The stage has been set for a while now for the BCS Championship game on January 6th, 2014. This years game features two teams that I doubt anyone thought would make it this far when the season started. They’ve both got to the championship game in unique fashion. Florida State has been dominant much of the season and caught the nations eye in prime time in a blow out over Clemson on October 19th winning the game 51-14. It was never in doubt for the Seminoles at any point through the game. Auburn on the other hand as needed a few “what some would call miracles” to get to the big game. They caught a last second touchdown against Georgia on November 16th and then we all know about the FG return for a touchdown against Alabama on November 30th. Let’s take a look at what makes these teams who they are and what they need to do to win the big game.

Auburn is the champion of the SEC which many people would argue as the toughest conference in college football. They needed a few plays to go their way this year, but sometimes that’s what it takes to get to the big game. They are led by quarterback Nick Marshall and Heisman finalist Tre Mason. Mason exploded for 304 yards in the Tigers last game against Missouri and will need to have a big game again if they want to bring home the title. Mason is the leading rusher on an Auburn team that ran the ball 72% of the time this year. The Seminoles know this and have one of the best defenses in the country, and will be ready for the Auburn rushing attack. if Auburn wants to win this game the big plays will come from quarterback Nick Marshall. Marshall has done a good job of controlling the football and not making mistakes as he’s only thrown 5 interceptions all year and will need to avoid adding to that total for Auburn to win.

Florida St has a completely different story as they have an average margin of victory of 41.8 points on the year. The defense allowed the fewest points per game of any team in the country and deserve just as much credit as the offense in getting the Noles to the championship. They are led on offense by quarterback Jameis Winston who totaled up 3,820 yards and 38 touchdowns this year and will cause problems all day for Auburn. Auburn like Flordia St thought is well coached and has had plenty of time to come up with a game plan to control Winston. The stats for Winston are probably misleading as Florida St actually ran the ball more than they passed it this year. Florida St’s offense was also ranked 1st in the nation in points scored, so it’s not wonder with the best defense and offense they were able to put up that margin of victory.

My prediction is I believe this game will be closer than the 41.8 margin of victory the Seminoles have had this year, but in the end they are probably the better football team. The magic in Auburn runs out as Florida St wins this one 42-31 as they score a late touchdown to put the game away.