It has been one of those season’s of destiny for the Auburn Tigers. Clutch win after clutch win, the team battled its way all the way to the national title game — thanks to a few lucky plays and losses by teams ahead of them, of course. With a 12-1 record and an SEC title in hand, this team looks to improbably win the national title.
Jimbo Fisher has had one of the best seasons as head coach of the Florida State Seminoles as any head coach in the history of the program. Not having won a national title since 1999, Florida State is looking to end the 15-year drought and bring home a title to Tallahassee.
Auburn has come out of nowhere this season to make the title game. Prior to the year, no one thought they would even be able to compete in their own conference, but they have proven many doubters wrong. Nick Marshall leads the team at quarterback, passing for 1,759 yards and 12 touchdowns while showing he also has wheels with 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground as well. Sammie Coates is by far his favorite target, catching 38 passes for 841 yards and seven touchdowns. Tre Mason might be the team’s best weapon, rushing for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Florida State hasn’t lost a game all season long and it looks like they are the favorite to take the crown in the 2014 national title game. Jameis Winston is the leader of this team with an impressive 3,820 yards and 38 touchdowns on the year to contribute to his strong Heisman campaign. He’s had some help from some talented receivers such as Rashad Greene and Kelvin Benjamin who have combined for 1,938 yards and 23 touchdowns. Devonta Freeman leads the 27th-ranked rushing attack with 943 yards and 13 scores.
Defensively, the Seminoles have one of the best units in the nation. Florida State ranks first overall in the nation in points allowed per game and third in yards allowed per game with just over 270. Auburn, on the other hand, ranks 38th in points allowed per game while also ranking 99th in yards allowed per game with well over 400.
Florida State and Auburn will play for the BCS Championship in Pasadena, Calif., at 8:30 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 6. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.
PREDICTION: Florida State 37, Auburn 34
Related: BCS Standings: Auburn Tigers Season of Destiny Heads to BCS Title Game
BCS Standings: Florida State Seminoles Leave No Doubt at No. 1
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].