Oregon Ducks
The Oregon Ducks come into the big game with a chip on their shoulders because the Auburn Tigers are getting all the attention, despite both teams having the same record. Auburn may have the current Heisman trophy winner in Cam Newton, Oregon has running back LaMichael James who is also a game changer.
James currently has 1,682 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns and some people have already proclaimed him as the best back in Oregon history. What's even better is that he will return to the Ducks for the 2011 season and hold off on the NFL draft.
With James in the lineup it makes Darron Thomas' job a lot easier at QB. Thomas has thrown for 2,518 yards wit 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Not bad for a player that hasn't taken a snap since 2008.
But if the Ducks are going to win the game on January 10, the defense has to make plays against an aggressive Auburn offense. The Ducks are ranked 25th in the country in total defense and third in the county in takeaways. They are also sixth in the country in red zone defense which is something fans who don't follow Oregon football wouldn't know.
So if Oregon want's to win the national title, they will have to make plays on both sides of the ball, which they are very capable of doing. The question is can they do it against Auburn, the most physical team Oregon has faced all year?Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers had their share of bad luck when it comes to competing for a national title. In 1993, they went undefeated with head coach Terry Bowden, but they were under probation. In 2004, they went undefeated under head coach Tommy Tuberville, but they were the odd man out due to the BCS rankings.
This time, they have a prefect record with Gene Chizik and will compete for the national title when they take on the Oregon Ducks in the BCS National Championship game on Monday.
When it comes to Auburn, it starts and ends with quarterback Cam Newton who has won award after award for his play this season. Newton is dangerous at running with the ball and is underrated as a passer. In order for the Tigers to win, he will have to play like he has all season long.
But as potent as the Oregon offense has been all season, the Auburn defense will be also a key factor for a win. The defense tends to give up big plays, but when Nick Fairley is on his game, it will be a tough day for LaMichael James and Darron Thomas to get anything going.
If Auburn gets off to a fast start, they should come away with a win. But they have to force Oregon to turn the ball over because like Auburn, the Ducks can score points in bunches. Regardless, it should be a great game between the two best teams in the country. Sorry TCU.Final Score: Auburn 31, Oregon 28
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