BCS: The Inside Story to the Championship

By Jim Ralabate
SportsTicker College Football Editor

NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) -- The inside story of Louisiana State's 38-24 victory over Ohio State in the BCS Championship Game.

HEROES:
LSU quarterback Matt Flynn and offensive coordinator Gary Crowton. Aside from his four touchdown passes, Flynn calmly guided the Tigers' offense through some early jitters. The fifth-year senior never lost his composure, a crucial element to LSU's second-quarter comeback. Somewhat prone to making costly mistakes in the regular season, Flynn executed a brilliant gameplan devised by Crowton, who found various ways to use the Tigers' multiple weapons. Flynn completed passes to eight different receivers, including tight end Richard Dickson - a pregame afterthought who caught two TDs. Crowton also was creative with the running game, as eight different Tigers carried the ball in the contest. With so many options at its disposal, LSU was able to continue moving the chains, converting nine of its first 11 third downs.

GOAT:
Ohio State special teams player Austin Spitler. It's tough to pin this label on any one player, as Ohio State essentially was overmatched in all facets of the game. But Spitler made a terrible mistake at the worst time for the Buckeyes, committing a roughing the kicker penalty against Tigers punter Patrick Fisher on 4th-and-23. Trailing by a 24-10 score at the time, Ohio State had successfully stopped LSU's opening drive of the second half and was geared up to gain possession. However, Spitler's 15-yard personal foul swung momentum back in favor of LSU, which scored four plays later to take a commanding 31-10 advantage.

UNSUNG HEROES:
LSU's offensive line. Despite never springing a big offensive play, the Tigers completely gashed Ohio State, which entered with the No. 1 ranked defense in the country. The Tigers' front five deserve a lot of the credit for LSU's offensive success, as Ciron Black, Herman Johnson, Brett Helms, Lyle Hitt and Carnell Stewart did a terrific job protecting Flynn and paving the way for 152 yards on the ground - twice the average total Ohio State allowed this year.

TURNING POINT:
Ricky Jean-Francois' blocked field goal in the second quarter. With the score tied at 10-10, Ohio State appeared primed to reclaim the lead as Ryan Pretorius lined up for a 38-yard field goal early in the second quarter. But the kick was blocked by Jean-Francois and recovered by Darry Beckwith at the LSU 34-yard line, completely swinging momentum in favor of the Tigers. LSU then marched on a 10-play drive and took the lead for good on Flynn's 10-yarder to LaFell.

BIGGEST SURPRISE:
LSU committed just four penalties. The Tigers entered with the second-highest penalty total in the Football Bowl Subdivision, averaging just under 8.7 penalties per game. But LSU was penalized four times for just 36 yards, an endorsement of coach Les Miles' ability to keep the Tigers' energy level under control.

DEFENSIVE STARS:
Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis was outstanding in the losing effort, recording a BCS-record 18 tackles. Buckeyes linebacker Marcus Freeman also was all over the field and finished with 14 tackles. Linebacker Ali Highsmith led the way for the Tigers, recording eight tackles - including 1 1/2 sacks - and a forced fumble.