Both coaches are in their last games with these schools: Utah's Urban Meyer is headed to Florida, while Pitt's Walt Harris will coach Stanford next season.
SUGAR BOWL
No. 9 Virginia Tech (10-2)
versus No. 3 Auburn (12-0)
Despite a 12-0 record for the first time and its first Southeastern Conference title since 1989, Auburn was left out of the national title picture.
The Tigers have little time to feel sorry for themselves because of a tough, well-coached Virginia Tech squad. The teams are very similar. Virginia Tech has the fourth-ranked defense in the country and Auburn the fifth best.
Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell threw 19 touchdown passes and only six interceptions, while Hokies quarterback Bryan Randall had 19 touchdown passes and seven interceptions.
Auburn's advantage seems to be its ability to run the ball. Running backs Carnell Williams (1,104 yards rushing) and Ronnie Brown (845) combined for 20 touchdowns.
Virginia Tech, which was picked no higher than sixth in the preseason Atlantic Coast Conference rankings, started the season 2-2 but won its last eight games. The biggest was a 16-10 victory over Miami in the final game that gave the Hokies the ACC crown and a berth in a BCS game. Auburn has trailed only twice this season -- only once in the fourth quarter -- and if the Hokies can force the Tigers to play from behind in New Orleans today, they may be able to pull an upset.
ORANGE BOWL
No. 1 Southern California (12-0)
versus No. 2 Oklahoma (12-0)
Two undefeated teams with 17 combined national titles and no shortage of star power square off in Miami today in what could be one of the greatest national championship games.
Each team boasts a Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback, with USC's Matt Leinart winning this year and the Sooners' Jason White taking the award last year.
On the other side of the ball, USC has the seventh-ranked defense in the country, while Oklahoma's is ranked ninth. The difference maker could be the Trojans' versatile Reggie Bush, who has accounted for 2,181 all-purpose yards as a running back, receiver and kick returner; his average of 181.75 all-purpose yards a game is fourth in the country.
Although Leinart won the Heisman, Bush's teammates named him USC's most valuable player.
Oklahoma's main weapon on offense has been the freshman running back Adrian Peterson, who finished second in the Heisman voting. The Trojans counter with the second-ranked rushing defense (75.3 yards a game), and if they can stop Peterson they may be on their way to a national title.
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