Tonight, the BCS comes to an end. Since its introduction in 1998, the BCS has definitely had its ups and downs. Looking to make this a game that no one will soon forget (cough cough last year), Florida State and Auburn go to war tonight to determine the best college football team in the entire country. The match-up itself is very fitting. Florida State, in addition to being one of the two teams in the last BCSNCG, was also one of two schools who played for the first national championship in the BCS era, along with Tennessee. Auburn, on the other hand is looking to extend the SEC's dominance in the BCSNCG to 8 consecutive wins to bring the BCS era to a close.
FSU Season Review
Coming into this year, not many expected Florida State to be nearly as successful as they have been. A lot of their success is due to Rs.-FR Heisman winning QB "Famous" Jameis Winston. The two-sport star sparked new life into this program that has not been seen since winning their last national championship in 1999 under legendary HC Bobby Bowden. While "Famous" Jameis has been spectacular, this Florida State team would not be playing in this game if it were not for DC Jeremy Pruitt and the FSU defense. The defense led all of college football in scoring defense and finished 3rd in total yards allowed. The highlight of the FSU defense is the Clemson game, where the powerful Clemson offense was held to 326 total yards of offense and only 14 points, while also intercepting two of Tajh Boyd's pass attempts. Can this same defense stop the dynamic rushing attack of the Tigers?
Auburn Season Review
First year HC Gus Malzahn has worked wonders this year. After leaving Auburn to become the HC at Arkansas State last year, Malzahn returned after the firing of former HC Gene Chizik after a 3-9 season last year. Not much was expected from this Auburn Tiger (or War Eagle or whatever) team this year. Gus Malzahn, however, caught everybody by surprise by winning 11 games in the regular season and then beating another surprise team, Missouri, in the SEC championship game. Lady Luck favored heavily on Auburn this year, especially in their last two games. Georgia and Alabama fans, this is the part where I tell you to skip on down since you probably are not going to want to read this next part. Against UGA, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead, but allowed them to catch back up only to break the hearts of Dawg fans throughout the country on a last second pass that two UGA players jumped up to try and knock down. This resulted in the ball being tipped forward into the hands of Ricardo Lewis who ran it in for a touchdown to win the game. The next game, facing Alabama, resulted in the game coming down to one final play. With one second left, one second that Nick Saban and the Tide fought so hard to get put on the clock, something happened that you would not expect even from a video game. Bama's back-up kicker Adam Griffith had his field goal try fall just a couple yards short into the hands of Chris Davis who ultimately returned it for a touchdown. Will Lady Luck keep looking on the Tigers?
Players to watch
Jameis Winston: The Rs.-FR Heisman winner will look to lead his team to victory tonight. As many know, Winston has had a phenomenal season, completing 67.9% of his passes for 3820 yards and 38 touchdowns in addition to 4 touchdowns on the ground. Perhaps his most impressive stat is his adjusted QBR, which comes in at an unheard of 90.4. If Auburn cannot contain him, it will be a very long night for them.
Kelvin Benjamin: The 6-5 234 lb. WR has become one of Winston's favorite targets this season, catching 50 passes for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns. Auburn will have some problems trying to find someone who will be able to match up with this massive hulk of a man.
Nick Marshall: The former UGA DB, has impressed at QB at Auburn to say the least. While his passing numbers this year were not overly impressive (1759 yards and 12 touchdowns), his rushing numbers are what helped Auburn win so many games this year. He finished the season with 1023 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns.
Tre Mason: The other Heisman finalist that will be playing in this game, Tre Mason like the rest of the players to watch has had a phenomenal season. He finished the season with 1621 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Match-ups to watch
Kelvin Benjamin vs. Auburn DBs: Benjamin towers over every single one of Auburn's defensive backs. Look for "Famous" Jameis to go to him quite a bit.
Auburn's luck vs. Florida State's dominance: No one can argue that Auburn has gotten lucky a couple times this season (especially if you root for Georgia or Alabama), and no one can argue that Florida State has been totally dominant this year (especially if you root for Clemson). Former Yankees pitcher Lefty Gomez often said, "I'd rather be lucky than good." Will that hold true tonight?
FSU wins if...
FSU wins if they come and dominate just like they have all season long. They are going to have to make Nick Marshall and Auburn throw the football. If Auburn runs the ball successfully, it will not be easy for the Seminoles.
Auburn wins if...
Auburn wins if they make Jameis Winston look like a freshman. Nobody FSU has played this year has been successful at doing this, but it is the best shot Auburn has at winning this game.
3 Bold Predictions
1. Nick Marshall and Tre Mason combine for 250+ rushing yards, but only 2 touchdowns.
2. Kelvin Benjamin has a huge game, totaling 120+ receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
3. "Famous" Jameis Winston leads his team to victory, throwing for over 300 yards, 4 touchdowns, and winning the BCS National Championship game MVP.
Prediction
At the end of the day, I have to disagree with Lefty Gomez. This will definitely be the best National Championship in the last few years, but Florida State just has too much offensive and defensive fire power to lose this game. Florida State wins 35-24
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