Flynn Makes His Mark In LSU History
Phil Hicks
Good things come to those who wait.
That's an old cliche, but it is very apropos for Matt Flynn.
That's an old cliche, but it is very apropos for Matt Flynn.
The Tylerite was a backup at quarterback first to Matt Mauck and then to JaMarcus Russell at LSU.
But Flynn now goes down in Louisiana lore as the long, tall Texan who led the Tigers to a national title.
It's conceivable if Flynn had not had a fractured foot, he would have led Robert E. Lee to a state championship. That playoff run showed the grit and determination of the Tylerite. He played in four games with a fractured foot.
Who does that? Matt Flynn.
He's as tough as his look-alike, Matt Damon, in the Jason Bourne series.
He's as tough as his look-alike, Matt Damon, in the Jason Bourne series.
Flynn could have easily transferred to any college and been the starting quarterback. But he stuck it out and now he has a national championship.
Flynn was the key in the BCS Championship on Monday in New Orleans as he threw four touchdown passes in leading Louisiana State to a national crown with a 38-24 victory over Ohio State.
That's four TD passes against the nation's No. 1-ranked defense.
It was Bayou Bliss for Flynn and his mates.
"This is a dream come true," Flynn said at a news conference following the game. "I never dreamed something like this could happen. I feel extremely blessed to have this in my last year and to be part of this team. This feels incredible."
"This is a dream come true," Flynn said at a news conference following the game. "I never dreamed something like this could happen. I feel extremely blessed to have this in my last year and to be part of this team. This feels incredible."
After falling behind 10-0, Flynn directed a clearly superior LSU squad to the comeback. Flynn marched the Tigers to a 17-10 lead with drives of 65, 84 and 66 yards.
On the night, Flynn made it look easy in the Big Easy. He completed 19 of 27 passes for 174 yards. His TD passes were for 13, 10, 4 and 5 yards.
Flynn definitely performs on the big stage; he garnered his second MVP trophy in a bowl game. His first was at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl after his sophomore season. Now, he joins the likes of Vince Young, Chris Leak and Matt Leinart as MVP winners from the BCS championship.
The championship performance just added to his legacy, which included the great flip pass to the kicker Colt David against South Carolina, and the winning TD pass against Auburn with just one remaining.
Now, he has icon status among the passionate LSU fans. He is to LSU what Young and James Street are to Texas.
Along with Flynn, fellow Tylerite Ciron Black was also a big factor in the Tiger trouncing.
Black, who was a freshman All-American last year and second-team All-Southeastern Conference this season, helped protect Flynn and open up holes for the Tiger running backs.
It is Black's second title. He helped REL win the 2004 Class 5A Division I state football championship.
The Rose City met the Crescent City on Monday and Flynn and Black represented their hometown well.
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