2008 BCS National Championship Game

Background

Team selection

Prior to the last weekend of the regular season, it looked like the national championship game would be played between Missouri and West Virginia. However, Missouri lost to Oklahoma 38-17 in the Big 12 Championship Game and West Virginia was shocked by their arch-rival Pitt 13-9 in the Backyard Brawl. This threw the BCS and college football world into upheaval. By virtue of winning the Big Ten and having only one loss, Ohio State looked to be guaranteed a berth in the BCS championship game. After much speculation, LSU was revealed to be the number two team in the ratings and therefore the Buckeyes' opponent in the title game.

Pregame buildup

After intense media speculation, including a report on ESPN which indicated that he was on the verge of taking the Michigan job, LSU head coach Les Miles announced just before the SEC championship game on December 1 that he was staying. Shortly thereafter, he agreed to a contract extension at LSU. Additionally, LSU defensive coordinator Bo Pelini accepted the head coaching job at Nebraska the day after the SEC title game. With the blessing of Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne, Pelini returned to Baton Rouge to prepare for the BCS championship game.

As for the Buckeyes, two cornerbacks, Donald Washington and Eugene Clifford, were reported to be suspended for this game for violating team rules. However, Ohio State's athletic director said on December 27 that the reported suspension of Washington was erroneous.

Game summary

First quarter

LSU won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. After receiving the opening kickoff, Ohio State started slowly on offense before Chris Wells broke off a 65-yard touchdown run for the first score of the game. LSU went three-and-out deep in their own territory and punted on their first possession. Ohio State quickly added a field goal by Ryan Pretorius to go up 10-0. LSU then marched efficiently down field, but their 14-play/65-yard drive stalled in the red zone and Colt David kicked a 32-yard field goal. The first quarter ended with LSU on offense and trailing, 10-3.

Second quarter

LSU scored early in the period with a 13-yard Matt Flynn touchdown pass to Tight end Richard Dickson, tying the score at 10. The drive was aided by two penalties totaling 28 yards by Ohio State's defense. LSU's Ricky Jean-Francois then blocked a 38-yard Pretorius field goal attempt on Ohio State's next possession. Momentum appeared to be shifting to LSU's sideline. LSU began the ensuing drive from their 34. The Tigers marched 66 yards in 3:28; a 10-yard Brandon LaFell touchdown reception from Flynn culminated the drive. On the next Buckeye possession, quarterback Todd Boeckman was intercepted by cornerback Chevis Jackson who returned the ball 34 yards into Ohio State territory. LSU moved down to the goal line and running back Jacob Hester punched the ball in to give the Tigers a 14-point lead. A short Buckeye drive led to a punt and LSU was content to go into halftime having scored 24 unanswered points.

Third quarter

LSU started the second half with the ball and a 24-10 lead. The Ohio State defense appeared to have forced a punt on LSU's first drive, but a roughing the punter penalty by Buckeye linebacker Austin Spitler gave LSU a first down. The Tigers parlayed the personal foul into a touchdown, as Early Doucet later received a short pass from Flynn and broke a series of tackles at the five-yard line and walked into the endzone. Ohio State seemed to be fading but with 3:50 left in the quarter, Flynn was intercepted by cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, who returned the ball 21 yards to the LSU 11. Three "Beanie" Wells runs brought the Buckeye offense down to the five and Boeckman proceeded to throw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Robiskie on fourth down, pulling the Buckeyes to within 31-17.

Fourth quarter

After LSU punted early in the quarter Ohio State put together a solid drive, reaching the LSU 34. However, the offense stalled and the Buckeyes were forced to go for it on fourth-and-seven. Boeckman dropped back to pass and was hit on his throwing arm just before the arm could start to come forward. The hit—made by LSU linebacker Ali Highsmith—caused a fumble and LSU recovered in Ohio State territory. The play was reviewed to determine if it was a forward pass but the ruling on the field was upheld and LSU got the ball with 10:37 left in the game. The Tigers then went three-and-out, but on Ohio State's next possession Boeckman was intercepted by safety Curtis Taylor. With 5:37 remaining, LSU's fate as National Champions was essentially sealed.

The Tigers added another touchdown, a five-yard strike from Flynn to LaFell (his second touchdown reception of the game). Ohio State then scored on a late touchdown pass from Boeckman to wide receiver Brian Hartline before failing to convert an onside kick. LSU ran out the clock and celebrated their 38-24 BCS National Championship Game win.

Historical implications

This was the first national championship game in the BCS era to feature two teams that had previously won a BCS national championship. Louisiana State became the first school ever to win two BCS championships. The Tigers had previously defeated Oklahoma, 21-14, in the 2004 Sugar Bowl, which served as the 2003 season's BCS championship game.

LSU was the first team since 1960 to be national champion with two losses.

Scoring summary

Scoring

;First quarter

• Ohio State - Chris Wells 69 Yd TD Run (Ryan Pretorius Kick) 13:34
• Ohio State - Ryan Pretorius -25 Yd FG 9:12
• LSU - Colt David 32 Yd FG 2:21 ;Second quarter
• LSU - Richard Dickson 13 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick) 13:00
• LSU - Brandon LaFell 10 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick) 7:25
• LSU - Jacob Hester 1 Yd TD Run (Colt David Kick) 4:16 ;Third quarter
• LSU - Earley Doucet 4 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick) 9:04
• Ohio State - Brian Robiskie 5 Yd TD Pass From Todd Boeckman (Ryan Pretorius Kick) 1:38 ;Fourth quarter
• LSU - Richard Dickson 5 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick) 1:50
• Ohio State - Brian Hartline 15 TD Pass From Todd Boeckman (Ryan Pretorius Kick) 1:13

Statistics

LSU

• QB Matt Flynn: 19/27, 174 yds, 4 TD
• RB Jacob Hester: 21 rush, 86 yds, TD
• WR Early Doucet: 7 rec, 51 yds, TD
• TE Richard Dickson: 4 rec, 44 yds, 2 TD

Ohio State

• QB Todd Boeckman: 15/26, 208 yds, 2 TD, 2 Int
• RB Chris Wells: 20 rush, 146 yds, TD
• WR Brian Hartline: 6 rec, 75 yds, TD

Game records

Trivia

• Baton Rouge attorney Stephen Babcock got the judge in an insurance case to issue a continuance in the case by pointing out that both he and the opposing attorney had tickets to the game, and "All counsel to this matter unequivocally agree that the presence of LSU in the aforementioned contest of pigskin skill unquestionably constitutes good grounds". The judge obliged and moved the trial date.

References

References

1. Fox, David. (2007-12-13). "Rivals.com Bowl Viewer's Guide". Rivals.com.
2. [http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-09-lsujan09,1,3750337.story Chicago Tribune]
3. "FOX Sports on MSN - BCSFootball - BCS Bowl Facts".
4. (January 8, 2008). "BCS title game ratings down from last year". signonsandiego.com.
5. [https://www.espn.com/college-football/news/story?id=3144459 LSU extends Miles' contract through '12]
6. [https://www.espn.com/college-football/bowls07/news/story?id=3171133 Report: Buckeyes' starter Washington eligible to play]
7. "LSU vs. Ohio State - Game Recap - January 7, 2008 - ESPN".
8. "College Football Data Warehouse - 1960 Final AP and Coaches Polls".
9. [https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=280070194 Box Score @ ESPN.com]
10. (December 21, 2007). "LSU-area judge agrees to delay trial set for BCS game day". [[ESPN]].