The Auburn Tigers were known for their explosive offense this season, but it was their defense that came up big on the biggest stage.

The Auburn Tigers, led by Nick Fairley, made key defensive plays in a 22-19 National Championship Game win over Oregon on Monday Night.

How big were the plays Auburn made defensively?  Auburn forced a safety and had a goal line stand.  That's enormous.  Especially in a game that was decided by a field goal.

Auburn tackled LaMichael James in the end zone for a safety in the 2nd quarter, and stuffed the Ducks on a 4th-and-Goal from the 1-yard line in the 4th quarter.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous that college football waits five weeks after the regular season to finally play the National Championship Game.  Would the NFL do that?  Of course not.

The layoff had a lot to do with the low-scoring game.  Even with the layoff in mind, you still have to give a lot of credit to the Tigers' defense stepping up and making some colossal plays.  War Eagle!!

PS I profited off of this win by Auburn.  Hence, the "War Eagle" at the end.