SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal

One year after his big-game reputation was ruined, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is back for another try.

But will his Buckeyes just get embarrassed again?

Louisiana State is a 4-point favorite over Ohio State in today's Bowl Championship Series National Championship Game in New Orleans.

A game without stars and featuring two teams with scars is not creating much excitement with bettors in Las Vegas.

The Tigers opened as 6-point favorites when the line was posted about a month ago.

But Las Vegas Hilton sports book director Jay Kornegay said wagering interest has been "lukewarm," and he expects half of the action on the game to show up today.

"Some of the biggest bets have been on Ohio State, but if you look at the ticket count, there are a lot more tickets on LSU," Kornegay said.

The total opened at 49½ and is down to 47½.

The lack of enthusiasm for the so-called title game is understandable, with both teams losing on their home field in November.

The Buckeyes, 11-1 straight up and 7-4 against the spread, were beaten by Illinois, a team that was crushed by 32 points by Southern California in the Rose Bowl.

The Tigers, 11-2 straight up and 4-8 against the spread, were beaten most recently by Arkansas, a team that was routed by 31 points by Missouri in the Cotton Bowl.

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