Auburn v. Oregon - This is Going to be Fun

I have been MIA for awhile now. I was getting through my last semester of school and starting my job here in Colorado. But, now that I am settled in, I am ready to start getting back into the addiction known as blogging. As you have probably noticed, I have changed the name of my blog to Football Perspective that way I can focus on my favorite sport. I will touch on NFL and NCAA football. Seeing as the biggest college football game of the year is tonight, what a great day to start back up!

BCS National Championship - #1 Auburn vs. #2 Oregon

For all the marbles.

It is time for the BCS National Championship, and in one of the rare years, the BCS may have got it right (only argument would be for TCU). The Auburn Tigers (13-0, 8-0 SEC) were a long shot to win the SEC this year with Alabama picked to win back-to-back national titles. The Oregon Ducks (12-0, 9-0 Pac-10), after losing Jeremiah Masoli, were still a popular pick for the weaker-than-usual Pac-10, but who would have thought the Ducks would be sporting their eccentric uniforms in the grand daddy of them all. Nonetheless, both teams are here, both teams are undefeated, and both teams will put up points and what may be the most entertaining national championship game since Vince Young beat USC.

Either team could walk out the victors tonight in Arizona. Here are my keys.

Auburn Tigers

If Oregon can stop Newton from running, they could win.

Why Auburn could win: Cam Netwon. He is the Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most explosive players of all time in college football. Newton rushed for over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns, but he also threw for 2,500 yards, 28 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. The team has been down before this season, but Newton always found a way to bring them back. His NCAA violations aside, he can control the tempo of a game.

Why Auburn could lose: The defense. They have allowed over 24 points per game this season. They gave up 34 points to Kentucky and have allowed over 24 points six times in 2010. A good Arkansas offense scored 43. Oregon's offense is better.

What they must do: Control the tempo and allow Cam Newton to run. Oregon scores points and they score fast. If they let Oregon control the tempo, they could be in for a long night. Cam Newton also needs to run the ball to open up the pass and keep the Oregon defense on their toes.

Oregon Ducks

Darron Thomas needs to keep doing what he has been doing.

Why Oregon could win: Offense baby. The ducks are averaging over 530 yards per game and over 49 points per game this season. LaMichael James was a serious threat to Newton for the Heisman and won the Doak Walker award for the best running back in college football. Darron Thomas has been just as good as Newton in passing this year, with over 2,500 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He can scramble as well.

Why Oregon could lose: Kicking. The Ducks kicker, Rob Beard, missed two big field goals in a game Oregon could have lost to Cal. He has only knocked in 9 of 12 field goals this year, so not much practice this year. While the Oregon offense may score a lot of touchdowns, in a game against one of the top two teams in the country, field goals may play a factor. Beard has to hit big kicks in this game.

What they must do: Stop Cam Newton running. If they can stop Newton from running, and force him to pass, they can not only control the tempo when they are on offense, but also when they are on defense. Newton can pass, but if they can make him only a passing threat, that will help the defense in containing the wide receivers.

My Pick: Oregon 42 - Auburn 38

This is a great match-up between two great offenses. It will, in my opinion, be a shoot out. I think Oregon's defense will contain Newton and their offense will outscore Auburn.