We've waited all season for this day, and it has finally come, albeit not without controversy. LSU (11-2 SU, 4-8-1 ATS) comes into the BCS National Championship Game as the first team to play for the Title with 2 losses. Ohio State (11-1 SU, 7-4-1 ATS) finds itself playing for the Title for the second straight year, and for the second straight year having to beat the top team from the top conference in the land. So, how will they do?

Ohio State vs. LSU (-4.5)
First thing is first. Let's compare the road that each of these teams took to get here. Ohio State plays in the Big Ten, who is currently 3-4 in the Bowls this year. Their big wins came against Penn State, Wisconsin and of course Michigan, but they suffered their sole loss in the game right before Michigan, seeming to seal their fate to playing in the Rose Bowl instead of the Title game.

LSU, who won the SEC, which is currently an impressive 6-2 in the Bowls, had big wins against Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech (ACC), but suffered two losses along the way to Kentucky, then Arkansas. They to seemed destined to play in a different bowl other than the Title game, but due to some late collapses by other teams, most notably West Virginia, they were able to sneak in.

Now, what stands out to you based on this information. Sure, we could argue all day about which team has better quality wins, especially since Michigan beat Florida, but if you take the overall conference records, the SEC is outstanding. Now, take into account that LSU somehow survived all of this to win the title, and you have a very good case for LSU. But as I mentioned before, look what Michigan did to Florida, and how will the Buckeye's play after being humiliated in last year's title game? LSU seems to hold the advantage in most categories as far as talent goes, especially since OSU lost both Troy Smith and Ted Ginn to the NFL last year. However, LSU is giving up almost 20 points a game, and Ohio State averages 32 points per game. On the flip side, LSU is scoring almost 39 points per game, whereas Ohio State gives up less than 11 per game. So basically, who will break first. Will it be a defensive game, which I am sure Ohio State would love, or a shootout, which favors LSU?

The answer to this lies in one simple stat. LSU has a whopping +18 Turnover margin, meaning they have taken the ball away from their opponents 18 more times than they have given it up. Ohio State, on the other hand, is an abysmal -1. When you are playing in these high profile games, and the kids are all of 18-22 years of age, and you add in the fact they haven't played a game in over a month, you have to start looking at turnovers. Both teams are going to be rusty, but that doesn't mean they should turn the ball over. A couple quick turnovers by Ohio State, and LSU will crush them early, much like UF did to them last year. Since LSU is not know for turning it over much, it is not as much a factor for them. With this said, you have to go with the greater talent in LSU and give up the 4.5 points. I don't believe it will be the blowout that we saw in last year's Title game as I feel Tressel has learned from his mistakes and realized that speed kills, and therefore will have his team better prepared, especially the offensive line who gave up way too many sacks last year. However, it won't be enough to stop LSU, especially they will basically be playing in home game in New Orleans. As I said, give up the points, sit back, have a beer, and enjoy the last college game of the season, b/c we all know after it's over, we all go into a state of depression until August.