The Longest Yard

Baton Rouge, LA - There are two things that coach cjohnchavis has never accomplished in RUTS play: winning a championship and beating coach utvol27. For one, or perhaps two moments this afternoon in Baton Rouge, it looked like that second monkey might be removed from the coach's back.

The LSU Tigers missed on a 34 yard field goal at the end of regulation, and were stopped short on a two point try in OT while falling short to the Oklahoma Sooners by the score of 28-27.

The Tigers set the tone early in the contest by taking a 7-0 lead on the opening 83 yard drive. LSU came out running and leaned heavy on the back of halfback Spencer Ware. "Spencer was ready," said coach cjohnchavis "We had a lot of faith in him and he didn't disappoint." The drive took over more than half of the first quarter as Ware plunged into the endzone with 2:25 remaining in the first period.

The Sooners answered with a clock eating drive of their own. QB Drew Breezy connected with backs on several pass attempts and found running back William Russell for a 5 yard score with 3:29 to play in the second quarter. "We really felt that after they scored with under 4 minutes on the clock, that we could pull a stubucksmanscorebeforehalf and remain in control of the game" said coach cjohnchavis.

The Tigers did find time for a score. LSU mixed carries by Ware and passes to TE Eric O'Neal to march down the field. The big play of the drive came when QB Cameron Treangen found WR Bryan Abrams to convert a 4th and 7 from their own 43 yard line. O'Neal scored on a 7 yard pass with 28 seconds remaining in the half and it looked as if the Tigers would take a lead into halftime.

"Biggest mistake of the game? Playing soft zone right before half... staying in Quarters, not taking a timeout when the thread was being pulled. I could have stopped it. I could have saved my guys seven points. It was a coaching error and that falls on me." lamented cjohnchavis as the Sooners completed thing long passes to find the endzone on a touchdown pass from Breezy to WR Kenny Stills.

Oklahoma would begin the second half with the ball and a chance to take control of the game. However, the Tiger defense held firm to force the games only punt. The Tigers chewed more clock before Treangen found O'Neal on a 45 yard pass to recapture the lead. The Sooner would answer in the 4th quarter, on the legs of JerMuriquan Jones, as he scored on a 5 yard carry with 4:04 left to play.

LSU had its opportunity. They kept the ball on the ground, converting a 4th and 2 with a toss sweep by Ware. A pass to Abram got the Tigers to the 27 where P/K Derek Helton took his shot at history.

"Derek is the best kicker in college football, I still believe in him. If we had a game winner next week I'd roll him out there again." said Tiger coach cjohnchavis. Coach cjohnchavis actually had two opportunities to call on Helton. Helton missed both times, the second coming as a matter of controversy over a quick whistle while "icing the kicker" by coach utvol27.

"I knew that we changed the rule in RUTS3," said coach utvol27 "no more icing the kicker, but I had a time out, and gave it a shot." Helton missed short on both occasions and the game went to overtime.

The Sooners struck first as Jones broke loose for a quick 21 yard score. The Tigers now trailed for the first time in the contest, this time however, there would be no answer by Spencer Ware. The Junior halfback was injured on the first play of OT, however, senior backup Will Chase would carry five times and find the endzone.

What would follow would be one of the more memorable moments and decisions in RUTS history. "I had to go for two, We had to. I just made the wrong play call. I thought we set up the pass by running on every play in OT, but those guys over there are good coaches and they made the right call." said coach cjohnchavis. The Tigers called a run pass option, and with O'Neal and Abrams covered, Treangen dashed for the endzone. Treagen was pulled down at the one, ending the game in favor of the Sooners.

"I shouldda run it, I should have trusted Will Chase, this one is one me." said cjohnchavis. The finish reminded many of the 1984 Orange Bowl. Coach Tom Osborne would have to wait another 11 years to get a shot at the title after that missed 2 point try, but would go on to win 3 titles in 4 years.