Oregon's speedy offense sputters against Auburn

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Nicknamed the blur offense, Oregon's spread-option ran right into a speed trap named Auburn.

Everything that Oregon had become known for this season - the speed, the ability to wear down defenses, the big numbers - was absent for most of Monday night in top-ranked Auburn's 22-19 victory over the No. 2 Ducks for the national title.

Heisman candidate LaMichael James, the nation's leading rusher with 153 yards a game, was held to just 49 yards. As a whole, Oregon's rushing attack managed 75 yards, well under their average of 304.

Quarterback Darron Thomas threw for 363 yards and two scores, but he was intercepted twice and sacked twice.

The Ducks went into the game scoring 49.3 points per game and winning by an average margin of 30.9 points.