The 2011 BCS National Championship: 8 Players to Know before the Game Arrives
We all know of Cam Newton and the historical Heisman season that he has had.
We also know of LaMichael James and his cut-back speed, which has left defenders in the dust and a national championship in sight.
While these two players are the essential backbones of their teams and will have a lot to do with the outcome of the Tostitos BCS National Championship, there is more to Auburn and Oregon than Cam Newton and LaMichael James.
Let us examine other top impact players on both sides of the ball who you should get to know before the BCS Championship arrives on January 10, 2011.
Michael Dyer, HB, Auburn
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With all of the attention that Cam Newton receives, Michael Dyer has been having a good season but has been left in the hindsight of superstardom.
One thing that has surprised us about this freshman has been his inexplicable way to make big plays and come through in the clutch when he needs to. Though not having astonishing numbers, when Auburn needs to get the ball to somebody other than Cam Newton, Michael Dyer is the back to give it to.
He can come through on just about any given play and established a career high 180 yards rushing on 21 carries against Ole Miss. He has surpassed the 100-yard mark three times this season, coming just 50 yards shy of 1,000 yards for his Freshman season, with one game to go.
While Cam Newton will be the focus of Oregon's attention, if they completely zone in on Newton, expect Michael Dyer to have the game of his young career.
Onterio McCalebb, HB/KR, Auburn
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Even further in the background of Cam Newton is the backup running-back, Ontario McCalebb, who is just like the Kenjon Barner to LaMichael James (referenced later in this article).
This year, McCalebb has rushed for an astonishing 8.6 yards per carry, which helps to rank him towards the top of all NCAA football. His longest run was 70 yards which resulted in a TD, just one yard shy of the longest Auburn TD scored this year (scored by none other than Cameron Newton).
McCalebb has also emerged as a dangerous kick-returner, taking a kick back to the house against Arkansas, a very good SEC football team. He is a versatile weapon for Auburn who can use him as a kick-returner, receiver or running back who will be very hard to contain in the championship.
Nick Fairley, DL, Auburn
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With the offensive showcase Auburn puts up, it is easy to recognize just how much Nick Fairley, a Defensive Tackle for the Auburn Tigers, gets lost in national attention.
Due to his exceedingly well-played year, Fairley has shot up the draft board and is not projected to be selected in the early first round of this year's NFL draft.
Using his quick hands and feet, Fairley has gotten to the quarterback 11 times this year, perhaps none bigger when taking down McCelroy during the Auburn-Alabama game, completely changing the game's momentum, helping lift Auburn over the Crimson Tide.
He has both the size and the speed to be a factor in this game as he may be able to keep up with Oregon's speed and also has the ability to dominate the thin and agile offensive line of the Oregon Ducks.
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Lee Ziemba, OL, Auburn
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While much of Cam Newton's success can be attributed to his raw football ability, more of his success may come from his offensive line; moreover, newly selected All-SEC team member Lee Ziemba.
Ziemba came into this season on the All-SEC team watch list and leaves with that honor as well.
He is a tough tackle who can seal blocks and take up space on the offensive line, as well as use his speed to get around the corner and block for Newton. He has a passion for the game and has a general knack for creating gaps for both Newton and Dyer to run through.
Throughout this season his draft stock has risen so look for him to be selected in the first few rounds of this year's NFL Draft.
Kenjon Barner, HB/KR, Oregon
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Without LaMichael James, Kenjon Barner would be the factor back within the Oregon Ducks offense and perhaps can make a case for himself next year alongside his pal James.
Barner's most impressive performance came in the opening game of the Oregon Ducks season against New Mexico. He rushed for 147 yards on 17 carries and 4 TD's while also accounting for a 60 yard reception TD as well.
Oh, and by the way, did I mention that this occurred in one half of the football game? Over 240 yards and 5 touchdowns in a game is ridiculous, yet alone just one half. Though it was against New Mexico (a god-awful team), Kenjon Barner still deserves respect.
In their last game against Oregon State University, Barner rushed for 2 TDs and over 130 yards, both impressive marks for a back-up running back.
Had it not been for an injury suffered early on during the Washington State game, the Oregon Ducks may just have had two 1,000 yard rushers this season. While Barner does not have the speed of LaMichael James, he provides yet another weapon for the ducks and has been, at times, compared to Reggie Bush.
Josh Huff, WR/HB/KR, Oregon
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Perhaps the only true freshman playing for the Oregon Ducks right now, Josh Huff has shown why he should be on the field.
After a slow start to the season, Josh Huff has picked up the pace and is now racing in the BCS National Championship. He averages 15.9 yards per catch and has three TDs on the year as one of the featured receivers for the ducks. His speed makes him a perfect weapon in Chip Kelly's offense as he can play the sure-handed speed receiver spot as well as motion into a running-back position (he has scored an 85-yard rushing touchdown this year).
Not only is he a great player on the offense, but be careful of him on special teams. Along with Kenjon Barner on kick returns, Josh Huff leads one of the most dangerous special teams attacks in the nation.
He is able to find the hole, hit it hard and burst through defenders with his quick cutbacks and speed. If Auburn is not able to contain this lighting in a bottle, then the ducks will have their day.
Jeff Maehl, WR, Oregon
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Jeff Maehl has been the go-to receiver for the ducks these past two years.
While not the biggest or fastest player on the field, Maehl is the X-factor that keeps the ducks offense going. He is able to snare any ball thrown in his direction and now holds the Oregon duck reception TD record throughout his career (24).
Not only is he a play-maker on the field, but off of the field, Maehl has excelled in motivating his team and providing leadership for some of the younger players, such as aforementioned Josh Huff.
Brandon Bair, DL, Oregon
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With much of Oregon's underrated defense paying attention to the hilariously quoted sophomore Cliff Harris, it is easy for Brandon Bair (a fitting last name for the way that he plays) to get passed by.
A senior defensive lineman, Bair has provided leadership and a pass rush that has accounted for many of Oregon's sacks this year. He offers up a big force in the Oregon interior line, which is in contrast to their normal speed on the edges. He has batted down several passes this year and has tipped even more up to his own defensive teammates, resulting in quite a few interceptions.
Look for Brandon Bair to have a tough battle against the gritty Auburn offensive line but eventually succeed in reaching the quarterback once or twice.
Conclusion
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While these are only four players to watch on both Auburn and Oregon's football teams, there are many more players that constitute why these teams have reached the pinnacle of College football.
It is not just these individuals who will change the BCS Championship game, but the entire team; and for that, all the players on each team should be commended for their efforts throughout the entire football year.
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