Here's my thoughts on the game.
1. Tonight might be one of the highest scoring championship games in history. Over/under is at 74 points.
2. When Auburn has ball, all eyes will be on Heisman trophy winner Cam Newton, who is a dual pass/run threat. Oregon is undersized on defense, but does have speed.
3. Oregon's offense isn't flashy, but it certainly is effective. Their frenetic pace has worn down every single defense they have faced this year by the second half, even causing some teams to fake injuries to catch their breath.
4. Auburn's defense isn't great, but DT Nick Farley is a monster in the middle, and bigger and stronger than any Oregon offensive lineman. In order for the Ducks' running game and LaMichael James to be successful, Fairley must be neutralized. QB Darron Thomas for Ducks isn't great, but Auburn's pass defense has struggled at times.
5. Rest or rust? The two teams last played a game 37 days ago.
6. We need a playoff. TCU might not be better than either of these teams on paper, but we will never know if they could have pulled off the upset.
"But, every game counts in regular season under this system." BS, TCU won every game on its schedule.
7. Key for Auburn to win: Cam Newton on offense and Nick Fairley on defense. If Newton dominates the Oregon defense like he did all the SEC D's he played this year, he cannot be stopped. Meanwhile, Fairley needs to dominate line of scrimmage to stop LaMichael James, and put Oregon in uncomfortable third-and-long situations.
8. Key for Oregon to win: Stick to the frenetic pace to wear down the Auburn defense and hit big plays in the passing game. Contain Cam Newton the best you can and tackle well.
9. It truly is a pick 'em game but in the end, when in doubt, go with the SEC, which will be going for four championships in a row by four different schools (Alabama in 2010, Florida in 2009, LSU in 2008)
MY PREDICTION:
#1 AUBURN 38, #2 OREGON 34
