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!