The final college football matchup for the 2012-13 season, BCS No. 1 Notre Dame vs BCS No.2 Alabama, definitely brings back an old school feel to college football. Most experts are picking Alabama to win, but many are predicting it will be a closer game than the opening line spread. 

Both teams in the 2013 BCS National Championship have been battle tested this season. 

Notre Dame had to win two games in overtime and a slew of other close games. The Fighting Irish only allowed one goal-line rushing touchdown all season which came against the Sooners. The most rememberable goal line stand came against Stanford along with controversy. 

Three of the final five games for Alabama were tightly knitted. The Tide's games against LSU, Texas A&M, and Georgia were all decided by five points or less. Alabama went 2-1 versus those opponents with the only loss coming against Texas A&M and Heisman QB Johnny Manziel.  

Each team has a rich college football history. Alabama has won two of the last three BCS national championships, but Notre Dame has not won a national title since 1988. Despite the many other high-octane spread offenses in college football, the Tide and Fighting Irish have etched their way to the top this season by way of defense and top caliber linemen on both sides of the ball.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said at a recent press conference, “And in keeping with the venue where we are, you have two blue chip stocks that are going to go against each other." (DecaturDaily.com)

The Fighting Irish are obviously led by their defensive front and star linebacker Manti Te'o who acquired a hoard of awards this season. Despite the stellar defense of the Tide, Alabama's top talent is on the offensive line spotlighted by a trio of soon to be NFL players in Barrett Jones, DJ Fluker, and Chance Warmack.   

Alabama looks to have the edge on Notre Dame in just about every category, but that does not necessarily mean they will be the victor. As I often tell others, remember this is college football. When there are big games between closely matched teams, anything can happen. The SEC has won six straight national titles, but historically speaking, the Tide are just 1-5 against the Irish. I figure the luck of the Irish will be the curse of the SEC. Why? Because this is college football. 

I am intensely thorough in covering college football and the parity, a word often used in this sport, is growing more and more each season. Basically, all the favorites in BCS Bowl games could lose in an upset, but of course, the trick is figuring out which ones. 

I would say that Notre Dame, Louisville, and Northern Illinois are all underdogs with a good chance to win, but I could also see the Cardinals and Huskies being blown out which is what many other experts and bettors believe to be the outcome. 

Northern Illinois and Florida State both had late season coaching departures. NIU lost head coach Dave Doeren to NC State at the same position and former FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops took the head coaching position at Kentucky (Coaching Carousel). The Seminoles are thought of as the more talented team and have a statistically top notch defense, but the Huskies should have a larger chip on their shoulder. This game could end in a blowout victory for Florida State or a dramatic close win for Northern Illinois.   

Louisville is a talented team, but young which is one reason for the close games and upset losses this season. Florida has done a great job of winning, but not always impressively. UF just barely managed to eke out a victory against Louisiana-Lafayette and the talent of the Cardinals matches up better with the Gators than most give them credit. If highly prospected QB Teddy Bridgewater can move the ball for Louisville with accurate passes, then the Cardinals can pull it off. But if the Florida defense led by safety Matt Elam keeps him in check, the running game and defense of Louisville will have trouble picking up the slack. 

Oklahoma is slightly favored against Texas A&M, but I am picking the Aggies to win the Cotton Bowl. It has been some time since the Sooners have won a big game as well as I am just not confident in quarterback Landry Jones as a clutch player. And really, who wouldn't pick Aggies QB Johnny "Football" Manziel. Jones has thrown eight interceptions over the last eight games of the season while Manziel threw just two picks in the last five games. This should be a fun bowl to watch. 

The Fiesta Bowl and Rose Bowl features match ups with opening lines under double digits. But I still believe that Oregon should have no problem handling Kansas State. If the Ducks get an early lead as they do so often, the Wildcats will have difficulty keeping up with their style. 

Stanford should also take care of Wisconsin, but the Badgers did look good in the Big Ten Championship. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball will need another great outing to give his team a chance, but Stanford has the third best rated defense in rushing yards allowed per game.

In many ways, bowl games are highly unpredictable, because it largely depends on which team "shows up" to play. I am predicting some big upsets since I can be a rebel at times, but I would only take my Irish pick to Vegas, especially to beat the spread. 

The finalists for the Outland Trophy was announced Monday November 19 by the Football Writers Association of America. 

All three players made the College Football Universe All-America Team and I nominated Barrett Jones for the 2012 Outland Trophy; Jones was the 2011 winner. He was also my top rated college offensive football lineman this preseason and is a definite favorite for the Outland after his performance on the field in 2012.  

Outland Trophy Finalists

C Barrett Jones 6-5 302 Sr, Alabama

OT Luke Joeckel 6-6 310 Jr, Texas A&M

OG Jonathan Cooper  6-3, 305 Sr, North Carolina

Today is the release of the College Football Universe Offense All-America Team and my official nominations for the FWAA All-America Team. Special teams players are included as well. 

Even though the SEC had the most players listed with six (two on special teams). There are no skill players from the SEC listed as an All-American other than in special team positions. The Pac-12 has the second most on the All-America team with two Heisman contenders, Oregon RB Kenjon Barner and USC WR Marqise Lee.

Alabama is the only school with multiple players selected due to their highly talented offensive line. The hog mollies on the O-line make up for some of the explosiveness that the Tide lack in skill players. The three players selected are also NFL prospects. Guard Chance Warmack is currently the highest rated at sixth on ESPN Mel Kiper’s Big Board. Center Barrett Jones was the Outland Trophy winner for best interior lineman last season and is a favorite to win it this season; he is also my nomination for the 2012 Outland. 

However, the top NFL prospect at offensive lineman and possibly the best in college is from another SEC school. Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel is skilled and physically gifted enough to transition into the pros. Joeckel has been instrumental in helping QB Johnny Manziel extend plays this season, especially last week against Alabama.

North Carolina running back Giovani Bernard is the only player from the ACC on the All-America Team. Bernard is an explosive all purpose player that is worth watching.

There are a couple of players from non-BCS conferences on the team. Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton had 21 receptions against Texas A&M earlier this season and is a factor in the high powered Bulldogs offense. Tulane kicking specialist Cairos Santos is the other non-BCS representative.

There are three quarterbacks under honorable mentions that had to be noted due to their outstanding seasons, but only one could be selected to the All-America team. Johnny Manziel was the closest to making the list and if it was not for the season that Collin Klein is having, he would have easily made it. I vote on the Maxwell Award for College Player of the Year and am still considering Manziel depending how each play out the remainder of the season.

QB Johnny Manziel (6-1 200 Fr) Texas A&M, OT Jake Matthews (6-5 205 Jr) Texas A&M, QB Colby Cameron (6-2 205 Sr) Louisiana Tech, WR DeAndre Hopkins (6-1 200 Jr) Clemson, RB David Fluellen (6-0 215 Jr) Toledo, WR Cobi Hamilton (6-3 209 Sr) Arkansas, QB Marcus Mariota (6-4 211 Fr) Oregon, WR Terrence Williams (6-2 205 Sr) Baylor, TE Jack Doyle (6-6 251 Sr) Western Kentucky, OT Taylor Lewan (6-8 308 Jr) Michigan, and TE Kyle Carter (6-3 247 Fr) Penn State.

The 2012 Outland Trophy Watch List for the best interior lineman in college football was announced Thursday by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after former two position All-American John H. Outland. 

Last season's winner Barrett Jones of Alabama returns and has a good chance to win it twice. The trophy is also for interior defensive linemen and 18 are listed on the watch. Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is a strong candidate and is first round NFL talent. Lotulelei had 12 tackles for loss in 2011.

Every conference is represented on the list, but like many other watches, the SEC has the most players named with 19. The Big Ten and ACC have the next most with 12 and 11 respectively. 

You can find more information about the Outland Trophy at OutlandTrophy.com.

2012 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List:

SEC (19):
G Alvin Bailey, Arkansas
DT Josh Boyd, Mississippi State
OT Chris Faulk, LSU
DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
OT Alex Hurst, LSU
G Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
DT John Jenkins, Georgia
OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
C T.J. Johnson, South Carolina
OT Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt
C Barrett Jones, Alabama
DT Bennie Logan, LSU
OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
C Travis Swanson, Arkansas
G Dallas Thomas, Tennessee
G Larry Warford, Kentucky
G Chance Warmack, Alabama
DT Jesse Williams, Alabama

Big Ten (12):
C James Ferentz, Iowa
C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State
DT Jordan Hill, Penn State
OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
G Spencer Long, Nebraska
G Chris McDonald, Michigan State
C Graham Pocic, Illinois
DT Kawann Short, Purdue
DT Akeem Spence, Illinois
DT Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska
OT Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

ACC (11):
OT Oday Aboushi, Virginia
G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
DT Everett Dawkins, Florida State
C Dalton Freeman, Clemson
OT James Hurst, North Carolina
DT Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
C Andrew Miller, Virginia Tech
OT Morgan Moses, Virginia
G Omoregie Uzzi, Georgia Tech
DT Joe Vellano, Maryland
DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina

Big 12 (7):
G Blaize Foltz, TCU
C Ben Habern, Oklahoma
G Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
G Cyril Richardson, Baylor
G Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
OT LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech
G Mason Walters, Texas

Pac-12 (7):
OT David Bakhtiari, Colorado
C Khaled Holmes, USC
DT Star Lotulelei, Utah
OT Matt Summers-Gavin, California
DT Aaron Tipoti, California
G David Yankey, Stanford
G Carson York, Oregon

Big East (4):
C Mario Benavides, Louisville
DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
OT Mark Popek, USF
OT Justin Pugh, Syracuse

Independents (3):
C Braxston Cave, Notre Dame
G Braden Hansen, BYU
OT Zack Martin, Notre Dame

Mountain West (3):
G Chris Barker, Nevada
G Joe Kellogg, Boise State
C Weston Richburg, Colorado State

WAC (2):
C Tyler Larsen, Utah State
C Stephen Warner, Louisiana Tech

Conference USA (1):
G Theo Goins, UCF

MAC (1):
DT Roosevelt Nix, Kent State

Sun Belt (1):
OT Caylin Hauptmann, FIU

The hog mollies on the offensive line never seem to get enough attention in college football so here is a rundown of the best O-linemen in the nation for the 2012 season. The top 20 offensive linemen are ranked along with a summary of the top five and notes on the rest. The ranking is based on the best college football linemen not NFL prospects, but information on draft status is included. Bench, squat, and 40-yard dash numbers are provided for the top five. Four of the top five linemen have weight room numbers listed from high school and some of the other players have more recent weight room numbers posted. 

Size: 6'5 302 pounds
Bench Max: 335 pounds 
Squat Max: 490 pounds 
40 Yard Dash: 4.9 seconds 
Stats: Only nine missed assignments in 587 snaps (98.5 percent) and 100 percent on assignments in four games last season according to Rolltide.com
Draft Rating: Second/ Late First Round

Size: 6'6 335 pounds
Bench Max: 375 lbs 
Squat Max: 525 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 4.9 secs 
Stats: 22 career starts at right tackle
Draft Rating: Early/Mid First Round

DJ Fluker is a behemoth on the offensive line and is the top rated lineman on Mel Kiper's Big Board at six overall. He has played mostly right tackle for the Crimson Tide, but there is a chance that he could be a guard at the next level. His posted weight is actually less than it was in high school and he is currently listed as 335 pounds. Fluker may not be as accomplished as his teammate Barrett Jones, but there are high expectations for him due to his physicality alone. With a little refinement, he should easily maintain his NFL Draft stock. 

Size: 6'8 302 lbs 
Bench Max: 335 lbs  
Squat Max: 450 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 4.72 secs 
Stats: Started 22 games in two seasons 
Draft Rating: Mid/Early First Round

After a misfit freshman season that involved antics and penalties, Taylor Lewan came back strong and matured some as a sophomore. He is an athletic lineman that has good power for his build and incredible length with his 6'8 height to fight off defenders. The Wolverine lineman has definite first round potential for the NFL Draft coming into his junior season. Lewan started all 13 games last season at left tackle and his athleticism should translate well in the pros. 

Size: 6'6 322 lbs
Bench Max: N/A
Squat Max: N/A
40 Yard Dash: 5.32
Stats: Started all 14 games in 2011 and played in 38 games for career 
Draft Rating: Late First/ Early Second Round

Ricky Wagner is a durable lineman that rose from walk-on to NFL prospect thus far in his college career. He was a consensus honorable mention on the All-Big Ten team for the past two seasons and is a first team preseason All-American on various lists for 2012. He performs well as a blindside pass blocker at left tackle and is consistently good all around in his play. Wisconsin has traditionally done a great job of prepping players for the NFL and Wagner should be the next. 

Size: 6'3 300 lbs
Bench Max: 340 lbs 
Squat Max: 500 lbs 
40 Yard Dash: 5.3 secs
Stats: 22 career starts and 36 games played
Draft Rating: Second/Third Round

Experienced right guard Omoregie Uzzi is a powerful run blocker for the Ramblin Wreck. He earned First Team All-ACC in 2011 and is a Second Team Phil Steele's 2012 Preseason All-American. His effort on the line helped his team rank second nationally in rushing yards last season with 316.5 yards per game and they ranked in the top four rushing yards in each of his three seasons. He is the most questionable of the top five due to a late season injury, but if he fully recovers, expect another strong season. 

There are a lot of good players on this list that could have placed in the top five and that may have higher NFL Draft potential.  Luke Joeckel is a first round prospect, Gabe Ikard has had an outstanding college career, and Travis Frederick's weight room numbers are freakish. Here are the rest of the top 20 offensive linemen in college football for 2012 with their height, weight, and a note on each:

6. C Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma: 6'4 295 lbs, 88 knockdowns on 860 snaps in 2011 according to SoonerSports.com.
7. OT Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M: 6'6 310 lbs, First round NFL Draft potential at 16 on Mel Kiper's Big Board.
8. OG Travis Frederick Wisconsin: 6'4 328 lbs, school record 770-lb squat & benchs around 500 lbs. 
9. OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina: 6'3 310 lbs, 2012 Phil Steele's All-American First Team.
10. OT Alex Hurst, LSU: 6'6 340 lbs, 71.5 knockdowns in 767 plays in 2011 according to LSUSports.net.
11. OG Chance Warmack, Alabama: 6'3 320 lbs, started 26 straight games.
12. OT Chris Faulk, LSU: 6'6 325 lbs, 500-lb squat & 73.5 knockdowns in 724 snaps in 2011 according to LSUSports.net. 
13. OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M: 6'5 305 lbs, started all 13 games in 2011 & son of Bruce Matthews.
14. OG Alvin Bailey, Arkansas: 6'5 319 lbs, 2011 All SEC Second Team (Coaches), 440-lb bench press & 555-lb squat.
15. C Dalton Freeman, Clemson: 6'5 285 lbs, 36 career starts & 2012 Rimington Award Watch List. 
16. OG Larry Warford, Kentucky: 6'3 336 lbs, 1 QB sack & graded 87.5 percent in 2011 according to NFLDraftScout.com.
17. OG Blaize Foltz, TCU: 6'4 310 lbs, 2011 All MWC First Team, posted 580-lb bench press & 800-lb squat.
18. C Khaled Holmes, USC: 6'4 305 lbs, 2011 All Pac-12 Second Team.
19. OG Mason Walters, Texas: 6'6 315 lbs, started 25 games in a row at right guard.
20. OG Marcus Martin, USC: 6'3 325 lbs, 2011 Freshman All-American First Team by various publications.

Honorable Mention: OG Lane Taylor Oklahoma State (6'3 328 lbs), OT Oday Aboushi Virginia (6'6 310 lbs), OG Braden Hansen BYU (6'6 313 lbs), C Braxston Cave* Notre Dame (6'3 304 lbs), OT Morgan Moses Virginia (6'6 336 lbs), OG Chris McDonald Michigan State (6'5 299 lbs), OG Carson York Oregon (6'5 284 lbs), and OT Cameron Fleming Stanford (6'6 308 lbs). *Cave benchs 520 lbs.

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