Hes averaging a mindboggling seven yards per carry

If Tech can run the ball at will like the Gamecocks did, and keep Spiller off the field, this one might not be as close.. Oregon State hasnt been to the Rose Bowl since 1964, and was trounced by Oregon at home last year with a shot at the roses.Its been 15 years since the Ducks last played in the Rose Bowl, but this years team is 9-2, with the 19-8 loss to undefeated Boise in Week 1 and a shootout loss at Stanford last month.Jeremiah Masoli (pictured) has done a phenomenal job leading a potent Oregon offense. Hes accounted for 26 touchdowns and LaMichael James has been a God-send stepping in for LaGarrette Blount this season James has over 1,300 rushing yards with 11 scores. Hes averaging a mind-boggling seven yards per carry.The Beavers got to 8-3 on the year with one of the more balanced offense in the nation. Sean Canfield is just 200 yards shy of a 3,000-yard passing season and Jacquizz Rodgersaside from having one of the coolest first names in college footballhas 1,313 yards on the ground with 19 touchdowns..

Pitts unblemished conference mark went by the wayside last week with a 19-16 setback to West Virginia.This week, the Panthers would like to deliver the same kind of disappointment to Cincinnati by handing the Bearcats their first loss and end their slim national title hopes. Pike (pictured) has put up silly numbers this year (2,048 passing yards, 23 TDs, 3 INTs), despite missing three games with an injury Pike lit up Illinois last week with six touchdown passes. Stull (2,294 passing yards, 19 TDs, 6 INTs) has been the steady leader of a Pittsburgh offense that averages 32 points per game.Cincinnati could be distracted by the rumors that head coach Brian Kelly will leave for Notre Dame. It doesnt get much bigger than this with the winner headed to the BCS title game.Two of the top Heisman Trophy candidates will be on the field. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow (pictured) was impressive in last weeks dismantling of Florida State.Alabama running back Mark Ingram had his Heisman campaign take a hit when he was limited to just 30 yards on 16 carries in his teams slim victory at Auburn.

Still, Ingram has over 1,400 rushing yards and 12 scores on the year, with another three touchdowns receiving.This game will be about the defenses, with two of the countrys best. Alabama has the top-ranked unit in the nation, and Florida allows less than 10 points per game. Of course, those numbers are skewed because of Floridas despicable non-conference schedule.Offensively, the Gators are all about Tebow He leads them in rushing with 796 yards and 13 touchdowns Hes also thrown for 2,166 yards and 17 scores. His two favorite targets are Aaron Hernandez (51 receptions, 654 yards, 4 TDs) and Riley Cooper (41 receptions, 703 yards, 8 TDs).The Tide is more than just Ingram, as quarterback Greg McElroy proved last week in the late game-winning drive to beat Auburn, without Ingram on the field. If Alabama buckles under the pressure, it could fall again..

If any one conference championship game has had the proclivity for the upset, its been the Big XII title tilt.Time and again, the favored teamoften with a shot at the national championship on the lineloses. This year, Texas is poised to get into the BCS title game, but must figure out one of the countrys best defensive front lines to do so.Colt McCoy, who put on a dazzling display on Thankgsgiving against rival Texas A&M, can solidify himself as the Heisman front-runner with another solid outing Across from him will be the Big XIIs No 1 scoring defense led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Jordan Shipley (pictured) needs just one catch to reach 100 receptions on the season. McCoys roommate has been on the receiving end of 11 touchdown strikes, and itll be on Nebraska quarterback Zac Lee and running back Roy Helu to keep the Texas offense off the field.The key will be the Nebraska defense, led by Suh up front and safety Larry Asante in the back.