This college football season can be summed up in one phrase, "expect the unexpected". Every week there was one or more top five teams that lost, setting up a national championship game that features two teams that lost games in their final few weeks. The LSU Tigers are the first two loss team to earn a spot in the title game, and after a loss to former Florida Gators coach Ron Zook and the fighting Illini, Ohio State had some good fortune to earn a trip to New Orleans.
On paper, these two teams are mirror images of each other. Both lead by stout defenses littered with athletes that will be playing on Sundays. LSU is lead by All-World defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, and stud safety Craig Steltz. On the other sideline, Ohio State has All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis, and cornerback Malcom Jenkins. With both defenses being so good, this game will be determined by which offense has the most big plays. Jacob Hester (RB-LSU) and Chris Wells (RB-OSU) are downhill style runners. They will not try to make defenders miss, but they will try to run the defender over. As far as the quarterbacks go, the Tigers have more versatility by using the two quarterback system Ryan Perrilloux and Matt Flynn. Flynn was injured in the final few weeks of the season, and Perrilloux shined as the starter. Flynn can scramble but it is Periloux who is more of the runner. OSU quarterback Todd Boeckman is best being a game manager. His job is to not make mistakes and to connect for the big play when it becomes available.
That being said, this is the National Championship. You cannot hide your QB and he will need to make plays. LSU will be in better position to do so, especially with WR Early Doucet and Matt Flynn back at full strength. I expect both defenses to come to play, but it will be the LSU offense that wins this game, 34-32
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