Alabama blanks LSU for BCS title

In their first meeting Nov. 5, Shelley and Cade Foster combined to miss four of six field goal tries as the Crimson Tide lost, 9-6 in overtime.

“I have no problem with the game coming down to our foot,” Shelley said about the rematch.

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As it turned out, Shelley’s foot was the difference. His five field goals led Alabama to a 21-0 win and its second national championship in three years. Alabama’s Nick Saban became first coach with three BCS titles, with Alabama in 2009 and LSU in 2003. He’s the only coach with BCS crowns at different schools.

Just like the first meeting, the title game was a defensive affair that came down to field goals. But Deja Deux wasn’t nearly as compelling.

It was the first shutout in BCS history, spanning 62 games, and the first shutout in any bowl since the 2009 Holiday Bowl.

Though the defenses shined, LSU (13-1) looked hapless on offense. Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson threw for 53 yards, was sacked four times, intercepted once and lost a fumble. LSU crossed midfield just once, with 7:58 remaining in the game.

“We couldn’t sustain any consistency,” LSU coach Les Miles said.

Though LSU fans booed Jefferson in the third quarter, Miles never turned to quarterback Jarrett Lee, who started the first nine games of the season. “We felt like with Jordan’s ability to get out of the rush that it was fair that he finish,” Miles said.

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron was named offensive MVP, going 23-for-34 passing for 234 yards.

Linebacker Courtney Upshaw was named the game’s defensive MVP with seven tackles, including a sack.

“We wanted to come out and show the world that we really beat ourselves the first game,” Upshaw said. “We wanted to dominate from start to finish and that’s what we did.”

Alabama running back Trent Richardson had the game’s only touchdown, a 34-yard run with 4:36 remaining. The Heisman Trophy finalist ran for 96 yards on 20 carries.

Article source: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2012-01-10/alabama-blanks-lsu-for-bcs-championship/52475006/1