Welcome to the fifth 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 fifth topic examines each team's defensive lines.
By JOHN P. WISE
One Great Season
We've previewed four positions and singled out game-changers like Auburn's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton and Oregon's electrifying running back LaMichael James.
Fairley anchors a four-man front that is the most reliable unit of Auburn's inconsistent defense. The Lombardi Award-winner ranked 14th in the country with 10.5 sacks and eighth with 21 tackles for loss. Expect to see him in the Oregon backfield a few times on Jan. 10.
If Oregon spends too much time scheming for Fairley, senior Zach Clayton can clog things up in the middle, and Antoine Carter and emerging Nosa Eguae can wreak havoc from the edges.
What Oregon may lack in a superstar along its front, the Ducks make up for it with a steady and experienced foursome that boasts a fair amount of athleticism. UO has made tangible strides since its loss to Ohio State in last season's Rose Bowl. Oregon ranked 15th in rushing defense this season, allowing only 118 yards a game on the ground. The Ducks allow a measly 3.3 yards per carry, also among national leaders.
Tackle Brandon Bair and end Kenny Rowe, both seniors, give the Ducks a formidable duo up front that combined for 28 tackles for loss this season.
Oregon has balance, Auburn has the star.
Edge: Auburn
More Auburn-Oregon Previews:
+ The Quarterbacks
+ The Running Backs
+ The Receivers
+ The Offensive Lines