Well, it will have to do. Since a playoff in major college football seems like nothing more than wishful thinking at this point, the upcoming Allstate BCS Championship Game between No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 LSU — at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, on Fox — will have to suffice in determining a national champion. Not that the teams aren't deserving. Ohio State only lost one game to a fellow BCS qualifier (Illinois), while LSU's two losses both came in triple-overtime while playing in the nation's best conference (the SEC). Here is an idea of what to expect when those two powers clash with the national title on the line.

Clint Hale | 210SA
 

OFFENSE
THE 210 TAKE: It's advantage: LSU, and it's not even that close. The Tigers, despite playing in the ultra-competitive SEC, put up 39 points (12th in the nation) and 448 yards per game (21st in the nation) this season. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, average 397 yards and 32 points per game. But in closing out its regular season against Illinois and Michigan — arguably the toughest opponents of the season — Ohio State only scored a combined 35 points.
EDGE: LSU

DEFENSE
THE 210 TAKE: If both teams' defensive statistics are any indicator, the BCS Championship Game will be a low-scoring affair. The Buckeyes, with only 225 yards per game allowed this season, boast the top overall defense in major college football. LSU, which only surrenders 284 yards per game, isn't far behind in third. But while the Tigers allow an impressive 20 points per game, Ohio State is the top-scoring defense in the land with a stifling 11 points per game allowed.
EDGE: Ohio State

COACHING
THE 210 TAKE: LSU coach Les Miles has been accused by some of having “Mack Brown syndrome,” in which a great recruiter isn't necessarily the best in-game manager. The same can't be said for Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel, who in 2003 took an underdog Ohio State team into the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and knocked off previously unbeaten Miami to earn the national championship.
EDGE: Ohio State

INTANGIBLES
THE 210 TAKE: Playing in the SEC, the Tigers are no strangers to stiff competition. Ohio State, however, didn't exactly play the toughest schedule this season, as evidenced by the fact that none of the teams it played this season sit higher than No. 13 in the BCS standings. As for LSU, two of its victims this season (Virginia Tech and Florida), are both ranked 12th or higher.
EDGE: LSU

FINAL THOUGHTS
LSU finds itself in the position Ohio State was in last season, when the Buckeyes entered the BCS Championship Game as heavy favorites against Florida. Ohio State proceeded to get run out of the stadium by the Gators in a 41-14 loss. We don't expect a blowout victory for either team this time around, nor do we expect the Tigers to suffer a letdown.

THE 210 PREDICTION: LSU 27, Ohio State 17