The Buckeyes have lost eight previous meetings with SEC teams, including last year when underdog Florida romped to a 41-14 victory to win the national crown.
This time the Buckeyes (11-1) find themselves in the underdog role, regarding the game in the Louisiana Superdome a home game for the Tigers (11-2), who are 3.5-point favorites. LSU has a 3-0 BCS record with three Sugar Bowl victories in the Louisiana Superdome, one over Oklahoma for the 2004 BCS national title.
``We are in their territory,'' Ohio State running back Chris ``Beanie'' Wells said. ``That's something we've been emphasizing to our team, that we're not at a neutral site, really. It's basically a home game for them.''
Buckeyes offensive tackle Kirk Barton is just happy to be getting another chance.
``We got back to where we really want to be,'' Barton said. ``We want to be in the national championship game every year, but especially after what happened last year we wanted another shot.''
LSU, which lost triple overtime decisions to Kentucky and Arkansas, rebounded to beat Tennessee in the SEC championship game and become the first team with two losses to make the BCS championship game.
``We know the road we've taken isn't one that anyone could have scripted,'' LSU running back Jacob Hester said.
``I didn't think we'd be playing any later than Jan. 1,'' Hester said. ``I really like the path we've taken. If we would have come in here 13-0 with the big head, thinking we're untouchable, who knows what would have happened. But the fact that we are 11-2 ... that really makes us have a sense of focus on this coming game.''
Ohio State also lost late in the season to Illinois before ending there regular season with a victory over Michigan.
LSU's losses came after some key injuries to All-American defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, leading receiver Early Doucet and fleet-footed receiver Trindon Holliday. Each is said to be back at full speed. That being the case, look for the Tigers to leave the Buckeyes winless against the SEC in bowl games. LSU 21-14.
Totals for SEC bowl action so far: 6-2 straight, 6-2 vs. spread. For year: 81-24 straight, 40-53 vs. spread.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/205498