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Tressel Admires Miles' Ability To Take Risks

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 7, 2008

NEW ORLEANS - LSU coach Les Miles has the reputation of a gambler, a man who tries unorthodox plays and goes for fourth-down opportunities whenever possible.

Miles has a fan.

It's Mr. Sweater Vest himself, Ohio State's button-down Jim Tressel.

"It's pretty easy to evaluate these calls after the 25-second period, but it takes a special knack to do them well at that moment," Tressel said Sunday, on the eve of tonight's BCS Championship Game between the Buckeyes (11-1) and Tigers (11-2) at the Superdome.

"As you study LSU, you have to say they've done the right things at the right time. I don't know that it's gambling when you're prepared it, when you know why you're doing it. I've enjoyed watching this LSU team. They're a courageous bunch."

READY TO GO: Much has been made of Ohio State's 51-day layoff. The Buckeyes haven't played since a 14-3 win against Michigan on Nov. 17.

But LSU, which hasn't played since a 21-14 win against Tennessee at the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 1, is equally eager for action.

"Pent up, trapped, held hostage," Miles said, describing the mood of his staff and players. "The coaches keep looking at the calendar. 'Are we playing today? Are we playing today?' We are ready to get on the field."

BOWL GAMES FOREVER: When Tressel arrived at Ohio State from Division I-AA Youngstown State, he was a playoff proponent, mostly because he had experienced that format.

No longer.

He likes bowl games.

"Things are different at this level," Tressel said. "We ask a lot of our kids from a time commitment standpoint. Bowls are extraordinary. It's a tremendous thing for the communities. The fun is for these kids, their families, the marching bands and the fans ... I just think it's difficult to go much beyond what we're doing."

TEAM OF THE DECADE: The decade's national dominance could be at stake. Tonight is Ohio State's third BCS Championship Game appearance (2002 and 2006 seasons). LSU also played in the big game following the 2003 season.

This is the 10th BCS-designated championship game. Previously, there have been nine different winners (Tennessee, Florida State, Oklahoma, Miami, Ohio State, LSU, USC, Texas and Florida).

"If you come to LSU, you play championship football," Miles said. "I suspect Ohio State must have some similar pluses.

"Playing in this game is what everybody in college football wants to do. But that landscape will change and it's all about next year after Monday night."

ODDS AND ENDS: Heading into the 2006 season, Ohio State coaches visited Florida for an information-sharing session. Heading into this season, Ohio State coaches visited LSU for the same purposes. And both times, the Buckeyes met those schools in the BCS Championship Game. ... LSU has picked up oral commitments from Pompano Beach Ely DB Patrick Johnson and Delray Beach Atlantic DB Karnell Hatcher, who were members of The Tampa Tribune's sixth annual Best of the South team, the top 20 Southern players as selected by college recruiting coordinators. ... Tonight will be the first time Tressel has witnessed a game at the Superdome. ... LSU is 12-4 all-time at the Superdome, including a seven-game winning streak that includes a 34-9 win against Tulane on Sept. 29. LSU's last Superdome loss occurred at the 1987 Sugar Bowl against Nebraska.

Joey Johnston

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