VYPE Coverboy Michael Dyer Shines In Auburn's National Championship Game

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"It was a wonderful feeling," said Dyer. "We worked hard all year and through ups and downs, we always stayed the course and we proved it again tonight."

Dyer averaged over six yards per carry and tallied 143 yards as Auburn overcame some early-game jitters and an Oregon defense to win its first national championship since 1956.

Dyer, who became the all-time freshman rushing leading at Auburn after overtaking Bo Jackson, finished the season with 1,237 and five TDs. "It was such a great year and to even be mentioned with one of the all-time greats like Mr. Jackson is something special. I will never forget it."

Heisman Trophy winner Cameron Newton did not have his best game, but proved his worth, converting key first downs and throwing for 265 yards and two touchdowns in the 22-19 victory. But the Tigers were bailed out by the running of Dyer in the fourth quarter.

The Little Rock Christian (Little Rock, AR) alum took a read-option hand off to the right, and appeared to be tackled but instead fell on the defender, retained his balance and was urged by the Tiger coaches and fans to continue running, scampering an additional 24 yards to set up Wes Byrum's field goal as time expired.

Dyer showed the same type of resilience and durability in 2010 as he showed in high school. He became the all-time leading rusher in Arkansas high school history with 8,097 yards.