BCS Aftermath

Jan 8, 2008

Posted by Perry

First let me say congratulations to LSU – you played one heck of a game.

Second, I would like to point out some observations about last nights title game.

My first observation was the myth of just how much faster the SEC is than the Big Ten. That was put to rest IMO on the second or third play of the game when “Beanie” Wells had his record 65 yard td run.

My next observation was just the unbelievable game called by LSU’s offensive coordinator. They took Ohio State’s defense out of it’s comfort zone and dictated what type of defense they played instead of the other way around. They made Ohio State play a less aggressive style and spread them out – thereby eliminating one of their strengths. Very smart move and a great job of coaching.

Ohio State made too many mental mistakes, which shocked me considering this team had played in the prior year’s NCG while LSU did not. As the game progressed, LSU looked more like a team that had been there before while Ohio State looked more like a team being in a big game for the first time.

In the end – what won it for LSU was ironically playing Big Ten style football. In other words, they won it in the trenches. They controlled both lines of scrimmage and forced the issue on Ohio State. You see – in football having speed is nice, but the bottom line is this – if you can’t control the line of scrimmage then all that speed does nothing for you.

I suppose I should be upset after another championship lost, but I’m not. Ohio State was not picked by anyone to be there. “This is a rebuilding year for Ohio State” was the phrase uttered by the pundits during the spring. Ohio State was picked to finish 3rd in their conference after the loss of their “stars”. I should be down – but I know something most of the “experts” don’t…. Ohio State will be loaded again next year and could be right back for a third shot at a National Championship. Their incoming class is stacked and I hope they all watched last night’s game – and remember how it feels….

See you next year football fans – Ohio State isn’t going away anytime soon!

BCS Championship

Jan 7, 2008

Posted by Perry

Ok I admit it – I’m nervous…Tonight’s BCS Championship matches LSU versus Ohio State in what should be a great match up between two schools rich in tradition. Having grown up a Buckeyes’ fan, I’m not ashamed to admit being biased here, but I do have some problems I’d like to address. The first is the criticism being leveled on both schools for being in this game. I find that very insulting for this reason – BOTH OF THESE TEAMS WON WHEN IT MATTERED!!!

I’ve had to listen to people such as Pat Forde, Mark May and even James Carville bemoan the fact that neither Missouri, Georgia, or even West Virginia did not make it here. Well fellas – here’s why they are not playing tonight — Missouri couldn’t beat Oklahoma in their conference title game — or in the regular season for that matter. Sure they only lost twice, but they lost to the same team who got destroyed by West Virginia in their bowl game.

Georgia played the best football down the stretch by far, but couldn’t win their conference or get to its title game. Sure they play in a tough conference – but when you start as slow as they did, you will NOT get to the big dance – period. West Virginia looked like they had it all but wrapped up to go to the Championship, but fell to Pitt in a stunning upset. Bottom line is this, if you’re gonna lose – DO NOT lose your last game of the year and expect to make it to the BCS Championship.

When the season first started most “experts” had LSU as a pick to face USC in the Sugar Bowl. Then LSU dropped two games and had a lot of people doubting them. I myself have high regards for them, as they showed some mental toughness to fight through the adversity of injuries that had plagued them throughout the year. They’re a solid team with great speed, a tough defense and a fast offense with talent all over. Having said that – they showed some “softness”, particularly up the middle against the run, and have given up a ton of points in both losses. It will be interesting to see which defense shows up in what amounts to a home game.

Ohio State on the other hand, was not expected to be here with the loss of a Heisman Trophy winning QB and two speedy receivers gone to the NFL. Most “experts” had them picked third in the Big Ten in what amounted to a rebuilding year. However, those same people did not take into account that what fuels Ohio State isn’t their offense, but their defense. Ohio State comes into tonight’s game with the #1 ranked defense overall, and it will be their job to contain the speed of LSU. Ohio State must shake off the perception of being “slow” and the stygma of being “0-fer” against the SEC in bowl games. The Buckeyes want desperately to avenge the 41-14 debacle of last years title game against Florida, and I have high hopes that they will. Should they lose, however, I will be the first to congratulate LSU on a magnificent season.

More later after the game tonight – good luck to both teams and here’s hoping neither has any injuries.GO BUCKS!!