LSU rallied from an early 10-0 deficit, taking a 24-10 lead at halftime lead that held up. Two key plays on special teams helped shift the game — Ricky Jean-Francois blocked a field goal, and the Tigers took advantage of a roughing-the-kicker penalty.

Boosted by big plays, the Tigers enjoyed the evening with impromptu mini-celebrations all over the field. Early Doucet and Flynn jumped high to mark one touchdown and Brandon LaFell and Demetrius Byrd did the same after another score. When the game ended, cannons shot purple-and-gold confetti in the air.

Shouts of “SEC! SEC!” reverberated around the dome as the Tigers won their second BCS crown in five seasons. They are the first school to win a second title since BCS rankings began with the 1998 season.

“My team is the No. 1 team in the land,” said All-American defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who passed up the NFL draft to return for his senior season.

Shortly after it was over, Miles unleashed an ear-piercing whoop, then leaned back and exhaled as if he had been holding his breath all night.

“I just had to do that,” he said.

Ohio State had little to cheer after Chris “Beanie” Wells broke loose for a 65-yard TD run on the fourth play of the game. He put on quite a performance, piling up 146 yards and an impressive stiff arm.

“It’s unbelievable to know you’ve failed two years in a row,” Wells said.

Jacob Hester bulled for a short touchdown, Doucet wiggled loose for a score that made it 31-10 and Dorsey led a unit that outplayed the top-ranked defense in the nation.

“We just didn’t do the things you need to do to win a ballgame of this nature. We’re very aware that LSU’s a deserving champion,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said.

LSU, whose two losses both came in triple overtime, became just the fourth favorite to win in 10 BCS championship games. The Tigers added to the crown they won in 2003 under Nick Saban — their other national championship came in 1958.

Miles probably got a little extra satisfaction, too. A month after turning down a chance to return home to Michigan, he did something his alma mater hasn’t done recently — beat the Buckeyes.

The loss left Ohio State at 0-9 overall in bowl games against teams from the Southeastern Conference. The SEC delights in whipping Big Ten teams in a rivalry that steams up fans on both sides.

“I can tell you this, the SEC is a very competitive league. It’s not a league where you’re just going to go into the league and have dominant games week after week after week,” Miles said.

Ohio State was trying to win its second BCS title in six years, and add to the one Tressel captured by upsetting Miami 31-24 in double overtime for the 2002 championship.