Oregon
There’s one team that has stood above the rest in college football this year and that’s the Oregon Ducks.
Alabama’s only win against a ranked opponent came against an overrated Michigan team from the overrated Big 10 conference, and the same goes for Notre Dame’s wins. Instead, Oregon has destroyed two quality opponents.
Against then-ranked No. 22 Arizona, Oregon beat them 49-0. Against then-ranked No. 23 Washington last week, Oregon rose to the top 52-21.
Of all of the top teams, Oregon’s defense probably gives up the most points. But they make up for it thanks to their juggernaut offense. Not only do they average 52.3 points per game, but they add in more than 300 yards of rushing.
The top two running backs, Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas, are two of the best rushers in college football, and Thomas averages nearly 10 yards per each carry. That’s almost a first down every time he touches the ball.
Add in Marcus Mariota at quarterback who has thrown 15 touchdowns to only five interceptions.
Oregon is in a tough PAC-12 conference, and they will have to outlast USC, Stanford, and Oregon State. But they will do that, and they will end up winning the BCS National Championship.
-Bobby Nightengale
Alabama
The best team in college football stands in that position, because they have a defense nearly worthy of the NFL.
Alabama stands alone on top of the SEC and the national polls. Their ranking is deserved, and while they do not have the best passing game or running game in the country their offense is sufficient.
In Alabama’s 6-0 start to the season, they have allowed a total of 45 points to opponents including holding No. 8 ranked Michigan to just fourteen points to begin the season. That is an average of 7.5 points per game. If teams cannot score on Alabama, they simply will not lose.
Keeping in mind the fact that Alabama averages over 40 points per game, their passing average of just under 206 yards per game is only good for 88 in the nation.
While their rushing game is strong, averaging over 217 yards per game, Alabama would face no challenges all year if third year quarterback AJ McCarron could consistently throw for big yards. He is no slouch having a 12-0 touchdown to interception ratio this season, but he leaves fans wanting more.
Alabama’s defense will carry them to a national title, and if their passing game decides to do more, it will only make them better.
-David Israel
