'Bama dominates WVU 34-0 in Sugar; LSU survives Wisconsin 25-21 in Orange

ORANGE BOWL: LSU 25, Wisconsin 21

LSU's typically strong defense showed up in Miami, but their offense seemed to show some rust, as they survived a challenge from Wisconsin to win the Orange Bowl 25-21.

LSU struck first and scored their only touchdown in the first quarter, and the teams exchanged field goals during the quarter, so LSU led after one frame 10-3. In the second quarter, Wisconsin's offense continued to move the ball but the Tigers continued to keep them out of the end zone, as both teams kicked two field goals in the second, and the Tiger lead was 16-9 at halftime.

Same story in the third quarter, no TDs for Wisconsin, but the LSU offense also was kept out of the end zone, and, again, both teams hit two field goals in the quarter. Final frame began with LSU holding the 22-15 lead over Wisconsin.

After another LSU field goal, Wisconsin's Montee Ball finally broke open a TD run, to the eruption of the Badger faithful. However, the key PAT was blocked, and LSU led 25-21. The Badgers continued to press the Tigers. A 29 yard Russell Wilson pass to Jared Abbrederis was complete along the sidelines, but somehow Abbrederis' fumble stayed in bounds, and LSU recovered on their own 27. Wilson had one chance at the end of the game, but an ill-advised spike to stop the clock used up the final two seconds, and top seeded LSU survived.

Stanford awaits LSU in the Saint Louis Semi-Finals.

SUGAR BOWL: Alabama 34, West Virginia 0

The exciting West Virginia victory over Boise State in the First Round seemed to be a good news/bad news story. The good news was that West Virginia showed their long-term promise for their Big XII move to come and gave honor to the Big East. The bad news is that it certainly was a signal that Alabama received loud and clear to not take the Mountaineers for granted, and the Tide defense showed up to dominate.

A workman-like performance by Alabama's offense provided the points, and the Tide led 14-0 after the first quarter. The lead was 21-0 at halftime, and Alabama cruised to their 34-0 victory. Alabama now will face Oklahoma State in the Semi-Finals.


UPDATED TOURNEY RESULTS:

FIRST ROUND:


In Pittsburgh:
7 Boise State 62
10 West Virginia 70 (4 OT)

In Green Bay:
8 Wisconsin 45
9 Clemson 19

BCS BOWLS (Quarterfinals):

Orange:
1 LSU 25
8 Wisconsin 21

Rose:
4 Stanford 35 (OT)
6 Arkansas 32

Sugar:
2 Alabama 34
10 West Virginia 0

Fiesta:
3 Oklahoma State 38
5 Oregon 37

Semi-finals in Saint Louis:
LSU versus Stanford
Alabama vs. Oklahoma State

BCS Championship in New Orleans