AU blockers aim to power way to title

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Top-ranked Auburn starts a seasoned offensive line in the national championship game — and Brandon Mosley.

The Tigers' starting right tackle is a junior college transfer who entered the season with plenty of experience — at tight end, defensive end, linebacker and even punter.

"The kid's come a long, long way," is how offensive line coach Jeff Grimes puts it. Indeed, he'll man the right side of the line against No. 2 Oregon on Monday night with a national title on the line.

The other four linemen have a collective 161 starts. The group helped pave Cam Newton's way to the Heisman Trophy.

They're led by All-Southeastern Conference center Ryan Pugh and left tackle Lee Ziemba, who won the Jacobs Trophy as the SEC's top blocker.