Tigers taste Sugar success

Vincent's 18-yard touchdown gave the Tigers a 14-7 lead

LSU won their first national title since 1958 with a 21-14 win over Oklahoma in front of a capcity crowd at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.

Justin Vincent cut loose for 117 yards and defensive end Marcus Spears scored on an interception return in a match the Tigers controlled from the start.

However, after a controversial end to the season, LSU will have to share the national spoils with USC.

USC beat Michigan on New Year's Day to justify their claims to the top spot.

LSU, as the winner of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title game, have automatically been selected at the top of the coaches' poll.

However, the media poll supported USC, who had been its number one before the Bowl games and still missed out on an official title shot.

KEY BOWL RESULTS Sugar: LSU 21-14 Oklahoma Rose: USC 28-14 Michigan Fiesta: Ohio State 35-28 Kansas State Orange: Miami 16-14 Florida State

But LSU still had plenty of reasons to celebrate after their Sugar Bowl success.

Coach Nick Saban said: "This team has shown such character all season - we did what we had to do to win, we played with our heart."

The Tigers drew first blood 3:22 into the first quarter with wide receiver Skyler Green scampering 24-yards to put LSU in front 7-0.

They were never behind as their stifling defence shut down the Sooners top-ranked offence and tormented Heisman trophy winning quarterback Jason White.

Vincent earned MVP honours while defensive end Marcus Spears had the other touchdown as the Tigers finished the season 13-1.

Held scoreless in the first quarter for the first time all season, Oklahoma finally scored in the second quarter when Kejuan Jones crossed from one yard, after they had blocked a punt.

The Tigers responded immediately with Vincent capping off an 80-drive with an 18-yard touchdown run.

LSU maintained the pressure in the second half, scoring on the second play after the break when Spears intercepted a White pass and rumbled 20-yards into the end zone.

Jones had the other Sooners touchdown on a short run in the fourth quarter but the late Oklahoma rally fell short.