Bowl Projections Oregon Vs. Auburn: Can Tigers Stop LaMichael James, Ducks?

Now that college football season is winding down, we are pretty well set on knowing that Oregon and Auburn in the BCS championship game.

Before it's a done deal, Oregon must get by in-state rival Oregon State, and Auburn will need to get by SEC East champion South Carolina.

Neither of these teams will have too much trouble getting by these opponents.

So as the nation get hyped for the title game, here is how Auburn can stop Oregon and their high power first ranked offense.

Great Performance By The Defensive Line

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Defensive lineman Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates a play during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

Auburn's defensive line is led by what some consider the dirtiest lineman in the SEC, in Nick Fairley. Although this may not be true Fairley is a great line-man and is awesome at his job.

Fairley will need to have a big game against Oregon not only to get pressure on the quarterback but to stop the high powered running attack of LaMichael James.

Get Pressure on Darron Thomas

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks in action during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Getting pressure on Darron Thomas is essential for the Tigers to be successful in this one. Thomas has thrown for 2,373 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.

If Auburn is to be successful, they need to blitz him and make him feel uncomfortable in the pocket.

Contain Darron Thomas

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks runs for the end zone and a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon.The Ducks won the game

Not only can Thomas throw the ball but he also has the ability to step out and run the ball.  Thomas has ran for 496 yards on the season and is a serious threat when he gets outside the pocket.

For the Tigers to be successful they need to prevent him from running all over them.

Make The Ducks Uncomfortable

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Wide receiver Josh Huff #4 of the Oregon Ducks breaks into the open in the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. The Ducks won the game 48-29. (Photo by S

Oregon plays a fast pace offense.  They like to get up and down the field, and really play what some would describe as a basketball style offense.  Their ability to hustle to the ball and snap it, really throws defenses for a loop.

Although it might not be very ethical, the Tigers need to consider faking injuries and calling time outs to try to slow down this high powered offense.

Cover Jeff Maehl

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Jeff Maehl #23 of the Oregon Ducks flies through the air after being hit by Josh Hill #23 of the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty

Maehl the receiver for the Ducks has had a great season, scoring 12 touchdowns on the season. 

Making sure to have a great defensive effort in the secondary against the Ducks and especially look out for Maehl.

Contain The Running Back Catches

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Running back LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Although the stats do not show it with James only catching 13 passes on the season, if he can get hot out of the backfield it could be a long day for the Tigers.

They will need to stop him from catching passes and limit his screens if they plan to win this game, or else they will get chewed by the Oregon offense.

A Great Secondary Performance

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: T'Sharvan Bell #22 of the Auburn Tigers sacks quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. McElroy was injured on this sack. (Photo by Kevin

Although Jeff Maehl has stepped up and pulled ahead as the leading receiver for the Ducks, they tend to spread the ball around.

It's important for the Tigers to slow down the the receivers and make sure they can contain them from the big play.

Contain The Big Play

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates a touchdown run against the Arizona Wildcats on November 26, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Oregon's offense has been able to make huge plays all season.  This is the thing that has really seperated them from other offenses around the nation.  Their ability to make a huge play and capitalize it are the thing that helps them win the most.

If the Tigers can stop these big plays, or at least limit them, they will be successful.

Win The Turnover Margin

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Dee Ford #95 of the Auburn Tigers reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

If the Tigers want to have any shot at winning this one they need to create turnovers.  

Whether it be interceptions, or it be fumbles, they need to step up and create turnovers to slow down this Oregon offense.  It's hard to even imagine the Auburn defense keeping this offense in check without creating turnovers.

Slow Down Offensively

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers rushes out of the pocket against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's not very often that this happens, but Auburn's best chance at winning this game is by playing a slow style of football themselves. 

They as well have one of the most high powered offenses in the nation and have the ability to break the big play as well, but slowing down on the offensive side of the ball is necessary in this one.

To stop the Oregon offense, the best method is to keep them off the field, and that is exactly what the Auburn Tigers need to do to win this game.