Oregon Daily Emerald sports editor Lucas Clark caught up with Auburn Plainsman sports editor Crystal Cole for a quick question-and-answer session earlier this week to discuss everything BCS National Championship-related. Here’s a look at what the two went over.
Lucas Clark: It’s finally official, Auburn and Oregon are set to meet in the BCS National Championship game on Jan. 10. Tell me what the season has been like for you guys; I know for us it’s been pretty surreal.
Crystal Cole: This season really is like a fairy tale. I have been an Auburn fan my whole life and never thought I’d see something like this happen for us. I think most of us here are scared to talk about it too much or else realize we’re dreaming. It’s something we’re all going to remember for the rest of our lives.
LC: Today, when people talk about the Auburn Tigers, only one thing comes to mind — Cam Newton. Obviously he’s had an amazing year statistically, but what is it about Newton that makes him such a talented player week in and week out?
CC: That’s something a lot of people talk about, and I think there are two big reasons. First, I think he does a good job of not looking ahead of what’s in front of him every week. He has great focus and doesn’t get distracted. Second, I think he is extremely comfortable with his offense. He’s able to make good reads and knows he can take his time making decisions because of the line up front.
LC: In addition to his play on the field, Newton has certainly made a lot of headlines with off-the-field accusations. How has that negative attention affected the team, if at all?
CC: I’ve had a policy since the allegations came out that I wasn’t going to comment on the issue. I don’t feel comfortable commenting on something the department isn’t even talking about. Also, I thought the reporting done on the story was spotty at best and made me disappointed in other journalists.
LC: With Newton’s year, it’s been tough to learn much about the teammates he has around him. Tell me about those other playmakers that have made an impact this year, especially ones you expect to have big games when they arrive in Glendale.
CC: Well, several other players have made a difference this season. Darvin Adams is one of the best receivers in the country and never gives up on a pass. He’s also made excellent blocks when called upon. T’Sharvan Bell is only a sophomore and has made huge plays defensively, especially in some high-profile games. I wouldn’t count him out for an interception or two in Glendale. There are so many more; Michael Dyer, Onterrio McCalebb, Nick Fairley. They really are a well-rounded team.
LC: Lastly, give me a game prediction. How do you think this matchup will really unfold? Who will be the Most Outstanding Player, and what will the final score be?
CC: It’s so hard to pick a winner for this game. Both offenses are so fast-paced and consistent. I think it’s up to a couple of defensive players to step up and make stops when it counts. I say Fairley has a beast performance with four or more sacks and Auburn takes the trophy 35-21. I do have a bit of a bias, though.
CC: What has the atmosphere on campus been like this season, especially now that you are going to your first National Championship Game?
LC: The atmosphere around campus and Eugene as a whole has been remarkable throughout the entire season. Having been around since the beginning of camp this summer and seeing the kind of fan support the team received during those open weeks really set the stage for the rest of the season. The Autzen faithful helped Oregon to a second consecutive undefeated season at home and will likely travel well to Glendale for their first opportunity at a national title.
CC: Auburn has been through several close calls this season — what has been the most intense game situation for Oregon this year and why?
LC: I think a lot was made of both the Stanford and USC matchups, but Oregon handled those games the way a national championship contender should. The closest call, however, came in a 15-13 road win over California. That was obviously Oregon’s lowest scoring total of the season, in a game that featured only one offensive touchdown for the Ducks. They escaped Berkeley with a win, but that was certainly a major bump in the road on the way to perfection.
CC: Auburn’s rivalry game against Alabama is always a toss-up, no matter what the rankings and records are. How does the rivalry with Oregon State stack up to others?
LC: The Civil War is the exact same. No one ever has a clear advantage because the players from both teams prepare exceptionally well during rivalry week. Nationally, it may not get as much attention as the Iron Bowl, but it certainly divides the state for the week each year. Having grown up in Oregon, the Civil War is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, even for casual fans, and having covered the past two with Rose Bowl and National Championship berths on the line has been stressful, and fun, to say the least.
CC: LaMichael James is a powerhouse at his position. What other players make your team a national contender?
LC: Similar to Auburn, that list goes on for days. Offensively, senior wide receiver Jeff Maehl has made his case for an All-American bid and always gives Oregon a big play when they need it the most. Guys like David Paulson and D.J. Davis are extremely reliable in big-game situations, and Kenjon Barner may be the best backup running back in the nation this side of Trent Richardson.
On the other side of the ball, obviously Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger lock down the middle of the field, while Brandon Bair is a force at the defensive tackle position. The wildcard, on both defense and special teams, is sophomore Cliff Harris. He’s become a fan favorite over the year and has the biggest upside of anybody on the Ducks roster.
CC: Your game prediction and MVP selection, and why.
LC: Being on the other end of this question is definitely more challenging. Cam Newton puts a scare in just about any opponent, especially considering the way Oregon handled Terrelle Pryor last January. But, Newton won’t be able to do it all himself, and with a month to prepare, Oregon should be able to find some ways to slow him down as a unit and avoid one-on-one tackling. I expect to see Jeff Maehl as the biggest impact player, helping Oregon to its first national championship. Final score: Oregon 42, Auburn 35.
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