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Buckeyes Are Just Trying To Regroup

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 9, 2008

NEW ORLEANS - Disappointment?

That word doesn't do justice to Ohio State's emotions following Monday night's 38-24 loss to LSU in the BCS Championship Game.

"Everyone has supported us and did a good job of traveling to New Orleans," Buckeyes sophomore WR Brian Hartline said. "I wish I could put them all in one room and apologize to them."

After being thrashed by Florida 41-14 in last season's title game, the Buckeyes' shot at redemption was smashed to pieces by LSU. The Buckeyes led 10-0 in the first quarter, fueled by the 65-yard touchdown run of sophomore RB Chris "Beanie" Wells, the longest run in a BCS title game.

"That record run doesn't mean anything to me," said Wells, who had 146 yards rushing. "To get to the national championship game twice and lose twice, it's just incredible."

HEALTHY OUTLOOK: Down the stretch, LSU was a beaten-up football team. Senior QB Matt Flynn didn't play in the SEC Championship Game. Senior DT Glenn Dorsey played several games with back and knee injuries. LSU players said the 37-day layoff was a big benefit.

"In the SEC, there's hard hitting every week," Flynn said. "It was very helpful for this team to rest. We got back to where we were at the beginning."

BUCKEYE BACKLASH: Ohio State endured one year of criticism after falling to Florida. Another miserable 12 months could be ahead. Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel wants his players to have the proper perspective.

"I worry about disappointment, because I know how hard these kids work," Tressel said. "I don't worry too much about criticism, because if you're not tough enough to handle criticism, you better get out of this game.

"There are a lot of people who don't really have much understanding of what it takes to be good at this game, but love to have opinions. If you struggle taking criticism, then you need to not be at Ohio State or not be playing the game of football."

MICHIGAN MAN: LSU coach Les Miles, who was linked to the Michigan job before it went to West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez, said the rumors of his departure seem like "a thousand years ago."

"There will always be a wonderful place in my heart for Michigan," said Miles, a former Wolverines player and assistant coach. "It's just that simple. That will never change. But there will also be an extremely warm spot in my heart for LSU, this very special season, this very special team."

ODDS AND ENDS: The SEC is 4-0 in BCS title games (1999 Tennessee, 2004 LSU, 2007 Florida and 2008 LSU). ... LSU is 56-10 during the past five seasons, including two national championships. ... For the second straight season, the Big Ten went 0-2 in BCS games (USC defeated Illinois at the Rose Bowl). ... Ohio State is 4-2 in BCS games, 1-2 in BCS title games and 18-21 all-time in bowl games. ... LSU is 4-0 in BCS games, 2-0 in BCS title games and 20-18-1 all-time in bowl games. ...Wells finished with 1,609 rushing yards - the fourth-best single-season performance in Ohio State history. ... The Buckeyes started only three seniors - OT Kirk Barton, FB Dionte Johnson and LB Larry Grant.

Joey Johnston

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