2008 BCS National Championship Game
Encyclopedia
The 2008 Allstate
BCS
National Championship Game
was played at the Louisiana Superdome
in New Orleans
, Louisiana
, on Monday, January 7, 2008, and featured the #1 and #2 college football
teams in the United States
as determined by the BCS Poll
(a combination of poll
s and computer formulas) to decide the BCS National Championship for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season
.
The game featured #1 Big Ten
champion Ohio State
Buckeyes
hosting #2 SEC
champion LSU
Tigers
. It also featured the second postseason matchup between head coaches Jim Tressel
and Les Miles
in five years. The first occurrence was the 2004 Alamo Bowl
, when Tressel's Buckeyes defeated Miles' Oklahoma State Cowboys
33-7.
and West Virginia
. However, Missouri lost to Oklahoma
in the Big 12 Championship Game and West Virginia was shocked by their arch-rival Pitt
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.
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 cornerback
s, 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.
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.
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.
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.
—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 Dickson (his second TD 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.
, 21-14, in the 2004 Sugar Bowl
, which served as the 2003 season's BCS championship game.
The Tigers are also the first team to earn a national championship despite losing two games in that season since the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1960, and the first team in history to win the championship with two tie games in regulation (both losses were in triple overtime—ties were not broken in overtime until 1996.)
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Allstate
The Allstate Corporation is the second-largest personal lines insurer in the United States and the largest that is publicly held. The company also has personal lines insurance operations in Canada. Allstate was founded in 1931 as part of Sears, Roebuck and Co., and was spun off in 1993...
BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
National Championship Game
BCS National Championship Game
The BCS National Championship Game, or BCS National Championship, is the final bowl game of the annual Bowl Championship Series and is intended by the organizers of the BCS to determine the U.S. national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision...
was played at the Louisiana Superdome
Louisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
in New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, on Monday, January 7, 2008, and featured the #1 and #2 college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
teams in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
as determined by the BCS Poll
2007 BCS computer rankings
The 2007 BCS computer rankings are a part of the Bowl Championship Series formula that determines who plays in the BCS National Championship Game as well as several other bowl games. Each computer system was developed using different methods which attempts to rank the teams performance...
(a combination of poll
Opinion poll
An opinion poll, sometimes simply referred to as a poll is a survey of public opinion from a particular sample. Opinion polls are usually designed to represent the opinions of a population by conducting a series of questions and then extrapolating generalities in ratio or within confidence...
s and computer formulas) to decide the BCS National Championship for the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season, or the college football season, began on August 30, 2007, progressed through the regular season and bowl season, and concluded with the Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 7, 2008, where the top...
.
The game featured #1 Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
champion Ohio State
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
Buckeyes
2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team
The 2007 Ohio State Buckeyes football team competed in football on behalf of the Ohio State University during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Buckeyes were coached by Jim Tressel and played their home games in Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio...
hosting #2 SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
champion LSU
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
Tigers
2007 LSU Tigers football team
The 2007 LSU Tigers football team represented Louisiana State University during the college football season of 2007–2008, winning the Southeastern Conference championship and the national championship. The team's Head Coach was Les Miles who entered his third year at the helm of LSU Football...
. It also featured the second postseason matchup between head coaches Jim Tressel
Jim Tressel
James Patrick Tressel is a gameday consultant for the Indianapolis Colts, and former collegiate football head coach at both The Ohio State University from 2001 to 2011 and at Youngstown State University from 1986 to 2000. Tressel is most notable for his time at Ohio State. He was hired by the...
and Les Miles
Les Miles
Leslie Edwin "Les" Miles, nicknamed "The Mad Hatter", is an American college football coach and the current head coach of the Louisiana State University football team. Prior to holding that position, he was head coach at Oklahoma State...
in five years. The first occurrence was the 2004 Alamo Bowl
2004 Alamo Bowl
The 2004 edition to the Alamo Bowl featured the Ohio State Buckeyes, and the .Ohio State got on the board first, when quarterback Justin Zwick connected with wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez for a 23 yard touchdown pass, and a 7-0 lead...
, when Tressel's Buckeyes defeated Miles' Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State Cowboys are the athletic teams that represent Oklahoma State University. Their mascot is a cowboy named Pistol Pete. Oklahoma State participates in the NCAA's Division I-A and in the Big 12 Conference's South Division. The university's current athletic director is Mike Holder...
33-7.
Team selection
Prior to the last weekend of the regular season, it looked like the national championship game would be played between Missouri2007 Missouri Tigers football team
The 2007 Missouri Tigers football team represented the University of Missouri in college football's 2007 season. The team was coached by Gary Pinkel and played their home games at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium....
and West Virginia
2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team
The 2007 West Virginia Mountaineers football team began play on September 1, 2007. The team was coached by Rich Rodriguez until he announced on December 16, 2007 that he was leaving West Virginia to coach the Michigan Wolverines. The head coaching position remained vacant after his announcement,...
. However, Missouri lost to Oklahoma
2007 Oklahoma Sooners football team
The 2007 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma in the college football season of 2007-2008, winning the Big 12 Conference Championship for the fifth time in eight years. The team was led by head coach Bob Stoops...
in the Big 12 Championship Game and West Virginia was shocked by their arch-rival Pitt
Pittsburgh Panthers football
Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football...
in the Backyard Brawl
Backyard Brawl
The Backyard Brawl is an annual football game between the University of Pittsburgh Panthers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers. The term "Backyard Brawl" has also been used to refer to college basketball games played annually or semi-iannually and may also be used to refer to other...
. 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.
Pre-game buildup
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
which indicated that he was on the verge of taking the Michigan
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
job, LSU head coach Les Miles
Les Miles
Leslie Edwin "Les" Miles, nicknamed "The Mad Hatter", is an American college football coach and the current head coach of the Louisiana State University football team. Prior to holding that position, he was head coach at Oklahoma State...
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
Bo Pelini
Mark "Bo" Pelini is the head football coach at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He had previously been defensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers...
accepted the head coaching job at Nebraska
Nebraska Cornhuskers football
The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A...
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 cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
s, 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.
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 "Beanie" WellsChris Wells (American football)
Chris "Beanie" Michael Wells is an American football running back for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League...
broke off a 65-yard touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
run for the first score of the game. LSU went three-and-out deep in their own territory and punted
Punt (football)
In some codes of football, a punt is a play in which a player drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground. A punt is in contrast to a drop kick, in which the ball touches the ground before being kicked....
on their first possession. Ohio State quickly added a field goal
Field goal (football)
A field goal in American football and Canadian football is a goal that may be scored during general play . Field goals may be scored by a placekick or the now practically extinct drop kick.The drop kick fell out of favor in 1934 when the shape of the ball was changed...
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 12-yard Matt Flynn touchdown pass to tight endTight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
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
Ricky Jean-Francois
Ricky Barkley Jean-Francois is a professional American football nose tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. He played collegiately at Louisiana State.-College career:...
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
Brandon LaFell
Brandon LaFell is a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the NFL. He was selected with the 78th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft...
touchdown reception from Flynn culminated the drive. On the next Buckeye possession, quarterback Todd Boeckman
Todd Boeckman
Todd Boeckman is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was signed by the Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on June 17, 2009...
was intercepted by cornerback Chevis Jackson
Chevis Jackson
Chevis Dauro Jackson is an American football cornerback he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
who returned the ball 34 yards into Ohio State territory. LSU moved down to the goal line and running back
Running back
A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
Jacob Hester
Jacob Hester
Jacob Troy Hester is a fullback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
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 linebackerLinebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
Austin Spitler gave LSU a first down. The Tigers parlayed the personal foul into a touchdown, as Early Doucet
Early Doucet
Early Joseph Doucet, III is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State.-Early years:Early Doucet prepped at St. Martinville...
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
Malcolm Jenkins
-New Orleans Saints:Jenkins was the first cornerback to be taken by the Saints in the first round since Oregon's Alex Molden went at No. 11 in the 1996 NFL Draft. On August 9, 2009 the Saints agreed to terms with Jenkins on a five-year, $19 million contract....
, 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
Wide receiver
A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
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 HighsmithAli Highsmith
Arlington Louis "Ali" Highsmith is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
—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.
Onside kick
In American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
. LSU ran out the clock and celebrated their 38-24 BCS National Championship Game win.
Historical implications
This was the first national championship 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 OklahomaOklahoma Sooners football
The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
, 21-14, in the 2004 Sugar Bowl
2004 Sugar Bowl
The 2004 Sugar Bowl, the BCS title game for the 2003 college football season, was played on January 4, 2004 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The teams were LSU Tigers and the Oklahoma Sooners...
, which served as the 2003 season's BCS championship game.
The Tigers are also the first team to earn a national championship despite losing two games in that season since the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 1960, and the first team in history to win the championship with two tie games in regulation (both losses were in triple overtime—ties were not broken in overtime until 1996.)
Scoring
First quarter- Ohio State - Chris Wells 65 Yd TD Run (Ryan Pretorius Kick)
- Ohio State - Ryan Pretorius 25 Yd FG
- LSU - Colt David 32 Yd FG
Second quarter
- LSU - Richard Dickson 13 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick)
- LSU - Brandon Lafell 10 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick)
- LSU - Jacob Hester 1 Yd TD Run (Colt David Kick)
Third quarter
- LSU - Early Doucet 4 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick)
- Ohio State - Brian Robiskie 5 Yd TD Pass From Todd Boeckman (Ryan Pretorius Kick)
Fourth quarter
- LSU - Richard Dickson 5 Yd TD Pass From Matt Flynn (Colt David Kick)
- Ohio State - Brian Hartline 15 Yd TD Pass From Todd Boeckman (Ryan Pretorius Kick)
Statistics
| LSU | OSU | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 25 | 17 |
| Total Yards | 326 | 353 |
| Passing Yards | 174 | 208 |
| Rushing Yards | 152 | 145 |
| Penalties | 4-36 | 7-83 |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 11-18 | 3-13 |
| 4th Down Conversions | 1-1 | 2-3 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 33:56 | 26:04 |
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
| Individual | Performance, Team vs. Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 18, James Laurinaitis, Ohio State vs. LSU | 2008 |
| Long Plays | Performance, Team vs. Opponent | Year |
| Touchdown run | 65, Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State vs. LSU | 2008 |
| Punt | 63, A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State vs. LSU | 2008 |
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.