The 2011 BCS National Championship Game was billed as a shootout. Would you believe the Oregon Ducks scored the first points of the game early in the second quarter, and that it came on a field goal? The Ducks have outgained the Auburn Tigers by over 100 yards already, but two Darron Thomas interceptions cut short potentially promising drives.

Tigers DT Nick Fairley and others are making their share of big plays, but Auburn’s defense is very clearly getting winded already. A slick field isn’t making the job easier for either defense, though Oregon’s D seems to be having far less trouble.

Cam Newton has also thrown a pick and took a sack that very nearly became a loose football. Ducks RB Kenjon Barner alone has more yards than Auburn’s entire attack.

Auburn fans shouldn’t loose their minds as of yet, and they won’t. The Tigers have been in far bigger holes than this, though not to an offense as capable as Oregon’s. And their defense hasn’t shown signs of wear this early in a game before.

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