The Oregon Ducks come into the big game with a chip on their shoulder because the Auburn Tigers are getting all the attention, despite both teams having the same record. Auburn may have the current Heisman trophy winner in Cam Newton, Oregon has running back LaMichael James who is also a game changer.
James currently has 1,682 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns and some people have already proclaimed him as the best back in Oregon history. What's even better is that he will return to the Ducks for the 2011 season and hold off on the NFL draft.
With James in the lineup it makes Darron Thomas' job a lot easier at QB. Thomas has thrown for 2,518 yards wit 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Not bad for a player that hasn't taken a snap since 2008.
But if the Ducks are going to win the game on January 10, the defense has to make plays against an aggressive Auburn offense. The Ducks are ranked 25th in the country in total defense and third in the county in takeaways. They are also sixth in the country in red zone defense which is something fans who don't follow Oregon football wouldn't know.
So if Oregon want's to win the national title, they will have to make plays on both sides of the ball, which they are very capable of doing. The question is can they do it against Auburn, the most physical team Oregon has faced all year?