Duel in the Desert: Auburn v. Oregon

GLENDALE, AZ - Come January 10th, Auburn and Oregon will be squaring off in this year’s BCS National Championship, where two best offenses in the country collide. Auburn’s one man wrecking crew, quarterback Cam Newton, leads his Auburn Tigers against running back LaMichael James and the prolific offense of the Oregon Ducks. There’s a lot more to this match-up than these two superstars, though.

OFFENSIVE STRATEGY:

Auburn’s offense, centered around Cam Newton, has flourished all season in their traditional, option style offense. Their running game is their strength, as they are sixth in the nation with over 287 yards per game. Additionally, they have used their passing game to spread opposing defenses out, giving Newton a more open look at the field, as well as more room to run around. One advantage Auburn possesses over Oregon is having tall, athletic wide receivers in Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery. Both are big and fast, and will pose a constant deep threat to the Oregon secondary.

Oregon’s LaMichael James and Auburn’s Cam Newton were
 both Heisman finalists, and led their teams to undefeated records
 during the regular season.
 (Photos courtesy of ESPN.com and Getty Images)

Oregon’s offense is anything but traditional. Oregon’s lightning fast pace on offense has kept opposing defenses on their heels, and Doak Walker Award winner LaMichael James can break off a long run at any time. Such a relentless offense is a definite plus against a team like Auburn, whose defense has been suspect at times during the season.

Oregon’s offense is tops in the nation this year in scoring offense, netting just shy of 50 points per contest, and are also fourth in the nation in rushing yards per game.

The Ducks have a distinct advantage with tight end in David Paulson. While being an effective  receiver, he can also block, adding more protection for QB Darren Thomas. Oregon often uses him as an extra blocker on the edge for running backs LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner as well.


KEY MATCHUPS:

There are a few key match-ups that are going to be important for either team to win. For one, Oregon’s run game against Auburn’s defense. This match-up is going to be decided early in this game. In order for Oregon to be effective, they have to be able to run between the tackles, not just to the outside.

For Auburn, Cam Newton is going to have to be an effective passer against Oregon’s pass rush. When the pocket collapses, and Newton gets outside of the pocket, he is deadly. Oregon’s defensive line, which lacks speed, is going to have to find a way to contain the pocket. If Newton can escape it and get a little more time to throw, he can find Auburn’s athletic receivers down the field for big plays.

THE VERDICT:

Both teams have their definite center pieces, with Newton for Auburn, and James for Oregon, but each team is going to have to use their complimentary players in order to succeed. If Oregon is going to win their first ever BCS Championship, they are going to have to shut down Newton and the Auburn running game. They are also going to have to use their passing game effectively on the third down. Oregon also has a more balanced attack than Auburn, which gives them more options to make plays.

If Auburn is going to win, they will have to stop Oregon’s array of talented running backs and will have to spread the offense out. Auburn overall has a more athletic team, but lack as well rounded and deep of a team as Oregon. Their defensive line is also better than Oregon’s, and can stop the run more effectively.

In the end, what it comes down to for both teams is that they are going to have to stop the run and play their own game. Each team has their strengths and weaknesses, and they have to find a way to exploit them to get the most out of their personnel. One thing is for sure though: This high caliber offensive showdown is going to be one of the most exciting title games in recent memory.