What Is 2007 BCS National Championship Game

Overview

The 2007 BCS National Championship Game determined the national champion of the 2006 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Officially known as the 2007 BCS Championship Game, it featured the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes from the Big Ten Conference and the No. 2 LSU Tigers from the Southeastern Conference.

This game was notable for being the first BCS title game held at a neutral site after the rotation system was introduced. The matchup was controversial due to Ohio State’s undefeated record and LSU’s two regular-season losses, sparking debate over selection fairness.

• Final Score: LSU defeated Ohio State 38–24, marking the first national title for LSU since 1958 and their first under head coach Les Miles.
• Game Date: Played on January 8, 2008, the game concluded the 2006 college football season despite being labeled as the '2007' championship.
• Location: Held at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the first time the BCS title game was played in the state of Arizona.
• Attendance: A crowd of 74,122 attended the game, setting a record for the stadium at the time and reflecting high national interest.
• TV Audience: The game was broadcast on FOX and drew an average of 22.3 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched college football games in history.

Game Summary and Key Moments

The game showcased a dominant performance by LSU, who overcame a slow start to outscore Ohio State in the second half. Ohio State entered the game with a 12–0 record and was favored by 6.5 points, but LSU’s aggressive defense and balanced offense proved decisive.

• First Quarter: Ohio State scored first with a 1-yard touchdown run by Chris Wells, taking an early 7–0 lead.
• Second Quarter: LSU responded with two field goals by Colt David, cutting the deficit to 7–6 at halftime.
• Third Quarter: LSU’s running back Jacob Hester scored on a 1-yard plunge, giving the Tigers their first lead at 9–7.
• Fourth Quarter: LSU pulled away with two touchdowns in under three minutes, including a 10-yard pass from Matt Flynn to Craig Steltz.
• Defensive Impact: LSU’s defense forced three turnovers, including a crucial interception by LaRon Landry late in the fourth quarter.
• Final Drive: Ohio State’s last possession ended with a sack by Tyson Jackson, sealing LSU’s victory with under a minute remaining.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a statistical comparison between Ohio State and LSU during the 2007 BCS National Championship Game:

LSU controlled the tempo throughout the game, holding the ball for over 35 minutes compared to Ohio State’s 24. Their offensive efficiency, particularly in the second half, overwhelmed the Buckeyes’ defense. The statistical disparity highlighted LSU’s superior preparation and execution on both sides of the ball.

Why It Matters

The 2007 BCS National Championship Game had lasting implications for college football, influencing future debates about playoff systems and team selection. It underscored flaws in the BCS model, especially when a two-loss team could claim a national title over an undefeated powerhouse.

• BCS Controversy: The selection of LSU over USC or Michigan intensified criticism of the BCS formula, fueling calls for a playoff system.
• LSU’s Legacy: This win gave LSU its third national title in program history and solidified Les Miles’ reputation as a top-tier coach.
• Ohio State’s Decline: The loss marked the end of Jim Tressel’s peak era, as the Buckeyes failed to return to the title game for nearly a decade.
• Recruiting Impact: LSU’s victory helped them secure a top-5 recruiting class in 2008, capitalizing on national exposure.
• Media Influence: The game’s broadcast on FOX demonstrated the growing commercial value of college football, leading to larger TV contracts.
• Rule Changes: The performance prompted discussions about improving non-AQ conference access to major bowls under the BCS.

In retrospect, the 2007 BCS National Championship Game was a turning point that accelerated the eventual transition to the College Football Playoff system in 2014, replacing the controversial BCS format with a more inclusive model.