Finally, the only bowl game that truly matters is upon us. The Vizio BCS National Championship game is tonight from the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The undefeated No. 1 Florida State Seminoles continue their quest for perfection against what is perhaps the team of ‘destiny' (if you believe in that sort of thing) in No. 2 Auburn Tigers. The game will broadcast at 5:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.
There is plenty of 49ers playoff content to discuss, but with a lot of you being college football fans, consider this an open thread for the rest of the day's college talk through the game. Also, make sure and check out SB Nation's fancy title game preview.
The Niners drafted two Seminoles in 2013 (DE Tank Carradine and LB Nick Moody) and could return for more this year. The two that I could see fitting with the 49ers are cornerback Lamarcus Joyner and wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin.
Joyner is a stout 5'8, 190 lbs, and plays like a missile. He's so versatile on defense that he's lined up all over the field for the Noles including corner (both slot and outside), both safety spots, and multiple linebacker positions. He may be small in stature but Joyner plays huge. I've likened him to a better tackling Tyrann Mathieu. I've said it before and I'll say it again...if the 49ers want to keep Percy Harvin in check (when he's not hurt)...they draft Joyner.
Benjamin is a soon-to-be 23 year old redshirt sophomore and most think he'll declare for the draft sometime after tonight's game. Benjamin is a legitimate 6-5, 240-pound receiver and is nearly impossible to cover. He's not a burner and will probably run somewhere in the 4.5-4.6 range at the combine. If he's in the low 4.5s or (God forbid) the 4.4s, he's could very well be a first round pick.
Auburn is certainly no slouch when it comes to NFL talent. Last year the Niners took junior linebacker Corey Lemonier in the third round. This year, underclassmen, tackle Greg Robinson and running back Tre Mason have parlayed late season success into potential draft day success. While neither are likely to land in San Francisco, both should be drafted in the first three rounds.
The most likely member of the SEC champions to end up on the 49ers could be another linebacker/defensive end. Senior end Dee Ford leads the Tigers in sacks this year with eight and a half. Ford has the build of an elite pass rusher, with wide frame and long arms. He's not exceptionally quick but he's technically sound and flexible enough to make an impact at the next level.
The game promises to be a good one as Auburn tries to provide the SEC with its eighth straight national championship and Florida State looks to regain form that led to 14 straight top five finishes from 1987-2000.
Fooch's Note: There are some really cool options for watching the game tonight:
ESPN: Traditional broadcast.
ESPN2: "BCS Title Talk", featuring celebrities, coaches and other figures familiar with Florida State and Auburn.
ESPNU: "BCS Film Room" will have analysts break down the X's and O's with multiple camera angles as the game plays out (including All-22).
ESPN Classic: "Sounds of the BCS." Watch the game from normal camera angles, but listen to in-stadium sounds instead of Musburger's and Herbstreit's commentary (No announcers).
ESPN Goal Line: "BCS Command Center" will feature a split screen and live stats.
ESPN3: Florida State and Auburn radio calls.
Live Online Stream: WatchESPN