Why Auburn Will Beat Oregon

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Jacob Bunn

The BCS Championship Game is an intriguing matchup to say the least. Auburn and Oregon both have offenses that can put ridiculous numbers on the scoreboard. The question will not be about which offense will perform. Rather, the uncertainty in this contest lies with the two defenses.

At times this year, both defenses have done the job to pull off critical victories. Conversely, they have both proven very ineffective at crucial times as well. So, the million dollar question is which defense will be the best on Monday night. In my opinion, the answer is Auburn.

Sure, the Tigers have given up large chunks of points during the course of the year. By and large, though, when you play in the SEC, you are going to have your down moments because of the level of competition. But when it became crunch time, Auburn’s defense rose to the occasion more than once.

Another reason I believe Auburn will win the game is because of Cam Newton. Oregon certainly has threats, but they have none similar to Newton. His presence in the game alone can cause mass confusion for opposing defenses. He will, as he has done to this point, continue to carry his team on the ground and through the air.

I mean, you have to admire someone who can evade nine SEC defenses (plus Clemson) and the NCAA for this long.

Nevertheless, I believe he will be a major contributor in a winning effort for Auburn.

The main reason I believe Auburn will win the game, though, is the fact that they are representing the SEC, a league that has won as many BCS Championships as every other conference combined. Plus, the SEC has never lost a BCS Championship Game, so don’t expect it to start this time around.

With that being said, the SEC and Pac 10 have never met in any BCS contest, let alone the championship. But, I still believe that Auburn is ready to give the SEC its seventh BCS Championship.

One thing is very clear, Auburn is bigger than Oregon, and they have also played a tougher schedule to arrive at the championship than the Ducks have. Will that be enough to decide the game alone? Of course it will not be, but it is a major contributing factor.

As the scoreboards at the University of Phoenix Stadium get a workout Monday night, there should be a good contest taking place on the playing surface. In the end, though, I believe Auburn will win the game, and they will become BCS Champions until further notice.

Contact Jacob Bunn at Jacob@BunnSports.com