Looking back at the 2003-2007 high school football recruiting ranks, it is obvious why LSU and Florida beat Ohio State in back to back BCS Championship games. Amazingly, USC has not won the title since 2004 because Pete Carroll has had the number one, two or three recruiting class since 2003. All that talent should have produced at least one or two more titles.
Let's compare LSU, Florida and Ohio State's recruiting classes since 2003. Rivals.com is the main source of information for this article. LSU's rank has been #1 (2003), #2 (2004), # 4 (2007), #7 (2006) and #22 (2005) - a year with only 13 recruits. During the same time period, LSU has had 11 five star recruits and 67 four star recruits.
Florida's rank has been #2 (2003 and 2006), #7 (2004) and #15 (2005). During this span, Florida has had 10 five star recruits and 45 four star recruits.
Ohio State's rank has been #9 (2004), #12 (2005 and 2006), #15 (2007) and #41 (2003). During this time period, OSU has had 4 five star recruits and 45 four star recruits.
By comparison, USC's rank has been #1 (2004, 2005 and 2006), #2 (2007 and #3 (2003). During this time period, USC has had 25 five star recruits and 56 four star recruits.
What does all of this mean? A lot. First, Ohio State's margin of error on a recruit is far less than these other schools. If Ohio State blows a four star receiver recruit, there's probably not another four star behind him. Second, depth of competition. When better players are competing against better players for a starting position, the overall level of play gets stronger. Third, game day adjustments. Having more quality roster depth gives a coach greater ability to adjust the game plan if necessary. When Ohio State was down 24-10, Coach Tressel could not just make up a better passing offense. Ohio State's chances of getting back into the game were very difficult because Tressel lacked the personel to switch his game plan. LSU did not face the same problem down 10-0. Lastly, offensive creativity. LSU and Florida can play spread, west coast or pro-set because they have the talent. Ohio State had to change their offense this year to fit the new quarterback and receivers. OSU was limited offensively.
One positve sign is Tressel gets more from less. This gets you wins and shots at championships - three in seven years. To win the BCS Championship, Tressel will need better talent, a better Big 10 and less time off between Michigan and the championship game. If this happens, Tressel may be in the big dance every year.
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