeckman doesn’t have nearly the tools that Smith possessed and he isn’t going to overwhelm you with arm strength, he has managed the Buckeye offense efficiently completing 175 of 272 passes for 2,164 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Flynn, who has battled injuries this season (ankle and shoulder), missed two starts – including the SEC Championship Game – yet still has completed 182 of 332 passes for 2,233 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Ohio State LB vs. LSU DT
James Laurinaitis vs. Glenn Dorsey
Too bad they want go up against one another. Two of the nation’s best defenders will strap it on in this one with a national championship at stake. LSU defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey cleaned house winning most of college football’s major accolades including the Outland, Nagurski, Lott and Lombardi Trophies. But right behind Dorsey was Ohio State James Laurinaitis, who did claim the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker. Dorsey, who struggled the second half of the season with injuries, finished the season with 64 tackles, including six sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Laurinaitis, who led the Buckeyes with 103 stops, also had five sacks and two interceptions.

Player to Watch:
Chris “Beanie” Wells
Chris “Beanie” Wells finally got his shot at being Ohio State’s featured back this season, and the sophomore from Akron, Ohio took advantage of the opportunity. A year ago, the freshman Wells played behind Antonio Pittman, who rushed for 1,233 yards en route to leading the Buckeyes to the national championship game. But as Pittman moved on to the NFL, Wells stepped up in a big way. “Beanie” has eclipsed Pittman’s 1200-yard performance from a year ago rushing for 1,462 yards on 352 carries so far this season. Through 12 games, Wells is averaging 122 yards per game on the ground and more than five yards per carry. Wells, who teams with Maurice Wells in the Ohio State backfield, is a power back measuring 6-1, 235 pounds. He has bullied his way into the end zone 14 times and will go looking for more as tries to accomplish something Pittman was able to do a year ago – win the national championship.

 

Perception is reality until OSU changes it
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Talk of "perception" got a swift backhand from just about every Ohio State representative asked about it before tonight's national championship game against Louisiana State...Coach Jim Tressel: 'I think every time you have a chance to go out and compete you are adding to the creation of an impression. And when you're giving a positive impression, it only lasts until you give a negative one.' All of this perception-bashing is understandable. In the days leading up to a game of this magnitude, worrying about the "impression" of the program by a skeptical media or the "perception" of the program by the public would be a poor use of players' and coaches' time. But when the title game against LSU ends, perception becomes reality..."

Win for Buckeyes really would be one for ages
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Jim Tressel's fists are ready. Years from now, when some unassuming fan -- or assuming sports columnist -- reminds the Ohio State coach about last season's 41-14 national championship loss to Florida, the Vest will wind up and … Make no mistake, Ohio State losses -- specifically bowl game losses -- have the shelf life of dinosaur bones. On the flip side, the remnants of an especially big bowl game victory last as long, if not longer. They're like the big bang, reverberating through time, outlasting life itself. Many a happy OSU fan will take the 2002 national championship victory to the grave..."

Bob Hunter commentary: Quick minds just as vital as quick feet in title game
January 6, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "One of the bones at the national championship game is the perceived speed difference between Ohio State and Louisiana State, and it has been getting a good gnawing by the media mongrels sniffing around. In the past few days, I've heard the question posed about 50 ways. In most of them, LSU's speed edge is cited as if it were one of the fundamental laws of the universe...Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock offered...'There's no question speed's a factor, but I think there's a lot more to it,' Heacock said. 'A lot of times the most physical team and the toughest team (wins). I think speed's a factor, I think toughness is a factor, I think intelligence is a factor, I think execution's a factor, turnovers are a factor, protecting the football, forcing turnovers … there are just so many factors in the game of football to zero in on speed.'..."

Speed drills:
Much has been made of the perception Ohio State will enter tonight's game with a speed disadvantage and that a chief reason OSU was crushed by Florida in last year's title game is because the Gators ran rings around the Buckeyes. Several Buckeyes have said the bigger problem last year was that Florida was more physical, and there won't be a speed disparity Monday, either. 'I think we have speed, just as much as anybody in the country,' said Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman. 'It's not all about the SEC speed. I think we have guys that can run, too.'...LSU wide receiver Early Doucet said he's a little tired of being asked about Ohio State's supposed lack of quickness..." (Source: USA Today)

LSU not counting on edge in speed
January 6, 2008 Source: Dayton Daily News - "If each team were allowed to choose one player, Les Miles would be happy to settle the national championship on a track. Trindon Holliday, a 5-foot-5 receiver, holds the LSU school record with a 10.02-second 100-meter dash...Beyond that, Miles isn't too sure he has an advantage..."

Nobody's Perfect
January 5, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "Todd Boeckman knows he doesn't have to beat LSU on his own. Some have suggested Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman might have to play a perfect game for the Buckeyes to defeat LSU. Boeckman isn't buying that.

"I don't know if it's all on me because I know we have a great defense behind us," Boeckman said. "Our offensive line is doing a great job this year, and obviously 'Beanie' (tailback Chris Wells) has been carrying the load for quite a while. Our receivers are stepping up, so if I just go out there and do my job and don't make any mistakes, I think we'll be all right."

Boeckman, in his first year as the starter, has done that most of the season. He has passed for 2,171 yards and 23 touchdowns in guiding the Buckeyes to an 11-1 record. But he did throw three interceptions in the Buckeyes' 28-21 loss to Illinois on Nov. 10.

Bucks' 'D' must dictate play
January 5, 2008 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - "Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman is an introspective, thoughtful type, and when he talks, his teammates, coaches and media listen. They did so Friday when Freeman did one of the first really insightful jobs analyzing the LSU Tigers, the Buckeyes' opponent in Monday's BCS National Championship Game. For example, Freeman, a junior, doesn't see a lot of similarities between the success Florida had in alternating quarterbacks against Ohio State in last year's national title game and what LSU will try to do by using two quarterbacks Monday night..."

LSU features multiple attack
January 5, 2008 Source: Canton Repository - "The No. 2-ranked Tigers (11-2) face No. 1-ranked Ohio State (11-1) in Monday’s BCS National Championship Game at the Superdome. The Tigers have five strong running backs, led by 1,032-yard rusher Jacob Hester. They go four-deep at wide receiver and have two quarterbacks capable of starting. All that versatility and talent adds to the 12th-ranked scoring offense (38.7 ppg) in the nation..."

End Of Discussion
January 5, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "LSU's pass protection has been surprisingly inconsistent; the Tigers have allowed 29 sacks, which ranks tied for 73rd in the nation. Ciron Black will line up across from Gholston, who leads Ohio State with 13 sacks. Gholston notched three sacks in the Buckeyes' 14-3 regular season-closing victory over Michigan, and that included one against All-America tackle Jake Long, who previously had not allowed a sack this season. Black is aware of the difficult task he faces.

"He's a great defensive end," Black said. "The only thing I can do is play the fundamental technique I've used all year and try to block him. He's a tremendous athlete and has great skill, so I have to stay grounded. I can't underestimate him or try to guess what he's doing."

Ohio State defense knows turnovers key
January 4, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "Ohio State leads the nation in total defense. The Buckeyes also lead the nation in scoring defense. But even though the Buckeyes have had little trouble stopping teams from moving the football, they've had issues in taking it away..."

Defense can't rest in title game
January 4, 2008 Source: Yahoo Sports - "In a traditional sense, Ohio State has always been about defense – big, tough, bruising defense. The Buckeyes' most famous offensive philosophy, after all, was called "three yards and a cloud of dust," Woody Hayes talking about running those "fat tackles" to victory. So the 41 points Florida hung on the Buckeyes in a blowout victory in the BCS championship game a year ago wasn't just a single-game humiliation, it was an assault on everything the program holds dear. Especially after the Buckeyes watched the game film. For all the talk about the Gators' superior athletic ability, the truth is, other than freak wideout Percy Harvin, the problem was as much strength as speed. 'A lot of people say, 'It was speed, it was speed,' (but) if you really watch film, Florida just out-physicalled us, they pounded the ball down our throats,' OSU linebacker Marcus Freeman said..."

Differences In Buckeyes, Tigers, Striking
January 4, 2008 Source: The Ozone - "Things are different around the national championship game this year, and we're not talking about just with the Buckeyes, though things are without a doubt different with OSU. Media members were allowed to visit practice sessions for both teams yesterday and there were striking differences between the two..."

The Dorsey question: Buckeyes must counter LSU defensive star
January 4, 2008 Source: Toledo Blade - "The question was simple. The answers were not. What are your impressions of LSU's all-everything defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey? 'He's having probably the best season for a defensive lineman ever,' Ohio State's offensive right tackle, Kirk Barton, said yesterday..."

LSU offense has a familiar look to Ohio State Buckeyes defenders
January 4, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "New strategy for the Buckeyes for Monday's BCS National Championship -- imagine LSU's purple and gold as maize and blue. When Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins looks at the Tigers' offense, he sees the Wolverines..."

Title won't be shared, Tressel says January 3, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "After Southern California and Georgia rolled to impressive victories in the Rose and Sugar bowls, respectively, this question was bound to arise. Do those strong-closing teams have a legitimate argument to be included in a conversation about being the national champion...'Well, I know we are playing for that silver crystal (football) which signifies the national championship, because there's only two teams that have a chance at that,' Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said yesterday upon arriving with his team. 'Outside, there are other championships, and polls, and that type of thing. But for the one that really counts? LSU and Ohio State.'..."

Beanie's Buckeyes face stingy LSU defense
January 3, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "The list of individuals to rush for 100 yards against LSU's vaunted defense is short and impressive. Arkansas' Darren McFadden. That's the list. And that's not because LSU played a schedule rife with pass-crazed offense or plow-horse tailbacks. Rather, the Tigers shut down several 1,000-yard running backs, including Tulane's Matt Forte (73 yards), Ole Miss' BenJarvus Green-Ellis (53 yards) and Mississippi State's Anthony Dixon (29 yards). In fact, nine of the 13 teams LSU faced failed to rush for 100 yards..."

Buckeyes take different approach
January 3, 2008 Source: Toledo Blade - "The often recited mantra for the Ohio State football team this postseason was that it had to be different than last year. The Buckeyes wanted to make certain that whatever it was that led to their embarrassing 41-14 loss to Florida in the 2006 season's BCS national championship game would not be repeated..."

Ohio State football notes
January 3, 2008 Source: Canton Repository - "Curfew? What curfew?...Traffic jam...Late arrival...Travel Problems...Practice moved..."

Bruised ego has Wells raring to go January 3, 2008 Source: Newark Advocate - "The perception OSU in particular and the Big Ten in general are vastly inferior in speed and talent to LSU and the Southeastern Conference is a slight Wells is taking personally. 'I honestly am,' Wells said. 'I am tired of people talking about how Ohio State has no speed, how Ohio State is not this. We are Ohio State and we are going to play (well).'..." Confident Wells can't wait to face LSU December 27, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "Every time Chris "Beanie" Wells hears a slight about Ohio State football, he becomes like a snorting rodeo bull waiting for the chute to open. Wells' body may have needed some time off before meeting LSU for the national championship, but the Buckeyes' star running back was ready to kick up some dust as soon as the pairings were announced. 'I am tired of people talking about how Ohio State has no speed. 'Ohio State's not this, Ohio State is this,'' he said recently. 'It really is tough to wait. You've got guys that are so anxious to play football and so anxious to get at LSU, it's incredible.'...'This year, I think, we're a lot more focused," Wells said. "We're not 12-0 as we were last year. We're 11-1, and we know what it feels like to lose. We don't like that feeling at all, and we don't want to feel that (again).'..."

Buckeye running back solves fumble problem during stellar season
December 27, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "Promise doesn’t equal production. That’s something Ohio State’s Chris ‘‘Beanie’’ Wells has learned during his brief college career. One of the nation’s most acclaimed recruits when he came to campus 18 months ago, Wells had to put all that potential in his hip pocket and prove himself before blossoming into a sophomore star for the top-ranked Buckeyes..."

New Wrinkle Veracity and Probability
January 2, 2008 Source: Buckeye Commentary - "As we near Monday night, the speculation is building regarding what Coach Tressel may have in store for the LSU Tigers. Gadget plays, personnel switch-ups and tactical shifts are all possibilities. This speculation is a natural phenomenon mostly because we've had six weeks of idle time. Our minds wonder, various news nuggets drift to the surface and the process begins. It's sexy and fun so I decided to delve into two of the more popular new wrinkle discussions...Consistent Dose of Gibson...Henton is Second String..."

Buckeyes all business on brief trip to New Orleans
January 2, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "No offense to the people of New Orleans, but Ohio State players don't have the time or inclination this week to check out the still-ravaged city. The Buckeyes arrive in New Orleans today with a different outlook on their national championship game trip than when they traveled to Arizona last year. Ohio State spent 10 days in the desert, most of it relaxing in the posh Scottsdale Princess resort that many players were familiar with from previous trips. A 41-14 loss to Florida might have led to some changes in the approach this year..."

OSU again facing two QBs in BCS title game
December 31, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "One is the senior starter who played behind a No. 1 overall NFL draft choice and waited for his chance. The other is a sophomore who spurned the University of Texas to play for home-state power LSU and led the Tigers to the Southeastern Conference championship. Together, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux will quarterback the Tigers against Ohio State in the BCS championship game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans. Like last season, when the Buckeyes faced Florida in the title game, OSU will face two capable quarterbacks in playing for the national championship.."

Buckeyes, Tigers to get Wiis
December 27, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "While their schools are making millions of dollars off their appearance in the Bowl Championship Series title game, each of the players from Ohio State and LSU will at least walk away with one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. The Buckeyes and Tigers will receive a Nintendo Wii video-game system in addition to several other gifts for participating in the game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans..."

OSU focuses on endurance, conditioning during layoff
December 22, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "...'This year in practice we're focusing on conditioning, speed conditioning,' said running back Maurice Wells. 'We're doing gassers ... then get right back to regular practice mode to work on endurance. I can already tell I'm in better shape now, and we're focused.' Long and short layoffs have produced mixed results for Ohio State and the Big Ten, which has faced criticism for finishing its regular season in mid-November, earlier than the other BCS conferences. Since 1990, the Big Ten has a 48-54-1 bowl record but is the same number of games under .500 with fewer than 40 days (29-32-1) or 40 or more days (19-22) in between the season finale and bowl game..."

Who's better? SEC vs. Big Ten: The case for the Big Ten & The case for the SEC
December 21, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com - "Dont' Count Out The Big Ten: It's safe to say that much of the nation believes that the Southeastern Conference played the best football in the land during the year 2007, that the teams in the conference have an edge in speed and athletes that make their teams collectively better than those in any other league in the land...SEC just rules: 'Honestly, we've played a lot better teams than them,' Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss said (after the Gators defeated OSU). 'I could name four or five teams in the SEC that could probably compete with them and play the same type of game we did against them.'...

Buckeyes kick it up a notch for New Orleans
December 19, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "...'Quarterback Todd Boeckman...'We're doing a few things differently. Practices have been a little more up-tempo, we're running a little more between practices and the lifting is a lot more intense. Everything is kicked up another notch so that last year won't happen again.'..."

Buckeyes Ready For LSU's Dominant Defensive Line Source: The Palestra - The Buckeyes O line weighs in on the LSU D line

Ohio State football team will wear scarlet jerseys in BCS national title game
December 19, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State will wear its scarlet home jerseys and LSU will wear its traditional white jerseys when the teams play in the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans. As the higher-ranked team in the BCS standings, Ohio State got first choice in selecting its jersey color for the national championship contest and the Buckeyes opted for their home color of scarlet. Ohio State wore its white jerseys when it lost to Florida in last year's BCS title game..."

Is The SEC Faster Than The Big Ten? OSU Receiver Brian Hartline Isn't Having It Source: The Palestra Hartline tries to quell doubts of Buckeyes' worthiness December 17, 2007 Source: SI.com - "Don't start with B-Hart. Don't come around him with your unproven, unscientific assumptions about 'collective team speed.' That was among the messages sent by the Ohio State wide receiver at the team's recent pre-bowl media scrum, where it became clear that while the Buckeyes prefer their new, underdog status going into this BCS title game against LSU, they're also sick and tired of hearing they have no business playing in it..."

OSU Speed vs. LSU Speed Source: NFLDraftScout.com

Brian Hartline discusses the challenge of LSU, the infamous inspirational DVD and more Source: Bucknuts

Buckeyes Seek BCS Redemption December 2, 2007 Source: ESPN - Coach Tressel speaks with ESPN's Reece Davis

College Bowl Special December 7, 2007 Source: ESPN - Ohio State has struggled with mobile quarterbacks. LSU has two of them. Is it a recipe for disaster? Ivan Maisel and Pat Forde break down the title game and the rest of the BCS bowl matchups

Buckeyes say focus won't be problem
December 4, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "...But there is a fine line between focus and blur for a team that has more than a month to kill before its biggest game of the season...The Buckeyes went to Arizona 11 days before the game last year in an effort to regroup with several days of intense practice after the Christmas break. The idea was to get back into the swing before moving into game-week mode...(Last time)...the focus waned...'It seemed like we were there for a month,' said tackle Kirk Barton...This time, coach Jim Tressel said they will regroup post-Christmas in Columbus for several days of practice on their indoor field - much like the atmosphere of the Superdome, where the championship game will be played - before going to New Orleans on Jan. 2..."

Ohio State isn't apologizing for making the title game
December 4, 2007 Source: Sporting News

Rob Oller commentary: OSU can't waste chance to regain lost stature
December 4, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Few favors touch the tarnished soul as deeply as a second chance. Give a person a do-over to fix a mistake or right a wrong, and essentially you're rewriting history. Ohio State has been given that gift of time travel. It's as if the Buckeyes were rewinding to the moment before they ran a stop sign and ... wham, Florida broadsided their national reputation..."

Ohio State vs. LSU: 10 questions
December 4, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "So you know OSU's bowl destination and its opponent. But getting to play LSU in the BCS title game is the answer to the first of many questions that will be asked between now and Jan. 7. The PD's Doug Lesmerises has some questions - and answers of his own..."

Buckeyes Making Changes to Avoid Repeat of Bowl Embarrassment
November 28, 2007 Source: The Ozone - "The Buckeyes may not yet know where they are going to play their bowl game, but one thing is for sure, they want to be better prepared for the game no matter where it is than they were last season for last year's bowl game against Florida..."

Intensity level of workouts increases
November 29, 2007 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Buckeyes try to avoid repeat of bowl debacle..."

Ohio State football keeps working after last year's bowl debacle
November 29, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "A year ago, the Buckeyes were still resting. Now, they're preparing. The Ohio State coaches asked the football team what went wrong immediately after its 41-14 loss to Florida in the BCS National Championship in January. After their win over Michigan 11 days ago, they elicited more suggestions for tweaking bowl prep. 'Some of the older guys have talked to the coaches and given them a little bit of input,' senior right tackle Kirk Barton said. 'They've listened. We're going to change some stuff up and make sure that doesn't happen again. That was obviously embarrassing.'..."

 

Battle of New Orleans: Ohio State vs. Louisiana State
January 7, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Four Downs: Doug Lesmerises' take on what to watch when the ball is snapped... Four things I think about the national championship game...1. My prediction for an LSU victory hinges on the idea that the Tigers haven't been themselves for the second half of the season..."

5 keys to victory for Ohio State 5 keys to victory for LSU January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch

Mike Lanese: Bucks playing more than one game tonight
January 7, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - The former Buckeye standout (Mike Lanese played receiver at Ohio State from 1982 to '85) offers his view on the game and also comments: "Even Kirk Herbstreit will have to give his beloved alma mater a little respect." and "although Mark May and Herbstreit continue to annoy us with talk about SEC "speed"...

Ohio State vs. LSU Preview January 6, 2008 Source: The Ozone - "Tony Gerdeman's preview of the BCS National Championship OSU vs. LSU game

BCS title game predictions
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Dispatch reporters and other media members make their predictions for the BCS title game tonight in the Louisiana Superdome..."

Ohio State vs. LSU: Who has the Edge?
January 5, 2008 Source: Rivals.com College Football

LSU run offense vs. Ohio State run defense, LSU pass offense vs. Ohio State pass defense, Ohio State run offense vs. LSU run defense, Ohio State pass offense vs. LSU pass defense, LSU special teams vs. Ohio State special teams, LSU coaching staff vs. Ohio State coaching staff

BCS Title Game: Rivals.com Expert Picks

2007-08 LSU Allstate BCS National Championship Game Preview January 4, 2008 Source: Buckeye Planet - "Welcome to the BP Preview for the BCS Championship Game in New Orleans. There are various sections within this preview: Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams previews follow this Preface; and the Additional Information area contains sections on Recruiting, Behind the Numbers, The Lighter Side, and Historical Information..."

SMQ Bowl Blitz: Mythical Championship Breakdown, Part One & Part Two
January 4 & 5, 2008 Source: Sunday Morning Quarterback - "Statistical Analysis: When LSU Has the Ball vs. Ohio State Defense...When Ohio State Has the Ball vs. LSU Defense..."

BCS Championship Preview January 3, 2008 Source: Fox Sports - "Eddie George and Gary Barnett offer their opinions of the showdown between Ohio State and LSU. also hear from Jim Tressel and Les Miles as they prepare their teams.

Captain's Corner: Bucks Conquer Road Night Game Environment Again January 3, 2008 Source: Bucknuts.com - "With the BCS Championship game almost upon us, 1998 OSU captain Jerry Rudzinski offers up his final thoughts on the big game. Check it out in this version of the Captain's Corner..."

Big Ten Network BCS Preview January 2, 2008 Source: Fox Sports - "OSU BCS Title Game Preview

10 reasons Ohio State will win BCS title
December 31, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com

Does anyone, anywhere outside of Columbus actually believe Ohio State is going to beat LSU and win the national title?... Here are 10 reasons why The Ohio State University will win the BCS Championship...

National Championship Game Data: LSU vs. Ohio State
December 31, 2007 Source: Bucknuts.com

We have all of the pertinent data, including depth charts, season game-by-game, bowl records and a prediction on next Monday's BCS national championship game between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 LSU (8 p.m., Fox). Click the free link for all the information...

PREVIEW: LSU vs. Ohio State - The Matchups (Source: TigerRag.com)

LSU rushing offense vs. Ohio State rushing defense
Like a lot of the matchups in this game, what gives? LSU ranks among the top rushing attacks in the country and the second best in the SEC behind only Arkansas. The Tigers average 218 yards per game on the ground, which is 12th nationally. LSU features its first 1,000-yard rusher in four seasons as Jacob Hester topped the mark against Tennessee and has racked up 1,017 yards on the year and has scored 11 touchdowns. Keiland Williams is second on the team with 458 rushing yards while four other LSU players, including quarterback Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux have each ran for more than 200 yards. Ohio State is giving up just 77 yards per game on the ground, which ranks third in the country. The Tigers get the slight lean here.
Advantage: LSU

LSU passing offense vs. Ohio State passing defense
Ohio State ranks No. 1 in the nation against the pass giving up just 148 yards per game through the air. The Buckeyes are also the No. 1 rated defense for opponent’s passing efficiency. LSU has had its struggles throwing the football this season, but that has many been attributed to injuries. Matt Flynn battled a pair of injuries through the season (ankle, shoulder) and Ryan Perrilloux actually played the entire SEC Championship Game and was named the MVP. The Buckeyes’ defense gets the nod here because of outstanding credentials.
Advantage: Ohio State

Ohio State rushing offense vs. LSU rushing defense
The Ohio State Buckeyes feature their own 1000-yard rusher in Chris “Beanie” Wells. Wells has run for 1,463 yards on 254 carries and has scored 14 touchdowns. His backup, Maurice Wells (no relation), has accounted for almost 400 yards of his own and three more scores. The Tiger defense spent most of the season ranked the best in the country against the run, but poor efforts against Ole Miss and Arkansas dropped LSU’s average yards against the run down to 14th nationally, 103 yards per game. Darren McFadden and Arkansas gouged LSU for big gainers as the Hawgs upset No. 1 LSU. Look for the Tigers to be much better versus the run as players like Glenn Dorsey have had a month of rest.
Advantage: Even

Ohio State passing offense vs. LSU passing defense
Replacing Heisman Trophy winning quarter Troy Smith was a tall task, but Todd Boeckman has done a terrific job in leading the Ohio State offense. On the year Boeckman has complete 175 of 272 passes for 2,164 yards, 23 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ironically, Boeckman’s favorite target is Brian Robiskie, the son of former LSU great Terry Robiskie. The younger Robiskie has hauled in 50 catches for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns. While those numbers are pretty good for a team in the Big Ten, the Buckeyes have likely not faced a defense as talented as that of the LSU Tigers. When Boeckman is not avoiding LSU’s pass rush, led by All-American Glenn Dorsey, he must keep an eye on the Tigers’ All-American safety Craig Steltz, who leads the team with six interceptions.
Advantage: LSU

LSU special teams vs. Ohio State special teams
LSU’s special teams didn’t look all that great coming down the home stretch. The Tigers surrendered two punt returns for touchdowns late in the season and lots of big gainers on kick returns. But the Tigers do boast both the first team All-SEC kicker and punter in Colt David and Patrick Fisher. David has converted 58 of 58 extra points and 25 of 32 field goals. He led the SEC in scoring. Fisher averaged 43.8 yards per punt and ranked first in the conference in yards per punt. However, what LSU lacks in covering kicks swings the balance to even.
Advantage: Even

Intangibles:
Lots of people believe LSU doesn’t belong in the title game with two losses. Ohio State jumped seven spots in the final two weeks of the season to reach No. 1. The Buckeyes have lived a year’s worth of embarrassment after getting throttled by Florida 41-14 in last year’s BCS Championship Game. Ohio State would love nothing more than to redeem itself against another SEC team. However, playing LSU in its own backyard isn’t necessarily the best way to redeem itself. The Tigers will be playing for the program’s third national title, with the two prior championships having also been won in New Orleans. The Superdome will be rocking

BCS Championship Preview Source: FoxSports.com - "Eddie George and Gary Barnett offer their opinions of the showdown between Ohio State and LSU. Also, hear from Les Miles and Jim Tressel as they prepare their teams..." Both George and Barnett give the QB and Defense edge to LSU

WhatIfSports.com: LSU at Ohio State
December 21, 2007 Source: WhatIfSports.com

WhatIfSports.com 'played' the upcoming BCS Championship game 1,000 times. LSU wins 61% of the time by an average score of 22-21. An example boxscore with a similar outcome is below...

Includes the simulated scroring summary, team and individual stats and play by play

BCS National Championship LSU vs. Ohio State
December 20, 2007 Source: CBSSportsline.com

Dennis Dodd's Take: Two best teams in the country? More like right place, right time. Both programs have been No. 1 twice. Both have suffered crippling defeats only to be around when the last round of upsets hit. It's hard to get excited about this game but by the first week of January we will, somehow. This is Ohio State's third trip to the promised land in six years. This is LSU's second time in five years, both in "home" games. With a month to rest, LSU should become its old fearsome self, especially on defense. A two-loss national champion is still hard to fathom.

Plus Video, Key Players, Note, Quotes and The Edge

Here's how each BCS team can win: National Championship Game
December 18, 2007 Source: FoxSports.com

LSU: The Tigers, who register at No. 2 in total defense, must spend some time being less generous in the red zone. This will require using the back line to help tackle Glenn Dorsey and end Tyson Jackson against Ohio State's stout offensive line

In addition to developing more consistency in the passing game, LSU's greatest challenge may be to avoid assuming Florida's speed edge in last year's title game will be automatic this time.

Also big in the game plan is making sure dangerous Buckeye defensive end Vernon Gholston is kept off of Matt Flynn's back.

Ohio State: To make the game is a lot more enjoyable for battering-ram back Beanie Wells, the Buckeyes will have to throw the ball a little. This will require far better pass protection against a speedy LSU front than OSU had against the Gators last year. The title-game effort also may benefit if the Buckeyes attack LSU on first down instead of conceding the issue by showing inordinate respect for the Tigers' speed. Right, pretend you're going up against Michigan on first down and spread the field a bit.

Bowl season's most intriguing matchups
December 18, 2007 Source: ESPN.com

Bruce Feldman writes: 1. Allstate BCS National Championship Game: Ohio State (11-1) vs. LSU (11-2) Now that we don't have to deal with that Les-Miles-to-Michigan story line, we're back to that same trite subplots: Can the bulk of the Big Ten cope with the speed of the SEC? How will Jim Tressel's team deal with that incredibly long layoff? I think both issues are overblown. The Buckeyes have plenty of speed. It's all about execution, not speed, although it isn't as cool to say that.

As dominant as USC was a few years back, the Trojans weren't loaded with a bunch of track stars. They had a blazer in Reggie Bush, but the rest of the team that destroyed Oklahoma were guys like Lofa Tatupu, Matt Grootegoed and receivers Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. They are all probably slower than what Michigan and OSU have been playing with the past few seasons. Instead, it'll be vital to see how healthy LSU is come game time. The Tigers had a lot of key guys really banged up at the end of the season (QB Matt Flynn, DTs Glenn Dorsey and Marlon Favorite, LB Darry Beckwith and safety Craig Steltz). That's a lot of talent and experience in the middle of the defense, which will be handy when preparing for a physical runner like Beanie Wells.

LSU-Ohio St. Preview
December 18, 2007 Source: Associated Press

Last year, there was little doubt Ohio State belonged in the BCS title game - even after the Buckeyes were stunningly routed by Florida, the team whose selection was hotly debated leading up to the contest.

Ohio State is back in the championship game this season, and the Buckeyes hardly care that some feel they're only making the repeat trip due to luck. Hungry to avenge last season's lopsided loss, No. 1 Ohio State (11-1) takes on second-ranked LSU (11-2) on Jan. 7 at the Louisiana Superdome, a championship matchup fitting in a season of stunning upsets and the lack of a clearly dominant team.

"Last year we did get complacent," said Butkus Award winner James Laurinaitis, one of the leaders of an Ohio State defense that easily topped the nation with 10.7 points allowed per game. "We felt we were invincible. We have a lot of guys on this team that know what it takes to get it done. We're not looking at last year at all. It's over with. This is a great opportunity for us."

Gaming Today's NCAA Football BCS Championship Simulation
December 18, 2007 Source: Gaming Today

We decided to run the classic simulation method to see how close EA NCAA Football 08 simulates games to the actual outcomes. This season’s BCS Championship is being played at the Superdome in New Orleans...The simulation for the National Championship was run three times and the results follow...As you can see, our simulation shows Ohio State winning 2/3 games and outscoring LSU by an average of 14.6 points. Sorry LSU fans. It looks like Ohio State is the favorite in this match-up according to our simulation...

Why OSU Could Beat LSU
December 11, 2007 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "Does anyone, anywhere outside of Columbus actually believe Ohio State is going to beat LSU and win the national title? Dennis Kucinich is being given more of a shot at being the next president than the Buckeyes are of being the next national champion. Here are ten reasons why The Ohio State University will win the BCS Championship. (Relax Tiger fans, next week will be the ten reasons why LSU will win.)...10. 2006 Florida Gators, 2005 Texas Longhorns, 2002 Ohio State Buckeyes..."

Dashing through the bowl season: Allstate BCS National Championship Game
December 19, 2007 Source: ESPN.com.com - Pat Forde's writes:

"Why watch: Does The Dash need to spell out the painfully obvious?

40-second analysis: The Tigers are seeking to cap the most melodramatic season in recent (or even non-recent) memory. The Buckeyes are trying to purge the humiliation of last year's title-game blowout at the hands of an SEC opponent. This game should be predicated on and dictated by defense: The Buckeyes lead the nation in total D, while the Tigers are third. LSU has had time to heal a lot of battered bodies, perhaps most importantly that of defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who has been dragging himself through the last half of the season on a bad leg. His matchup against star Buckeyes tackles Kirk Barton and Alex Boone will make the trenches well worth watching. But it's on the perimeter where LSU should have the edge with a similar speed advantage to what Florida enjoyed last year. Hard to see Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman (four interceptions, zero touchdowns his last two games) making enough plays to beat LSU.

Dash pick: LSU 27, Ohio State 14.

2007-2008 Staff Bowl Picks with Confidence
December 12, 2007 Source: CollegeFootballNews.com - "Here are the picks from the CFN writers along with Clucko the Chicken. Fiu is Pete Fiutak, RC is Richard Cirminiello, JH is John Harris, MZ is Matthew Zemek, Cl is Clucko the Chicken. The number next to the final pick is an overall confidence score of the picks added up. The higher the number, the more confident the overall pick..."

BCS Championship: Ohio State vs. LSU Source: FoxSports.com
Basically, the SEC has been given the benefit of the doubt, and the voters are saying they believe the Tigers, with time to rest and recuperate, will play up to their capabilities and talent level. For the Buckeyes, it's redemption time after last year's all-timer of a clunker against Florida. As important as this game will be for Ohio State to gain back a measure of respect, it's also vital for the much-maligned Big Ten that's supposedly too slow and not athletic against SEC teams. An OSU win would crush several stereotypes and finally get the SEC monkey off the program's back. Even a good showing and a loss would go a long way for the Big Ten, and might give the league more respect from the pollsters over the next few years.

Quick Breakdown: It's Ohio State's No. 1 ranked defense vs. LSU's No. 3 ranked D, but don't be shocked if the two offenses are able to put points on the board. The big storyline will be the layoff. LSU is loaded with more NFL talent than anyone in America, but injuries have been a major problem all season long. Getting a month off should do wonders as DT Glenn Dorsey's knee, QB Matt Flynn's shoulder and various bumps and bruises for several other key Tigers will finally get time to heal up. The lag time between the Michigan game and the BCS Championship was a problem last year for Ohio State, as the team appeared to be slow and way off compared to the machine it was throughout the 2006 season. This year, there's once again a huge gap between games. LSU got to play two more games after the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines, so now all eyes will be on the Big Ten schedule, as much as OSU, to see if rust is a problem again.

Best Wins: Ohio State 14-3 over Michigan & 38-17 over Wisconsin; LSU 28-24 over Florida & 48-7 over Virginia Tech

What to Expect: Ohio State will be a far tighter, far better team than the one that showed up in Glendale 364 days earlier, but it won't matter. The time off to heal will bring out the LSU that was so breathtaking to start out the year, and while Ohio State might bring its A-game, it won't be enough.

Early Prediction: LSU 27, Ohio State 17

LSU vs. OHIO STATE
Source: ESPN.com - ESPN'S Jim Donnan's Take: "The BCS Championship Game is as close to a home game for LSU as it gets. The crowd definitely will be an advantage for the Tigers, but Ohio State is no stranger to big games. The Buckeyes will need a quick start to take the crowd out of the game. Ohio State's is extremely physical up front and should test the Tigers. Look for running back Chris "Beanie" Wells to establish his power game early and open up the passing game for quarterback Todd Boeckman.

"As LSU proved in the SEC championship game, the Tigers have two talented quarterbacks to choose from. Senior Matt Flynn, who was held out of the game with an injury, gives LSU more of a traditional passing attack and a veteran leader under center. Sophomore Ryan Perrilloux is more of a scrambling quarterback. Although Flynn most likely will start, the Buckeyes' defense will have to prepare for both.

"For Ohio State, this is a chance to avenge its title game rout by Florida in 2006. Getting back to the game so quickly is really a credit to Jim Tressel and his team. There is no doubt the Buckeyes will be ready to go on Jan. 7. For Les Miles, nothing less than a trip to the championship game will do for hungry Tigers fans, and to accomplish that lofty goal in just his third year is impressive."

Which bowls should you be watching? Can't miss no matter what
Source: FoxSports.com - Cancel all you other plans and send the family off to the mall. These games promise to be fun.1. Allstate BCS National Championship
Ohio State vs. LSU, Jan. 7

You knew there was eventually going to be a clash of heavyweights for the national title once all the dust settled. Ohio State has a lot to prove after last year's debacle in the loss to Florida. With the 2003 win over Miami for the national title a distant memory, this is the game the Buckeyes need to win to show the world that the Big Ten isn't five steps slower than the SEC and that the Big Ten deserves to have a team in the title game two years in a row. However, the Buckeyes could play their best game of the year and still get their doors blown off if everyone is healthy again for LSU. This is a phenomenally talented team that should finally be able to overcome injuries and the Les Miles-to-Michigan distraction to win the program's second national title in five years. Stars of the show: 1) LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, 2) Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis, 3) Ohio State RB Chris Wells

The off-the-cuff initial prediction: LSU 27, Ohio State 17

Buckeyes Have A Chip
December 12, 2007 Source: CSTV.com - Ohio State will use motivation to upset LSU...none other than Trev Alberts writes: "I've said this and I'll repeat it: I don't think OSU is going to get blown out. As a matter of fact I'm going to pick Ohio State to win...I think we do a terrible job of understanding how important playing with a chip on your shoulder is. I don't think it's all that relevant in the NFL, but I think in the college game, when you talk about young men and motivation and finding a reason, just look at this game like the Fiesta Bowl a few years ago when Ohio State played Miami. The most athletic team doesn't always win, and I think Ohio State will be so intent on proving last year was a fluke and they will use all this talk as motivation and Buckeyes will end up winning the national championship for the second time this decade."

Bowl Mania - Game-by-game previews and picks Source: ESPN.com - Here's an excerpt from ESPN's Will Harris take on the game: "...The underdog actually looks like the slightly better team on paper, but there's a legitimate argument that the Buckeyes have played a slightly softer schedule. As with nearly all national title games, these teams are evenly matched...For the Buckeyes players and coaches, this game is more than an opportunity to win a national title. It's an opportunity to erase the effects of the worst day of their lives. A chance at national-title redemption doesn't come around very often for a given group of players, and when it does those players usually perform in a way that reminds us that atonement is a powerful motivator. Remember Florida's dismantling of Florida State the year after the Tommie Frazier beatdown? Ohio State will play the very best game it can possibly play. That will be more than enough to win. Ohio State 24-9."

2007-08 Bowl Schedule & Results To Date

 

LSU's Dorsey a decisive force in the middle ground
January 7, 2008 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "A year go, Florida defensive ends Derrick Harvey and Jarvis Moss inflicted a public humiliation on Ohio State, blowing into the backfield for five sacks in the Buckeyes' 41-14 loss in the BCS National Championship. If LSU defensive tackle Dorsey proves as disruptive in tonight's BCS National Championship in the Superdome, perhaps only Ohio State center Jim Cordle will comprehend the level of devastation..."

In the spotlight: LSU RB Trindon Holliday
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "He is dwarfed by his mammoth teammates, not to mention the average adult population. He'll be on the field for only about 10 plays tonight. But there might be no other Louisiana State player who strikes fear into Ohio State like Trindon Holliday..."

Play of the week: Pistol
January 7, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "A new wrinkle in Louisiana State's multidimensional offense this season is plays from the pistol formation. The pistol resembles the shotgun formation, though the quarterback isn't as far back from the center and the running back lines up behind the quarterback instead of to the side..."

For LSU, security is having Hester on the field
January 7, 2008 Source: USA Today - "LSU's most indispensable offensive player is not who you might expect. Jacob Hester is not the fastest, shiftiest or flashiest of the Tigers' five running backs. He plays some fullback and campaigned to remain on four special teams even as LSU's primary tailback. His most memorable plays were, like him, the product of hard work and toughness. The fourth-down conversions and game-winning, 2-yard rush against Florida and the 1-yard game-winning burst against Alabama led to his legend..."

Dorsey, Flynn give LSU a healthy glow for BCS title game
January 6, 2008 Source: USA Today - "LSU was able to win the Southeastern Conference title game, edging Tennessee 21-14 without their best quarterback, Matt Flynn, and with only about half of their best player, Glenn Dorsey. But if the Tigers are to win a national championship, they'll do it with a healthy Flynn and a healthy Dorsey..."

Kneaux your feaux
January 6, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "A Buckeye fan's primer for all things LSU..."

Healthy Doucet makes LSU more dangerous
January 4, 2008 Source: Rivals.com - "...This season, Doucet leads LSU with 50 catches even though a pulled groin caused him to miss five games. Now, Doucet is healthy - and so is LSU's passing game...But in the seven games in which Doucet has played, LSU has averaged 257.5 passing yards and thrown 19 touchdown passes despite playing against stronger pass defenses..."

Gesture unites Tigers
January 4, 2008 Source: Gannett News - "LSU's invisible men are planning appearances on Monday night in the Louisiana Superdome at prime time. Should the Tigers win big, which many expect them to, in the BCS national championship game against No. 1 Ohio State, look for a lot of hand-eye coordination from LSU's playmakers on both sides of the ball..."

LSU's Flynn ready to play
January 5, 2008 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Matt Flynn has had enough of this standing and watching thing. The quarterback spent his first four years at LSU watching others play the position...This year, finally, it was Flynn's team, at least until the Southeastern Conference championship game. But again -- because of a sprain of his right, throwing shoulder -- he was on the sideline, standing and watching, as backup Ryan Perrilloux directed the Tigers to victory...Forget standing around. He's ready to fling it. 'It's very sound,' he said yesterday of the shoulder. 'I feel good. I feel as healthy as I have.'

An Interview With: LSU Coach Gary Crowton, QB Matt Flynn, RB Jacob Hester and WR Early Doucet and other LSU players
January 4, 2008 Source: Official BCS Championship Game Site - "The Moderator: We have with us offensive coordinator Gary Crowton and Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn and Early Doucet. If we can start off with opening statements on the game and then we'll take questions..."

Busy BCS Championship Week Ahead for LSU
January 1, 2008 Source: LSU Official Site - "Wednesday’s schedule has the Tigers starting the day with a 9:30 a.m. practice. The Tigers will then eat lunch, have meetings and then board the busses for what will be a 75-minute bus ride to New Orleans. The team departs the football operations building at 3 p.m. with a scheduled arrival at the New Orleans Marriott at 4:45 p.m. Once in New Orleans, the team will take part in the official welcome to the BCS Championship Game celebration upon their arrival at the hotel followed by a 30-minute media obligation. The pace picks up for the squad on Thursday as the Tigers will have a morning practice in the Louisiana Superdome followed by a press conference for LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini and five Tiger defenders at 1:45 p.m. That night, the Tigers will take part in another BCS sponsored event, this time the team will eat dinner at Zea’s Rotisserie Grill..."

Miles Surprises Tigers, Calls Off Jan. 1 Practice

Holliday Talks Tigers-Buckeyes & Holliday Talks Tigers-Buckeyes II December 30, 2007 Source: ESPN - College Football's fastest player, LSU's Trindon Holliday, talks with Tiger Rag TV

Speed vs. Brawn
December 31, 2007 Source: Baton Rouge Advocate - "Just change the mascots. Make the marquee say, the LSU Fast Guys against the Ohio State Plodders for the BCS national title next week. Those are the stereotypes, that LSU from the Southeastern Conference, playing in the sunny South, is speedy and athletic and that Ohio State from the Big Ten Conference, playing in the frigid North, is slow and beefy. 'If we were racing, I bet that I have one guy that might be faster than any of their guys, but we’re not racing,' LSU coach Les Miles said. 'I promise you I watched (Ohio State), and there is no appreciable difference. They’re as quality, capable and talented as any.'..."

OSU again facing two QBs in BCS title game
December 31, 2007 Source: Dayton Daily News - "One is the senior starter who played behind a No. 1 overall NFL draft choice and waited for his chance. The other is a sophomore who spurned the University of Texas to play for home-state power LSU and led the Tigers to the Southeastern Conference championship. Together, Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux will quarterback the Tigers against Ohio State in the BCS championship game on Jan. 7 in New Orleans. Like last season, when the Buckeyes faced Florida in the title game, OSU will face two capable quarterbacks in playing for the national championship..."

LSU's offensive line plays with character, consistency
December 31, 2007 Source: Gannett News Service - "It lost a preseason All-American thought to be the best offensive lineman on the team. It starts two former defensive linemen who were not going to play a lot there. It starts only one senior and two sophomores. It ended as perhaps the most solid area of the LSU football team. The Tigers’ offensive line has started the same five guys in 12 of 13 games – sophomore Ciron Black at left tackle, junior Herman Johnson at left guard, junior Brett Helms at center, sophomore Lyle Hitt at right guard and senior Carnell Stewart at right tackle. That quintet will start the BCS national championship game on Jan. 7 against Ohio State in New Orleans..."

LSU's Jean-Francois boosts LSU defense in for biggest games
December 27, 2007 Source: Associated Press - "How does this deal sound? Improve your school work and you get a chance to play in two of the biggest games in LSU history. For Tigers defensive lineman Ricky Jean-Francois, that is essentially how it worked out. He played for the first time this season in LSU's Southeastern Conference championship game triumph over Tennessee and now is slated to suit up when LSU plays Ohio State for the national championship on Jan. 7. LSU, meanwhile, is grateful for the return of a player who was developing into a force before academic trouble sidelined him for nearly a year..."

LSU's BCS Title Game Preparations Heat Up
December 27, 2007 Source: LSU Official Site - "LSU’s bowl preparations for the BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State hit high gear on Thursday as the second-ranked Tigers practiced in full pads for just over two hours here indoors at the Charles McClendon Practice Facility..."

Different approach to practice makes LSU a much fresher program
December 22, 2007 Source: Gannett News Service - "...'Last spring,' Miles said. 'For me, when we went to 12 games as a regular season and when we went through Katrina and the extended number of weeks in a row, I kind of backed off tackles -actually taking it to the ground. We're still getting a good number of live snaps. It's just not tackles to the ground.' That approach and shorter, more purposeful practices may be the reason why LSU has looked like a completely new and rejuvenated team in Miles' two bowl games since that loss to Georgia. The Tigers ran by No. 9 Miami 40-3 in the Peach Bowl in 2005 and sprinted by No. 11 Notre Dame 41-14 in the Sugar Bowl last Jan. 3. LSU has won 19 bowl games in its history. Those are its two most lopsided postseason victories..."

Football Practices in Full Pads
December 19, 2007 Source: LSU Official Site - "LSU put on full pads for the first time in nearly three weeks on Wednesday as the Tigers continue to prepare for the BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State..."

Distraction ends for Les Miles
December 18, 2007 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "Even those not used to hearing Louisiana State football coach Les Miles speak could sense the relief in his voice in a news conference Monday. With West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez hired to coach at the University of Michigan, Miles is free to talk about his football team. Miles, an Elyria native and Michigan alum, turned down an offer to coach the Wolverines. With the 800-pound gorilla in the room effectively slain, only the Jan. 7 BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State captured his attention. That doesn't mean everything is peaches and cream. The LSU Tigers will still have issues when they grapple with the Buckeyes for the national championship..."

Miles Addresses Media at Pre-BCS Practice Luncheon
December 17, 2007 Source: LSU Official Site - "...On Ohio State’s offense...'On offense, they seldom make mistakes. They have a tremendous running back (Chris Wells) who ran for 200 plus yards in their last outing. He is a strong running back that runs hard and fast. They have a big traditional Ohio State offensive line. (Former LSU running back) Terry Robiskie’s son (Brian) is a tremendous player there and is their leading receiver. As I watched him, and I know his father, I can tell you that Terry must be very proud of his son because he is a tremendous competitor, talented and a quality teammate.'..."

Football Turns Focus to Buckeyes, Title Game
December 15, 2007 Source: LSU Official Site - "With final exams now behind them, LSU will begin its preparations for the BCS National Championship Game against Ohio State when the second-ranked Tigers return to practice on Monday afternoon..."

Five things to know about LSU December 3, 2007 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Virtual Home Game for LSU in BCS December 2, 2007 Source: ESPN - Les Miles speaks with ESPN's Reece Davis

Twice as Sweet! LSU to Face Ohio St. in BCS Title Game
November 12, 2007 Source: LSU Official Site - "Fresh off an SEC Championship game victory, the LSU football team knew it was going to New Orleans for a January bowl game. But, few thought the stars would re-align and the Tigers would face off with Ohio State for the Bowl Championship Series National Championship on Jan. 7..."

TigerRag.com LSU Scout site
TigerBait.com LSU Rivals site

    |--------Tackles--------| |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72 Glenn Dorsey     13   39   25    64  11.5-48   6.0-40      .       4   4    .      .    .   .

RUSHING         GP  Att Gain Loss  Net   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jacob Hester    13  204 1032   15 1017   5.0  11   87  78.2

RECEIVING       GP  No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
-------------------------------------------------
Early Doucet     9   50  474   9.5   4   34  52.7

    |--------Tackles--------| |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7  Ali Highsmith    13   54   39    93   7.5-21   1.5-9       .       8   9   1-0     1    .   .

RECEIVING       GP  No.  Yds   Avg  TD Long Avg/G
-------------------------------------------------
Brandon LaFell  13   48  641  13.4   3   56  49.3

INTERCEPTIONS    No.  Yds   Avg TD Long
---------------------------------------
Craig Steltz       6  153  25.5  0   51

     |--------Tackles--------| |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 Craig Steltz     13   66   31    97   5.0-20   1.0-8      6-153    7   .   1-0     3    .   .

PASSING         GP   Effic Cmp-Att-Int   Pct  Yds  TD Lng Avg/G
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ryan Perrilloux 11  175.59   51-75-2    68.0  694   8  62  63.1

FIELD GOALS     FGM-FGA  Pct 01-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 Lg Blk
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Colt David       25-32  78.1  0-0   7-7  12-15  6-9   0-1  49   1

                              |------- PATs -------|
SCORING          TD  FGs   Kick   Rush Rcv Pass  DXP Saf Points
---------------------------------------------------------------
Colt David        1 25-32  58-58   0-0   0  0-0   0   0   139

                       |--------Tackles--------| |-Sacks-| |---Pass Def---| |-Fumbles-| Blkd
DEFENSIVE LEADERS   GP Solo  Ast Total   TFL/Yds   No-Yds  Int-Yds BrUp QBH Rcv-Yds  FF Kick Saf
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21 Chevis Jackson   13   32   10    42   3.0-7       .       4-18    15   .    .      .    .   .

                  KICK RETURNS     No.  Yds   Avg TD Long
---------------------------------------
T. Holliday       18  468  26.0  1   98