Monday’s Morning Links:

Auburn and Oregon Meet For the National Championship Game: While everyone knew this would be the case on Saturday when both of these teams won, it is nice to see it official. While no one can call these teams true underdogs, it is interesting that neither team was ranked in the Top 10 to start the season (another reason why preseason should have no bearing on perceptions). We will get into the details of the game later, but it will be a fun game to watch. With Cam Newton on one side and a LOADED Ducks offense on the other, it should offer plenty of entertainment. The only downside is that the game is more than a month away, giving us plenty to time to lose our excitement for the Championship.

Biltzburgh Comes Up Big: The Steelers were trailing by 4 with 3:20 left in the game and Baltimore was moving the ball. Things did not look good in Pittsburgh for stealing a win in Baltimore and taking the division lead, that is of course until Troy Polamalu took over. The Ravens had 2nd and 5 at their own 43, with momentum firmly on their side. As Joe Flacco went back to pass, every fan (at the game or on TV) could see what he couldn’t, Polamalu storming in from his blind side. Not only did Polamalu get the sack, but he knocked the ball out which was recovered by the Steelers. When the play was over the Steelers had it 1st and goal from the Ravens 9 yard line. One play, and one player changed the entire course of the game (though major credit goes to Redman and Roethlisberger on offense as well), and with it potentially the season. When you hear statements like “Defense wins Championships” that play is exactly what they are talking about.