2011 BCS Championship AKA the Nick Fairley Show

It was supposed to be a battle of two high-powered offenses, but the star of the show surprisingly was Auburn's defense, which throttled the Ducks, holding them to just 81 yards rushing. The Tigers rushed for 255 yards and simply played a more physical game on offense and defense. Auburn beat Oregon on a Wes Bynum field goal as time expired. Cam Newton celebrated with Gene Chizik as the Tigers kissed the magical crystal ball and claimed the school's second national title.

This game was won in the trenches, as Auburn and its SEC pedigree man-handled Oregon on both sides of the ball. Michael Dyer ran for 143 yards behind the unsung Auburn offensive line including the "You're Not Down, Run!" play for 37 yards to put Auburn in position to win it late.

Nick "Flair" Fairley, as he called himself tonight on Twitter, was a man amongst boys and while another Ndamukong Suh so soon seems unlikely, he is indeed that. Isolated on a guard as a three technique, he may be the most well-rounded pass rusher we have seen since Tommy Harris (Oklahoma). Fairley is still dominating against the run like Suh.  Oregon only mustered 81 yards rushing against the much maligned Auburn defense. The clear difference in the game was the players in the trenches. 

Casey Matthews played an amazing game and the skill position play was even on both sides. The offensive and defensive lines for Auburn simply dominated and imposed their will and War Eagle took this game.

Jeff Maehl played an awesome game even though Darron Thomas was up and down during the contest. Cam Newton possibly played his worst game of the year as it seemed he was injured in the 4th quarter. Newton managed the game and Auburn won this one as a team, which many didn't think was possible after riding the tails of the Heisman Trophy winner all season. Cliff Harris also had a solid game at corner for the Ducks and should be rated the best corner coming back next year. Oregon may return to the title game next year as they return a wealth of riches with what is shaping up to be a tremendous recruiting class. Auburn, on the other hand, may take a back seat next year as they look to recover from the expected losses of Newton and Fairley, yet they similarly to Oregon have had a nice run in recruiting.

Congratulations to both teams for memorable and successful seasons. Moreover, hats off to the Auburn Tigers for winning their first BCS National Championship in 53 years.

Sincerely,

Claude Flair Clayborne

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