Welcome to the second of 17 — yep, 17 — BCS National Championship Game preview pieces here on OGS. Each day until Jan. 10, we'll take a comparative look at Auburn and Oregon. Today's second topic is the running back position.
By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton was the best player in college football this fall, but a not-too-shabby third-place Heisman finish went to Oregon running back LaMichael James.
James is the best running back in the country. He's small in size but, thanks to some elite-level speed, has a knack for making the big play. He is the perfect type of ballcarrier for the Oregon attack, as well as the poster boy for the evolution of the modern offense.
On runs to the outside, James can hide behind bigger, athletic linemen until he hits the corner. Once at the edge, if there's a seam, he finds it and darts through even the smallest of spaces for first downs, if not touchdowns.
But James runs plenty up the middle, too. Despite weighing only 185 pounds, he's not only unafraid of contact, but he seems to enjoy it. He'll deliver a blow just as readily as he'll absorb one. And durability is not an issue with him. In the last five games of the season, James carried an average of 29 times.
EXTRA: Click Here For More Great Oregon Content
Though Auburn doesn't have a running back as prolific as James, the Tigers boast a deep and balanced rushing attack overall. Obviously, Newton is their most dangerous weapon when Auburn's offense is on the field. But Michael Dyer, Onterio McCalebb and Mario Fannin combined for nearly 2,200 yards on the ground. And that's on top of Newton's 1,580.
Here are a few rushing statistics to consider:
+ James: 281 carries, 1,682 yards, 6 yards per carry, 21 touchdowns, 0 fumbles
+ Dyer: 160 carries, 950 yards, 5.9 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns, 0 fumbles
To recognize Auburn's depth here isn't to suggest that James is a one-man show for Oregon. Kenjon Barner is a capable second option in the backfield. Even wideout Josh Huff can make a solid contribution in the running game, and quarterback Darron Thomas, though hardly a Newton, can make big plays with his feet. Oregon's rushing attack is fourth in the country (303.5 yards per game), and Auburn's is sixth (287.2). That's a tight call, but the Ducks have the difference-maker who wears No. 21, and will be this site's Heisman favorite in 2011.
Edge: Oregon
More Auburn-Oregon Previews: The Quarterbacks