For the record..After reviewing common opponents.
I am playing Ohio St on the money line at +145 (
Bookmaker.com) mainly but not totally based on the way they manhandled Michigan on November 17th in The Big House. Winning by a deceptive score of only 14-3. The Buckeyees completely dominated a team that later steamrolled Florida in The Capitol One Bowl 41-35 (the game was not nearly that close). On the other hand LSU was life and death to beat Florida in Baton Rouge on Oct. 6th scoring a TD with a minute to go in a 28-24 victory and were losing by a score of 24-14 at the end of 3 quarters.
Getting back to the Michigan game - the OSU defense held the Wolverines to 8 first downs - and a grand total of 91 total yards on 61 offensive plays. Time of possesion was 37:50 to 22:10 in favor of OSU. Michigan all everything RB Mike Hart was held to 44 yards on 18 carries - easily the worst game of his great career. Senior Mich. QB Chad Henne was 11 for 34 for only 68 yards. Michigan was forced to punt 12 times. Florida could only force two punts by Michigan on New Year's Day.
Bottom line here is Ohio St will not come into this game over confident like they did last year when they showed up totally flat footed and were routed by Florida in this same game by a score of 41-14.
LSU gave up a ton of points this year and needed a 19 yard 4th quarter interception return for a TD to beat Tennesee in the SEC title game 21-14. The same Tennessee team that was manhandled on the ground by Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl. Wisconsin gained 192 yards on 41 carries againt Tenn and only managed 12 yards (thats right twelve yards) on 37 carries against OSU. Only one team (Illinois) was able to score more than 17 points on OSU all year. LSU gave up a ton of points this season in comparision.
Regarding the perception that LSU is to fast for Ohio St. I believe that is just that a perception. They said the same thing about Florida and Michigan last week and we know what happened there.
This is Ohio State's second straight appearance in the title game and third in the last six years. Jim Tressell has all the experience you could ask for from a HC in a game like this.
I know there are a lot of positive things that I could post about LSU (or they wouldn't be favored or even in the game) but I feel strongly that Ohio St will avenge last year's embarrassment and win the game out right.
No matter which way the games ends I wish everyone the best of luck tonight..
wil..