2013 BCS Championship Predictions: Defensive MVP Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers

2013 BCS Championship Predictions: Defensive MVP Favorites, Dark Horses and Sleepers 1/7/13: For the first seven years that the BCS system was in place, the national championship game handed out its MVP Award to just a single player regardless of their position. That changed in 2005 when the championship game began to name both and Offensive and Defensive MVP. Since the switch, players at four different positions have combined to win the seven Defensive MVP Awards with defensive tackles taking home the honor three times. Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw received the award last season, and although the Crimson Tide are back to defend their title, Upshaw is now with the Baltimore Ravens. As a result, there will be a new name added to list of winners, and here are the top contenders for the Defensive MVP Award of the Discover BCS National Championship.

2013 BCS Championship Predictions

The Favorite

If this game ends up being a low-scoring, defensive battle won by Notre Dame, it is hard to imagine a scenario where linebacker Manti Te’o doesn’t win Defensive MVP honors. After all, the guy was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and had the most points of any purely defensive player in Heisman Trophy history. Te’o brings a blend of vocal leadership and elite play that makes him stand out on the stat sheet and on the camera. He recorded more than 100 tackles this season to go along with seven interceptions, but even if he doesn’t pile up a ton of tackles or force a turnover Monday, votes will gravitate his way if the Fighting Irish win because of what he has meant to his team throughout the year.

The Dark Horses

While Manti Te’o gets a majority of the headlines, Notre Dame defensive tackle Louis Nix III has been the mountain of a man paving the way for him and the rest of the linebackers. Nix consistently wins battles at the point of attack, pushing the line of scrimmage in Notre Dame’s favor. In fact, his play is arguably the main reason that the Fighting Irish have allowed just two rushing scores all year and have been excellent at stopping opponents in the red zone. If Nix dominates in the trenches all game and helps slow the Alabama ground game, he could become the fourth defensive tackle to win Defensive MVP in the title game.

He is arguably the best cover corner in the country, and before an NFL team gets their hands on him in the first round in April, Dee Milliner could end his Alabama career with another national title and some personal hardware, as well. Notre Dame QB has Everett Golson has definitely improved as the year has gone on, but he still isn’t a refined pocket passer. If Milliner is able to bait Golson into a bad decision and come up with a game-changing interception or even take an interception in for a score, the Defensive MVP is a real possibility.

Sleeper Specials

Another candidate that could add to the list of defensive tackles that have earned Defensive MVP honors in the title game is Alabama’s Jesse Williams. The guy is nicknamed “That Monstar” for a reason. He is a bulldozer at the point of attack for the Crimson Tide defense, and he even chips in as a lead blocker in goal line situations for the offense. Williams basically played on one knee in the SEC title game and had a major impact, and if he makes some plays in the backfield on defense and paves the way for a couple of Alabama rushing touchdowns Monday night, Defensive MVP honors could be headed his way.

After coming up with a big interception in last year’s title game, Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley was making a strong case to win Defensive MVP. However, a vicious face mask tackle by LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson ended his nigh prematurely. Mosley is back this season and is now one of the leaders of the Crimson Tide defense. He can do just about everything on the field, and if he piles up tackles Monday and adds a sack or forces another turnover, Mosley could pick up the award he was making a case for last season.

Notre Dame vs Alabama Vegas Odds and Total
Date: 1/7/13
Line: Alabama -9.5
Total: Over/Under 40.5
Television: 8:30 PM EST on ESPN

Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NCAA Football season for daily Hesiman Trophy Vegas Odds and College Football Odds plus daily updated BCS National Championship Betting Odds and 2013 College Bowl Odds.