The Champ(ionship) is Here!

After three long weeks, college football's biggest game is finally just over 24 hours away. It will place two of the nation's top teams in the ring for what will undoubtedly be a defensive slug fest. The two star-studded teams will face off in the BCS National Championship and it should be a good one.

We are continually hearing about the Longhorns' incredible offense. That is an offense led by senior Colt McCoy. McCoy is one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NCAA history. He throws the ball well and has help at receiver. Texas has a dangerous receiving core led by senior Jordan Shipley. But the depth at receiver has become more prominent as teams continue to key on Shipley. Malcolm Williams, James Kirkendoll, and Dan Butler all have contributed greatly. The running game for Texas is just as versatile. Leading rusher Tre Newton is explosive, McCoy is the Longhorns' second leading rusher. But accompanying that high-octane offense is one of the nation's best defense. Texas leads the nation in interceptions and added 41 sacks. This defense combines good defensive backs and a dangerous pass rush with a stout rushing defense. The Longhorns allowed less than 70 yards per game rushing.

Alabama is a whole other animal. They are led by a defense that will suffocate you. The defensive line is led up front by Mount Cody and defensive end Marcel Dareus. This defense has accounted for 31 sacks. The emotional leaders for this defense are linebacker Rondo McClain and defensive back Javier Arenas. Rondo McClain led the team with over 100 tackles and Javier Arenas not only played well in the secondary but also sparked this Alabama team on punt and kick returns. The Alabama offense is just as dangerous. Heisman winner Mark Ingram has been more productive than any Alabama back ever, and as looked almost unstoppable at times. The most improve player on the Tide offense is Greg McElroy. McElroy has looked composed and has been accurate in the last few weeks of the season. He may have some trouble though as his leading target, Julio Jones, has been slowed by a knee injury. This offense is very efficient and at times has been explosive.

Alabama has to establish a running game against this stout Texas defense. It sounds elementary, but they need it most to keep McCoy off the field. McElroy will have to be elusive and make good decisions and keep the offense moving with play action passes on third down. The Tide defense will have to contain McCoy in the pocket, and force the other Longhorn backs to carry the rushing attack. Alabama must know where Shipley is on every play and jam the Texas receivers off the line to throw off the fluidity of this timed passing game. The Longhorns will have to stop Ingram, a very daunting task to say the least, but in addition they have to get to McElroy early and get him moving around in the pocket. On offense Colt McCoy has to get the ball out of his hands early to keep from getting beat up in the same way he did in the Big 12 championship game. The running backs for Texas have to hit the holes hard and gain some positive yards on the corners, in order to set up the read-option and playaction passing game.

This will be a great football game. I am the only one taking Texas. Live like no one is watching and try not to cry when it is all over, there is always next year!