POINTWISE ( 9-20 )
For the 2nd time in the past 2 years, the Buckeyes of Ohio St are participants in
the national title game. A year ago, they were TD favorites over Florida, expected
to take it all, thereby completing a perfect season. But a funny thing
happened on the way to their coronation. As you can see, below, we have listed
the first 9 BCS title matches, along with the accompanying statistics. No, that's
not a typo. Just 8 FDs & 82 YDs for OSU, which entered last year's title match
as the unquestioned top team in the nation. Let's check out those title contests
Thus, for the 3rd time in 6 years, coveted placements in this game have been
OSU's reward for stellar campaigns. That win over Miami, by the way, came in
double overtime, with the Hurricanes entering as the unanimous #1 ranked team
in the nation. This season, the Buckeyes had to replace 13 starters, & were
placed in the #11 spot in the nation on our pre-season "Polls" column. But they
have been a force since the opening bell, with the nation taking notice following
their 33-14 road smothering (16-pt cover) of a potent Washington outfit, which
opened 2-0, including a 24-10 win over Boise (17? pt cover) the previous week.
The departure of Smith, of course, left a gaping hole at QB, but Jr Boeckman
has been more than a pleasant surprise, finishing the season as the 13-ranked
passer in the nation (65%, 2,171 yds, 23/12). No, we aren't forgetting those 3
picks in OSU's shocking loss to Illinois (22-pt ATS loss), but he has assuredly
gotten the job done. Overland, Beanie Wells ranks 11th in the land (1,463 yds,
14 TDs). The Bucks' true worth may have come at Penn St, where the Lions
had simply destroyed all foes, including combined 91-33 pt, 82-47 FD, 728-203
RY edges over Iowa, Wisconsin, & Purdue. But the invading Bucks (-3) simply
routed the Nits, 37-17. At the season's end, anchored by Butkus winning LB
Laurinaitis, OSt ranked 1st, 1st, 3rd, 1st, in total, passing, rushing, & scoring
"D". But they have been installed as a solid dog in this one, as their opponents,
the Bayou Bengals of LSU are just a couple of triple OT losses from standing at
13-0. The Tigers, much like the Buckeyes, are one of the top defensive teams
in the land, with DT Dorsey, their main man. Their oft-injured QB Flynn (55%)
has opened the door for Perrilloux, who is at a superb 69%, & went 20-of-30 for
243 yds in the Tigers' SEC title game win over Tennessee. Hester & Williams
have motored for a combined 1,475 yds (5.4 ypr), & 17 TDs. But note just 1
cover for LSU in its last 10 games. The dog is on a 6-2 run in Buckeye bowl
games, & has taken 4 of the last 5 BCS title games, on the field. Call the upset
PROPHECY: OHIO STATE 26 - Lsu 23 RATING: 5