Tostitos BCS National Championship: No. 2 Oregon Ducks (12-0) vs. No. 1 Auburn Tigers (13-0)

Date: Monday, January 10th, 2011

Location: Glendale, Arizona

Time: 8:30 p.m. EST

One day after the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, Oregon takes on Auburn in the BCS National Championship for all the marbles. The game features two of the three unbeaten teams left in college football. Oregon is going for its first national title in school history. The Ducks led the nation in scoring at just under 50 points per game. They are led by sophomore running back LaMichael James, the top rusher in the country at 152.9 yards per game and 21 total touchdowns. James shines in big games, rushing for 622 yards and eight touchdowns against ranked opponents. Sophomore quarterback Darron Thomas threw for 2,518 yards and 28 touchdowns, and rushed for another 492 yards and five touchdowns. The defense was impressive as well, ranking among the nation’s top 20 at 18.4 points per game.

Auburn finished sixth in scoring, averaging 42.7 points per game. The Tigers are led by junior quarterback Cam Newton. The Heisman winner threw for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for more than 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns. If Auburn wins, it would be the SEC’s fifth straight national title. This will be the first time these two teams meet.

My Pick: I expect a shootout with these two high-powered offenses. It isn’t often that the money line underdog is favored on the point spread. I predict Oregon to score late for a 38-35 win.

Money Line (odds provided by Ladbrokes)

Oregon: 11/10

Auburn: 10/13

Point Spread: Oregon -2

Over/Under: 74