Jan 5, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn (left) and Florida State Seminoles head coach Jimbo Fisher pose for photos with the Coaches
Florida State Seminoles (12-0) vs Auburn Tigers (11-1)
8:30 pm EST on ESPN
This is what they play for. The Jameis Winston led Florida State Seminoles take on the “team of destiny” Auburn Tigers in what is sure to be an exciting National Championship contest. The ‘Noles are looking to continue their offensive ways. They are a team that scores in a hurry and doesn’t look back. Auburn has had some classic finishes over the season. Breaking Georgia’s heart as well as beating Alabama in one of the greatest finishes in football history.
Prospects to watch:
Florida State:
WR #1 – Kelvin Benjamin – RS Sophomore
Kelvin Benjamin is a physical specimen. At 6’5’’ 230 lbs, he will make every quarterback drool at the next level. He is a physical receiver with great catching ability. He can win any one-on-one matchup downfield because he towers over everyone in the secondary. Benjamin has one of the best catch points in college football.
CB #20 – Lamarcus Joyner – Senior
Joyner is a very confident, very competitive football player. He played two years as a safety before switching to corner back, and you can see it. He plays with the same toughness he did before the position switch. At times he can be a little too physical, and is often flagged for it. What he lacks in size he makes up for with explosive speed and quickness.
OT #75 – Cameron Erving – RS Junior
Converted defensive lineman, Cameron Erving, has started every game at left tackle since making the switch in 2012. He does a good job at maintaining pad level when engaged with a defender. At times you can tell he is new to this position, but he is a top-tier talent at the next level.
Auburn:
OT #73 – Greg Robinson – RS Sophomore
Greg Robinson has been a stonewall for the Auburn offensive line. He is a proven pass-protector who also steps up big in the running game. He gets upfield and can be a nasty blocker, which leads to big plays by the ball carrier. He hasn’t declared for the draft yet, but expect him to answer that question after the game.
RB #21 – Tre Mason – Junior
Tre Mason is the key piece in Auburn’s high powered run offense. He is very shifty and can make defenders miss in the open field. Mason is a patient runner and allows his blocks to unfold before he attacks the hole. He has very strong lower legs and is a great mixture of speed and power. He could be one of the top running backs in the draft if he chooses to enter.
DE #30 – Dee Ford – Senior
Dee Ford is one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC. He has great edge rushing ability and disrupts the quarterback all game long. He has long arms and is a tough matchup for any offensive tackle. Ford also has the athletic ability to drop into coverage. Look for him to be all over the place in this one.