6.30.2009

BRACKET #56 FINALS

BRACKET #56
Click HERE for first round results.
Click HERE for second round results.
Click HERE for third round results.

BRACKET SEMI-FINALS

(73) 1998 Ohio State - 27
(184) 1994 Florida - 26
Steve Spurrier's Fun-N-Gun offense, featuring Terry Dean and Jack Jackson, came up just short against the Buckeyes.


(312) 1993 Texas A&M - 22
(56) 2006 Louisville - 28
The Wrecking Crew, paced by All Americans Sam Adams and Aaron Glenn, had their hands full with Bobby Petrino's powerful offense.

BRACKET FINAL

(73) 1998 Ohio State - 30
(56) 2006 Louisville - 28
It all fell apart for Louisville in the Bracket 56 final. The lack of emphasis on the defensive side of the ball reared its ugly head against yet another loaded John Cooper team.

Brian Brohm and the offense had success through the air, but with linebackers Andy Katzenmoyer and Na'il Diggs completely eliminating the running game, he had to be near perfect.

After a half of play, Louisville led 21-14 and seemed to be in good shape. But in the second half, the lack of a running game started to play a role. The Buckeyes started pinning their ears back and hitting Brohm on nearly every play, compiling 4 second half sacks in the process. After throwing for nearly 200 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first half, Brohm only compiled 68 yards after the break.

When Antoine Winfield intercepted a pass and ran it back to the 7 yard line with the Buckeyes trailing 28-23 in the fourth quarter, it set up the game winning touchdown run by Michael Wiley.

It should be no surprise that this Ohio State team played their way into the Final 64 because they were the preseason #1 team and spent 10 weeks in the top spot until a heartbreaking loss to Michigan State. This tournament has given the '98 Buckeyes a shot at redemption, and they seem to be taking full advantage.

1998 Ohio State (#73 overall seed) advances to the Bracket of Champions. The Buckeyes will face the winner of Bracket 9 in the first round.

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