Wes Byrum booted a 19-yard field goal as time expired to
thwart a late Oregon fight back and clinch the Tigers first national title
since 1957.
Newton, investigated over recruiting violations which had
threatened to destroy his college career, completed 20 of 34 passes for 265
yards and two touchdowns but nearly saw his season end in disaster when he
fumbled near midfield with less than five minutes to play.
Trailing 19-11, the Ducks quickly converted the turnover
into a touchdown with LaMichael James scampering over to stun the top ranked
Tigers.
Oregon then added a two-point convert to deadlock the
contest at 19-19 and set up a dramatic finish to the American college football
season.
Newton redeemed himself, marching the Tigers downfield to
leave Byrum a short chip shot for the title.
"Everybody was just staying calm," said Newton.
"We've been through this before and knew we had to execute the plays coach
was calling." The game began with a moment of silence for the six victims
of a shooting spree in nearby Tucson on Saturday that also left US Congress
woman Gabrielle Giffords in critical condition with a bullet wound to the head.
After a scoreless first quarter the two offenses opened up
in the second, the Tigers grabbing a 16-11 halftime lead with Newton tossing
touchdown passes to Kodi Burns and Emory Blake.
The top-ranked Oregon offense that averaged over 49 points a
game this season was held to just two touchdowns.
James, who finished third in the Heisman voting, caught an
eight-yard pass in the second quarter for the Ducks other score.
The victory could be the crowning moment of Newton's college
career, the hulking quarterback almost certain to be an early first round pick
if he decides to declare for this year's NFL draft.
This season Newton ran for 20 touchdowns and was the
nation's top-rated passer throwing for 28 scores.
