Florida State and Auburn started their seasons on very different paths with very different expectations. The Seminoles were a bit of an unknown but earned a favorable preseason ranking. The Tigers were not expected to do much after putting together one of the worst records last season and entering 2013 with a new head coach. However, both Florida State and Auburn fought their way to the top and will finish out the BCS Championship Series with what could be a shootout.
This season there is very little debate as to which teams should be in the championship game. Florida State is unbeaten on the year after clearing establishing themselves as the most dominant team in the league. Jameis Winston leads the offense after winning the Heisman Trophy while the defense remains ranked No. 1 as the team won every matchup by 27 points and never trailed a game.
Winston is the focal point of the game after winning almost every postseason award. In his last game against Duke, he passed for 330 yards and two touchdown while also running for another 59 yards as the Seminoles won the ACC title. The top ranked defense will have their hands full on Monday as the Auburn Tigers come in with one of the most complicated offensive systems in the league.
Auburn's rise to the top was certainly surprising considering their games against Georgia and Alabama were only won by fluke plays. After going 3-9 in 2012, the turnaround behind Gus Malzahn has certainly been a great story. Nick Marshall and Trey Mason will lead a dynamic rushing attack, which could make this game come down to defense.
The Tigers defense ranks 88th in the nation, allowing 423.5 yards per game. The Seminoles offense averages 529.4 yards per game behind Winston who finished the year with 3,810 yards and 38 touchdowns. However, the triple-read Auburn option averaging 505.3 yards and 40.2 points per game.
Auburn will be defending the SEC's title run after the conference has won the past several years. They will also be defending the state of Alabama's championship run as the crystal ball trophy has staying in the state for the past four years thanks to the Crimson Tide. This year will certainly provide some fireworks as Winston aims to cap off an impressive year.
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