2011 BCS National Championship
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#2 Oregon Ducks +115 (12-0, 9-0) versus #1 Auburn -135 (13-0, 8-0)
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ., January 10 8:30PM EST ESPN
Auburn favored by 2 ½, over/under 74.
The 2010-11 NCAA college football season will conclude on Monday with what promises to be one of this year’s most exciting matchups, as the Oregon Ducks and the Auburn Tigers invade the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona to claim the prestigious title of National Champion.
The “Eugene Machine” went 9-0 in PAC-10 play and a perfect 12-0 overall scorching their opponent along the way with an average margin of victory of 30 points per game, including six games where they beat their opponents by scoring 50 or more points.
Likewise, the Tigers roared to a 13-0 overall record finishing 8-0 in the SEC and claiming the conference title by shattering South Carolina’s hopes with a dominating 56-17 victory. While the Tigers had some close games this season, they always managed to pull out a victory, beating Mississippi State, Clemson, and Kentucky by just a field goal and had a thrilling one-point victory over Alabama back in November.
Oregon finished the regular season as the nation’s top scoring team putting up 49.3 points per game while averaging an eye-popping 537.2 yards per game, second in the nation behind Oklahoma State (537.6).
Chip Kelly’s mind-boggling spread offense shredded the opponent’s defense with its hurry-up no-huddle design allowing the Ducks to take advantage of huge gaps with its blazing speed and power running attack. Heisman finalists LaMichael James was the leading rusher in the nation with 1,682 yards and 21 touchdowns. The combination of change of pace back Kenjon Barner who averaged 6.5 yards per carry on his way to 519 yards, keeps the opposition’s defense from adjusting.
Quarterback Darron Thomas, rounds out the Oregon trio of terror with his command under center as well as his ability to contribute on his own, running for 488 yards. He’s not only dangerous by land, but also through the air, passing for 2,518 and 28 touchdowns. His favorite target was hot-handed Jeff Maehl (68 catches, 943 yards).
As for the Tigers, they tore up the turf while putting on an offensive clinic of their own on their way to racking up nearly 500 yards per game while finishing 6th in the nation in scoring at 42.7 points per game.
They are lead by quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton. Despite, “play-for-play” allegations, Newton had a phenomenal season passing for 2,589 yards while rushing for 1,409 with 48 total touchdowns. Junior wide receiver Darvin Adams was Newton’s No. 1 target this season grabbing 48 passes for 909 yards and seven touchdowns.
Michael Dyer (160 carries, 950 yards) and Onterio McCalebb (89 carries, 763 yards) pounded the ground for a balanced attack.
So how do these teams stack up defensively?
The Ducks defense did its job effectively without much attention, ranking 14th in the nation this year in scoring defense at 18.4 points per game. Oregon’s run stoppers do a good job while getting after the opposition’s quarterback rolling up 31 sacks, while the secondary ranks 4th with 20 interceptions, closing down the passing lanes.
Meanwhile, the Auburn defense yielded just 24.5 points per game on average this season. However, catching a slippery James, Thomas, and Barner will surely test their stamina, alertness, and quickness.
I expect a barnburner for sure. However, I have to go against the odds makers in this one. The Tigers may have Newton, but the Ducks have numerous offensive weapons to get the job done. Bottom line, the Ducks underrated defense is going to surprise the Tigers.
The odds makers have the Auburn Tigers as a -2.5 point favorite with an over/under of 74 in the BCS National Championship game.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Oregon 38 – Auburn 34
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