Oregon Vs. Auburn: 2011 BCS Title Game TV Time & Predictions

The 2011 BCS title game between the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers is scheduled for January 10th (8:30 PM EST) at the University of Phoenix Stadium. ESPN will broadcast this game. Oregon is second in the BCS with a record of 12-0; Auburn ranks #1 in the country, enjoying a perfect 13-0 record. This article offers TV time and predictions for the 2011 BCS title game between the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers.

1) Oregon-Auburn Matchup

The 2011 BCS championship game features two undefeated teams in the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers. This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams. The Ducks have beaten three ranked teams this season, all by a sizable margin. The team won its last regular season game on the road by the score of 37-20. The Tigers have played against ranked teams five times this year, winning all five games. In its last regular season game, the team defeated South Carolina 56-17 to win the SEC title. The two schools are among the top offensive teams in college football.

2) Darron Thomas vs. Cameron Newton

The 2011 BCS title game pits Oregon's Darron Thomas against Heisman winner Cameron Newton. Both quarterbacks have enjoyed a strong season statistically. For the year, Darron Thomas has accumulated 2518 passing yards, 28 TDs, and a QB rating of 151. Unfortunately, Thomas' season is pale in comparison to Cameron Newton's fantastic campaign. The Auburn's starter has to date amassed 3998 total yards (rush yards included), 48 total TDs, and a mind-blowing QB rating of 188. Statistically speaking, Newton is clearly the best player in college football.

3) Chip Kelly vs. Gene Chizik

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Despite the fact that the 2011 BCS title game is a match-up of two strong undefeated teams, Auburn is slightly favored to win this game and the national title. This is mostly due to the strength of the Tigers' schedule, which includes victories over highly touted teams like Alabama, LSU, Arkansas, and South Carolina. While Oregon also plays in a formidable conference, the Pac-10 is not as competitive this year than in past years. Yet, the beauty of football is that anything can happen on the field. But one thing is certain. This will be a very high-scoring affair.

The Oregon Ducks come into the national championship game as the top offensive team in the country. Chip Kelly's team ranks #1 in points scored, averaging nearly 50 points a game. The Ducks have managed to achieve this mostly with their terrific running game. The team ranks 4th in rushing, compared to its 49th place in passing yards. Even more astoundingly, Oregon has scored 40+ points in a game on 10 different occasions this season. On the defensive front, Chip Kelly's crew is also very strong placing 12th overall in points allowed. The Ducks' defensive stats may be a little misleading, as their offense has been so efficient at scoring and holding possession that their opponents have had very little opportunity to score.

If the Auburn Tigers is to win the 2011 BCS title, the team will need another strong game from Cameron Newton. Fortunately, the Heisman winner (who leads the Tigers in both passing and rushing yards) has proved time and time again this season that he can lead his team to victory against any opponent. Vince Young, who shares a similar playing style, performed exceptionally well at the 2006 Rose Bowl to help Texas win the BCS crown. There is no reason why Newton could not match Young, in pulling off an equally magnificent performance. The one area where Auburn has been vulnerable is its defense. Gene Chizik's crew ranks 54th in college football in points allowed. Against a robust Oregon's offense, this could be a real game changer.

My prediction for the 2011 BCS title game between the Oregon Ducks and Auburn Tigers: Auburn wins a score-fest 38-31. Kickoff time for the game is 8:30 PM EST. ESPN will broadcast this contest.

Reference:
ESPN.COM