National Championship Game: 10 Reasons Auburn Will Beat Oregon
The National Championship game is all the talk of college football fans. We still have a couple of weeks to dissect this matchup, but that does not mean we cannot state the obvious. That is that the SEC is a far superior conference and the Oregon Ducks are in trouble.
There is no doubt that this game has the potential to be one of the best title games in recent memory. The two teams are both tremendously stacked. Oregon has a prolific offense and a no huddle strategy that tires their opposition. In the end, it will not be enough.Ā
Auburn will be triumphant and here is why.
10. Battle Tested
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The problem with playing in the SEC is that you have a plethora of talented programs gunning for your head. Auburn had to maneuver through five ranked opponents and remain unscathed. Oregon played just three.
Two of which, Arizona and USC, fell out of favor before the end of the season. Auburn has seen some monster programs and has remained unbeaten. That is a feat that should not be overlooked.
9. Gus Malzahn
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Gene Chizik may have the headphones, but Malzahn calls the shots on offense. Auburn is a well-oiled machine because of him.
While many people will consider the Tigers offense nothing more than Cam Newton getting a hold of the ball, that could not be farther from the truth. Malzahn has no issue with spreading the ball, even making Newton a receiver on some plays.
Auburn has immense talent on offense. Malzahn is not afraid of taking chances and utilizing their size. Expect some surprises early on in this game.
8. Persevearence
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While Oregon quietly railed through the softer confines of the Pac-10, Auburn had to sidestep a potential land mine. The Tigers dealt with the Cam Newton saga for a crucial part of their season.
Not only did they have to deal with the added pressure of increased media scrutiny, they had to win some very tough games with the thought that their best player could be suspended at any time.
But the scandal seemed to group this team into a more cohesive unit. They have been through the fire and came out better for it.
7. SEC Title Game
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Auburn will try to accomplish a feat which not many teams are forced to do. Win two championships in one year.
The Tigers were mandated to play South Carolina in the SEC title game. A loss from which would have derailed a fine season. As it were, they answered the call and passed with flying colors. They trounced the Gamecocks and showed they could not be wavered from their hopes of bringing the bigger award, a national title, to Auburn.
6. Come From Behind Magic
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Auburn has been put through the ringer eight times this season. Eight times they have had to rally the troops and come from behind. That fact will pose very useful come January 10 in Glendale, Arizona.
The Ducks have a knack for putting their opponents in an early hole. Their no-huddle offense is quick striking and taxing on the legs. But Auburn has proved they can escape an early hole and still be victorious in the end.
5. History
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The sad fact for Pac-10 fans is that the SEC does not lose the big game. Whether it be from being battle tested throughout the year or just strange coincidence, the SEC has not lost a BCS title game.
The conference of champions is a perfect 6-0 since the BCS was instituted. The other conferences are 6-12. That does not exactly evoke a warm and fuzzy feeling for Ducks faithful.
4. Run Defense
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Oregon touts a prolific ground game. Most teams cannot contend with the swift feet of LaMichael James or QB Darron Thomas. Well, Auburn is not most teams.
The Tigers had to contend with a similarly great run game a few weeks ago in Alabama. Auburn was able to contain the hobbled Mark Ingram. The Crimson Tide only picked up 69 yards on the ground. If they have similar success next month, the title game will be no contest.
3. Power and Size
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Auburn is a much bigger team. This fact will be apparent the minute the two go head-to-head. Oregon has succeeded on a healthy dose of speed and quickness to get to their opponents. That may work in the Pac-10, but it will fail to gain them a title on January 10.
Their match against Cal showed that Oregon is very susceptible against a bigger defense when they are not playing in the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium. Well, Auburn is even bigger and meaner than their Northern California rivals.
2. Nick Fairley
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It is a good thing Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas is so quick, because he will be on the run all day. Nick Fairly is one of the most explosive defensive ends in the nation.
There is no argument that he will be hot on the trail of Thomas all day. He will make it a very uncomfortable day for Oregon and anyone trying to get past Fairly's side of the field. The Ducks will have to get creative if they plan on stopping the constant onslaught of the 300-pound junior tackle.
1. Cam Newton
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The gifted quarterback of course deserves his own slide. He was hands down the best athlete on the college gridiron this year, a feat that netted him the illustrious Heisman award.
In a game that will boast superb talents on both sides of the ball, Newton will be the best. He can kill Oregon with his strong arm or his swift legs. At 6'4", Newton is bigger than most of the Oregon defenders. The biggest question mark on the day is if the Ducks can aptly contain the Heisman winner.
He doesn't just spread the offense. He is the offense.
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