2011 BCS National Championship: Oregon Ducks vs. Auburn Tigers Game Predictions

When you wake up this morning, the wait will almost be over. When this game was announced, people knew that we had 37 days to wait. Now that wait has come and gone, and the teams are going to do all the talking on the field.

After having over a month to go forwards and backwards over this matchup, if you asked 10 people how this game would play out, you might get 10 different answers. Some think that this will be an offensive shootout, while others believe that the defenses will make a stand.

Who is going to win? We will find out tonight, but here are 10 things that will happen in tonight's national championship game.

The Game's First Drive Does Not End in a Touchdown

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Wide receiver Josh Huff #4 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates on the field after the game at Reser Stadium on December 4, 2010 in Corvallis, Oregon. he Ducks beat the Beavers 37-20 to likely go on the BCS Championship game at the T

With all the hype leading up into the game, it is only natural that both squads will come out tight. In most national championship games, the teams play rather reserved and allow their players to ease into the game.

This game will not be an exception. Look for whoever gets the ball first to play conservatively and not look to make a mistake early.

Those Who Bet the Over Will Be Nervous at Halftime

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EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Defensive end Brandon Bair #88 of the Oregon Ducks hits quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats in the fourth quarter of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon.The Ducks won the game 48-29. (P

To go along with the idea that most teams making an appearance in the national title game tend to have a slow start is the belief that those who took the over on the 74-point game total will be nervous at the half.

Since the Cal game, Oregon has had some slow starts by its standards, and Auburn has matched the slow start out of the gates as well. While the game still may end up reaching that total, the scoreboard will be held in check at the half.

Auburn Will Get the First Personal Foul Flag

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 23: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers sacks quarterback Jordan Jefferson #9 of the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Coming into this game, Duck fans are nervous about the idea of Nick Fairley and his past of late hits rearing its ugly head.

While Fairley does have a past of delivering late hits, the refs will be watching his play even closer due to the amount of publicity it has received. Deserving or not, look for Auburn to get hit with a personal foul early.

LaMichael James Will Rush for Over 100 Yards

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 07: Runningback LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks talks with the media during Media Day for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 7, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by

Over the past two games of the season, James had to deal with a nagging ankle injury and still was able to put up impressive statistics. With over a month to rest up and heal, James will be ready to go come tonight.

Look for the Ducks to get James to the edges, and it's only a matter of time before he is able to break a big one that puts him over the century mark.

Cam Newton Scores Through the Air and on the Ground

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers speaks during Media Day for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 7, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/

Not only will the Ducks have success on offense, but so will the current Heisman Trophy winner. Cam Newton has had an incredible year and will certainly bring his best.

Not only is Newton a threat through the air, but he also is like having another running back. Newton has found ways to break big runs throughout the year and will inevitably end up in the end zone by using his legs.

Jeff Maehl Scores a Touchdown

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 07: Wide receiver Jeff Maehl of the Oregon Ducks talks with the media during Media Day for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 7, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christi

Jeff Maehl will be playing his last game as an Oregon Duck and will end his career by making sure he finds his way into the end zone.

Darron Thomas and Maehl have spent all year developing chemistry with each other. Look for Maehl and Thomas to once again connect for an Oregon touchdown.

Both Defenses Force a Turnover

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CORVALLIS, OR - DECEMBER 4: Talmadge Jackson III #37 of the Oregon Ducks runs back an interception as Kenny Rowe #58 of the Oregon Ducks blocks quarterback Ryan Katz #12 of the Oregon State Beavers in the second quarter the game at Reser Stadium on Decemb

While all people have talked about is how many points these two offenses are going to score, the defenses have had to sit by and listen. Come tonight, they will finally get the opportunity to put an end to all the talk.

I do believe that the defenses will struggle to slow down the opposing offenses, but both have proved to be opportunistic throughout the year. Both defenses will be looking for the big play and will come through with a turnover.

Darron Thomas Shows the Poise of a Senior

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks sits at a table during Media Day for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 7, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christia

Much like the rest of the year, Darron Thomas will play beyond his years tonight. Many people have been waiting and waiting for the floor to fall out on the redshirt sophomore, but that has not happened.

Thomas will once again be at the center of the Ducks' fast-paced offense and will continue to shine. Look for him to stand in the pocket for as long as it takes to make the correct read and move the Ducks offense down the field.

The Game Is Within a Score Entering the Fourth

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ - JANUARY 09: Head coach Chip Kelly of the Oregon Ducks speaks to the media during a press conference for the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Auburn Tigers at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn on January 9, 2011 in Scottsda

While it may take these teams a few drives to loosen up and get into the flow of the game, once they do, fans will be in store for an amazing game. Both of these teams have great offenses and underrated defenses, which will lead to a great game.

Stay tuned to this game, because as we enter the fourth quarter, this game will not be separated by more then seven points.

Ultimately a Defense Will Win the Game

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Cliff Harris #13 of the Oregon Ducks returns a punt for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

For all the talk about the two offenses that will be on the field, at the end of the night it will be a defense that steps up and helps secure a national championship.

While both teams have had their struggles on the defensive side of the ball, they both have playmakers that are capable of stepping up and capping off their team's dream season.