5 Keys To The 2009 BCS National Championship

Another thing to consider is the kicking matchup. Jonathon Phillips, a fifth year senior, kicks the field goals for Florida, while Jimmy Stevens, a freshman, kicks the field goals for Oklahoma.

Phillips is 11 of 12 on the season, going perfect up until the Alabama game, where he missed a field goal that would have tied the game. Stevens, the seldom used kicker, is 8 of 11 on the season.

Florida has blocked two field goals on the season, and stopped a fake field goal attempt by Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.

Florida also has the special teams advantage, with two punt return touchdowns on the year, and three blocked punts. The Gators are eighth in net punting, while Oklahoma is 83rd. If the game comes down to field position, Florida certainly has the advantage.

Key Matchup: Brent Venables v.s. Charlie Strong

There's several routes I could take as far as impact player, thing to watch and so forth, but I'm not indulging into one significant player. Championship games are won by an entire team, hence why Heisman winners struggle in these games. Florida has played the best on both sides of the football this season, and has had an explosive offense recently.

My key matchup is Oklahoma's defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, against Florida's defensive coordinator, Charlie Strong.

Many say that Florida's defense is unlike anything seen by Oklahoma, but upon further investigation that might not be accurate. Oklahoma has played three teams in the top 50 overall scoring defense (TCU, Texas and Cincinnati) and averaged 40.6 points in these three football games.

Florida has played six teams in the top 50 scoring offense, while Oklahoma has played nine. If anything, Florida's scoring defense is a bit overrated. (Which I disagree with)

Above all, both defensive coordinators could be playing to get their name out there. Both have come up on numerous coaching rumors in the past, and that could increase with a big showing in the 2009 BCS National Championship.

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