What Is 2008 BCS national championship game

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 BCS National Championship Game was played on January 8, 2008, between the #1 LSU Tigers and #2 Ohio State Buckeyes, with LSU winning 38–24 to claim their second national title in program history.

Key Facts

LSU defeated Ohio State 38–24 in the 2008 BCS National Championship Game on January 8, 2008
The game was held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
LSU became the first team from the SEC to win a BCS title since 1999
Ohio State entered the game undefeated at 11–0 but were outmatched in the second half
LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux threw for 114 yards and one touchdown in the win

Overview

The 2008 BCS National Championship Game marked the culmination of the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. It featured the #1 ranked Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers against the #2 Ohio State University Buckeyes, meeting on January 8, 2008, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

This game was significant for ending the dominance of traditional powerhouses in the BCS era and elevating the SEC as a premier conference. LSU captured its second national championship in program history, with a decisive 38–24 victory that showcased superior depth and execution.

January 8, 2008 was the official date of the championship game, held at the end of the 2007 college football season.
The Louisiana Superdome hosted the game, providing a home-state advantage for LSU in front of a predominantly pro-LSU crowd.
LSU entered the game 11–2, having lost during the regular season to unranked Kentucky and #1 Tennessee, but rebounded to win the SEC Championship.
Ohio State was undefeated at 11–0 and had won the Big Ten Conference, earning their first national title game appearance since 1970.
The final score was 38–24, with LSU pulling away in the second half after a tightly contested first half that ended 17–14 in LSU’s favor.

How It Works

The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) system determined the national champion from 1998 to 2013 by combining human polls and computer rankings to select the top two teams. The 2008 game was the final BCS title game under this format before future adjustments.

BCS Formula: The BCS combined the final Coaches Poll, Harris Poll, and computer rankings to generate a composite score. Weighted average rankings determined the top two teams for the championship game.
January 8, 2008 Date: The title game was scheduled two weeks after the New Year’s Day bowl games, allowing time for the final BCS standings to be released on January 2.
LSU’s Path: After losing to Kentucky and Tennessee, LSU won the SEC Championship Game against Vanderbilt 21–14, boosting their BCS ranking despite two losses.
Ohio State’s Undefeated Run: The Buckeyes, led by Heisman winner Terrelle Pryor, went 11–0, defeating Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game to earn their spot.
Gameplay Strategy: LSU relied on a balanced offensive attack and dominant defensive line play, recording three sacks and forcing two turnovers from Ohio State.
Individual Performances: LSU running back Charles Scott rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown, while defensive end Ali Highsmith recorded 8 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics between LSU and Ohio State during the 2008 BCS National Championship Game:

Statistic	LSU	Ohio State
Final Score	38	24
Total Yards	472	342
Rushing Yards	212	123
Passing Yards	260	219
Turnovers	1	2

LSU’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and sustain long drives proved decisive. Their 472 total yards and efficient third-down conversion rate of 7-of-14 contrasted sharply with Ohio State’s struggles on defense. The Buckeyes managed only 342 yards and failed to convert key third downs, especially in the second half.

Why It Matters

The 2008 BCS National Championship Game reshaped perceptions about conference strength and national title viability. It highlighted the rising power of the SEC and underscored flaws in the BCS selection process, which allowed a two-loss LSU team to overtake undefeated teams like Hawaii and Utah.

LSU became the first SEC team to win a BCS title since Tennessee in 1999, reinforcing the conference’s growing dominance.
The result fueled debates about BCS fairness, as undefeated teams from non-power conferences were excluded despite perfect records.
LSU’s victory marked the first time since 1971 that a team with two losses won the national title, setting a precedent for future selection debates.
Ohio State’s loss delayed their national championship drought, which would not end until the 2014 College Football Playoff season.
The game drew over 35 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched college football games in history at the time.
It served as a catalyst for the eventual transition to the College Football Playoff system in 2014, replacing the BCS format.

Ultimately, the 2008 BCS National Championship Game remains a landmark event in college football history, symbolizing both the triumph of SEC football and the growing demand for a more transparent and inclusive national title system.