Quarterly Report
The Washington Post
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008; Page E04
FIRST QUARTER
Ohio State 10, LSU 3 For the second consecutive year in the national championship game, Ohio State got off to a fast start. On the fourth play from scrimmage, Chris Wells ran 65 yards for a touchdown, the longest run from scrimmage in BCS championship game history. After LSU went three-and-out, Todd Boeckman opened the Buckeyes' ensuing drive by completing a 44-yard pass to Brandon Saine. Ohio State settled for a field goal, but the Tigers' vaunted defense appeared to be on its heels. SECOND QUARTER
LSU 24, Ohio State 10 The Tigers struck back in a big way. They opened the quarter with an 84-yard drive capped by 18- and 13-yard passes from Matt Flynn to Demetrius Byrd and Richard Dickson, respectively. Ohio State attempted to answer, but a 37-yard field goal attempt was blocked. LSU went 66 yards on the ensuing drive, converting three first downs, for the go-ahead touchdown. The Tigers then capitalized on Chevis Jackson's interception by going the final 24 yards to make it 24-10. THIRD QUARTER
LSU 31, Ohio State 17 The Buckeyes appeared to have stopped the Tigers' opening possession, but a roughing-the-kicker penalty prolonged the drive. Four plays later, Matt Flynn found Early Doucet, who shook off two tacklers for a four-yard score. But just as the party appeared to be on in the Bayou after LSU forced another punt, Malcolm Jenkins intercepted Flynn and returned it to the 11. The Buckeyes, going for it on fourth down, cut the deficit to 14 when Brian Robiskie caught a five-yard touchdown pass. FOURTH QUARTER
LSU 38, Ohio State 24 For the first time since the Tigers' opening possession, Patrick Fisher punted, and he did so on consecutive possessions. But both Buckeyes chances ended in turnovers. The first came when Todd Boeckman fumbled after he was sacked by Ali Highsmith; the second, when Curtis Taylor intercepted Boeckman. After Taylor's interception, the Tigers essentially iced the game, driving 53 yards and scoring on Matt Flynn's five-yard pass to Richard Dickson. 