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Here's what some of our Featured Writers are predicting for the Ohio State - LSU BCS National Championship game:

Brian White:
Prediction: Ohio State 31 LSU 24
This game could go either way, but I think a somewhat overlooked factor in OSU's favor is Beanie Wells. His strong and deceptively quick running style will catch LSU off guard, especially when he gets to the secondary. If Todd Boeckman doesn't turn the ball over more than once, hopefully not at all, the Buckeyes should be able to score enough to take pressure off Boeckman in the second half and let the running game open up a few long pass plays.

Josh Lehman:
Prediction: Ohio State 21, Louisiana State 13
LSU and OSU are surprisingly evenly matched. LSU has a dominating interior defense, led by star DT Glenn Dorsey. However, OSU's offensive line is widely considered the best in the country, and sophomore Chris "Beanie" Wells is a tough runner. While the Buckeyes have struggled in the past to defend mobile option-type quarterbacks, I'm not sure that Matt Flynn or Ryan Perrilloux possess the extreme athleticism necessary to stretch the OSU defense. Expect a low scoring, defensive battle. Overall, the Tigers probably have slightly better talent, but it won't matter. The vest trumps the hat and frankly, the Buckeyes want this one more after last season's debacle.

Keith Britton:
Prediction:  Ohio State 24 LSU 30
All the critics saying that LSU has too much speed for Ohio State will be somewhat surprised with the strength of the Buckeyes and their ability to eliminate that edge, most of the time. That is the key, LSU has a backfield combo that is going to be tough to hold down all night long. With the strength and downhill running style of Jacob Hester combined with the speed and elusiveness of 5’5 track star Trindon Holliday. With the double quarterback threat of Matt Flynn and Ryan Perrilloux, LSU has the option to beat teams with the pass and with the run from that position.

The biggest key to the game, however, will be the amount of pressure put on Todd Boeckman and how well the Buckeyes offensive line performs.  Last year’s performance is well documented, and this offensive line has seemed more hungry and physical this year.  I think Chris Wells will have success running the football, but expect Glenn Dorsey, who is healthy for the first time in a long time, to make his share of plays in the backfield on both Wells and Boeckman. The amount of plays LSU has made down the stretch in games this year leads me to believe that this one will be no different. I think LSU makes plays down the stretch when they are most needed.  I don’t know if Ohio State can do the same, only because I don’t think Todd Boeckman has seen the kind of pressure and has faced quite the atmosphere that this game will include.

Scott Taylor:
Prediction: LSU 24 OSU 17
Ohio State won't be embarrassed the way it was last year. The defense is better, and the LSU offense isn't as good as Florida's was. However, the layoff has greatly benefitted an injury plagued LSU squad. Had this game been played right away, the Buckeyes would have been in good shape. Instead, the country's best defense for most of the year will have all of its parts, except for its exiting coach. Beanie Wells will get shut down in a one-dimensional attack. OSU will need to force three turnovers at least to win.

Steve Michalovitch:
Prediction: noncommittal
I am very leery of making any bold predictions as far as the game goes. Obviously, I want nothing more than for OSU to go to New Orleans and destroy LSU and thus the SEC, and in the process shut up all of the critics and naysayers of the Big Ten and OSU. Last year's embarassing loss was attributed to many things: long rest, Troy Smith's Heisman partying, overall cockiness, etc.

But the one thing that's different about this team than last year's is they have tasted defeat. This team isn't as hyped and possibly overall talented as last year's, and because of this, no one (outside of Ohio) believes we can win. And the 2007 team desperately wants to avenge last year's pitiful performance. The 2007 Buckeyes remind me of the 2002 Buckeyes who won it all. No superstars, just a great all-around team looking to top an over-hyped opponent.

With that said, I think Coach Tressel will rally the troops and this year's game will be a heated competition between two teams with a lot to prove. It will be close and a battle in every sense of the word. I'm not going to give a score prediction or even who will win, in respect to the game. With last year's loss looming, I am desperately counting the days until January 7 though. Let's Go Bucks!

Dan Falkenberg:
Prediction: OSU 27 LSU 21
I think it all depends on Todd Boeckman.  If he's on, the running game will open up. If he's not on, it could be a long night. He must come out firing. Since I'm a homer though, I say he'll be on and the Buckeyes pull off a close one 27-21 with a big defensive stop to win the game!

Tags: bcs national championship game, ohio state football