Voter’s guide to BCS title contenders

The participants in the BCS championship game are essentially determined by voters _ poll voters specifically.

So in the spirit of election day, here is a voter’s guide to the four candidates vying to play for the national championship in January.

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No. 1 ALABAMA (first in the BCS)

Platform: The defending national champions stand for rugged, no-frills football and the philosophy that there is no problem a five-star recruit can’t fix.

Star power: QB AJ McCarron. A poised leader (see the game-winning drive at LSU), unafraid to let his emotions show (see crying after game-winning drive at LSU).

Ground game: All-American C Barrett Jones anchors an offensive line that might be the most talented in the country, and paves the way for a punishing running game with Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon.

Department of defense: The Tide ranks in the top 10 in the nation in every major defensive category, including first in points allowed at 9.1 per game.

Accomplishments: Strength of schedule: 17th nationally, according to Sagarin computer ratings. Average margin of victory: 29 points per game.

Commander-in-chief: Nick Saban. His “process” has produced three national championships.

Campaign slogan: Roll Tide.

No. 2 OREGON (third in the BCS)

Platform: The Ducks are running on change _ such as a new uniform every week, and promise to get things done quickly.

Star power: RB Kenjon Barner. After three years as a backup, his patience and persistence have turned him into a Heisman contender.

Ground game: The Ducks are second in the nation in rushing at 341 yards per game _ though their running game is anything but a grind.

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