Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton refused to let Auburn lose
Our football team has been probably one of the most resilient groups of young men I've seen in 25 years of doing this, coach Gene Chizik said.
The Ducks averaged a nation-leading 49.3 points while Auburn was sixth at 42.7 and both ranked among the top 10 in total offense, combining for more than 1,000 yards per game. Their respective ground games are a big reason why.
Newton has rushed for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns but was just as good with his arm, finishing as the nation's top-rated passer with 28 TDs and six interceptions. His average of 10.52 yards per attempt led the country.
If you look over a 13-game span, I've never seen anything like it, Chizik said. We have one game left, so he can't get too big of a head, but I can say he's probably the best football player I've ever seen.
Oregon has a good dual threat at quarterback of its own in Darron Thomas, who threw for 2,518 yards and 28 TDs while rushing for 492 and five scores.
Thomas and James present major concerns for an Auburn defense which surrendered an average of 28.0 points in its final eight games, finishing in the bottom half of the SEC in points and yards allowed.
That unit put the Tigers in a lot of holes from which Newton had to dig out, something that could be tough to do versus an Oregon team which puts points on the board quickly.
The Ducks' defense has shown flaws, allowing more than 500 yards in three games, but did rank among the top 20 nationally in points allowed (18.4).
However, Oregon didn't play the same caliber of offenses -- or competition -- that Auburn did. The Tigers played five games against teams that were ranked 18th or higher, compared to one for Oregon.
When you play a tough schedule like we have with a lot of quality opponents, there's gonna be close games and we've had a lot of them," Ziemba said. It's just a joy to see how our guys have fought through adversity even being down and just really believing they're gonna win to the very end.
While the Tigers try to give the SEC a fifth straight national championship, the Ducks look to become the first Pac-10 team other than USC to finish No. 1 in the polls.
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When it comes down to the National Championship game you can throw all the stats and bullchit out the window.
The game always comes down to who wants it more and can play up to contemporary professional standards. That team is Auburn.
I have watched Cam play and come to the conclusion that he is unstoppable. He wills himself to scores with his arm and his legs.
Auburn has played against the toughest teams in the country while Oregon almost lost to Cal.
I got alot of respect for the Ducks and what they have done. I think they will make a good showing of what kind of a team they are tonight.
But if Oregon gives up anywhere near 500 yds to Auburn we will be looking at a duck stomp.
Auburn is destined to win this game. And there is something to be said about that.
WAR EAGLE !
PS - I have lost count as to how many National Championship games I have won in a row. I think its four in a row since 2007.
I don't intend to see that change now.
THE KOD