BCS #2 ranked LSU came into the national championship title game 12–1, with their one loss at home to #17 Florida 19–7.

Top-ranked Oklahoma was 12–1, with the lone defeat coming at a neutral site in the Big 12 Championship Game against Kansas State 35–7.

LSU's offense was largely supplied by freshman running back and Sugar Bowl MVP Justin Vincent, who rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown.

There were three dissenting coaches (Ron Turner of Illinois, Mike Bellotti of Oregon and Lou Holtz of South Carolina) who voted USC #1.

BCS #3 USC won the Rose Bowl against #4 ranked Michigan and was voted the National Champion in the AP Poll.