With perfect records and plenty of All-Americans, No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 Texas showed few flaws on their way to the BCS national championship game on Jan. 7 in the Rose Bowl.

How do they match up when the Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and the Crimson Tide have the ball? When Colt McCoy and the Longhorns are on the field?

Two coaches _ Colorado's Dan Hawkins and North Texas' Todd Dodge _ provide insight and help break down the battle for the national title.

WHEN TEXAS HAS THE BALL

It's all about McCoy.

"They are very good on offense, but he is exceptional and that elevates the play of all those guys," Hawkins said.

McCoy, an All-American and two-time Heisman finalist, directs a spread attack that averages 432 yards per game (20th in the nation).

The Longhorns generally line up with three receivers, one running back and a tight end. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis doesn't show a lot of different looks. But they do what they do very well.

McCoy gets rid of the ball fast and accurately (70 percent completion rate). Plus, he's mobile and Davis likes to move the pocket around so McCoy is usually hard to pressure.

McCoy's scrambling and ability to run the option, helps make up for some of the Longhorns' inconsistencies with a more traditional running game.

"They may not run him very much but he can take off and run 50, 60, 70 yards on you," Hawkins said.

Alabama, No. 2 in the country in total defense, can counter McCoy's quickness with one of the best group of linebackers and safeties in the country.

"From a size and athleticism standpoint, (they) stand out in college football right now," Dodge said.

All-American Rolando McClain is as good as any linebacker in the nation. The 255-pound junior makes plays all over the field and is like an extension of coach Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart.

Dodge said Alabama tends to keep things basic on first and second down. It's on third down that Saban and Smart get tricky.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said in two games against Alabama, the Tide has not shown the same blitz more than twice.

Dodge said the Longhorns' up-tempo, no-huddle "Jet" attack could slow down Alabama's blitzes and keep All-American nose guard Terrence Cody on the field more than the Tide prefers. The 350-pound Cody tends to come out in passing situations.

Texas All-American Jordan Shipley is the slot receiver and McCoy's most reliable receiver by far. Shipley had 106 catches for 1,363 yards. The Tide might be best served using 215-pound strong safety Mark Barron to make it tough for the 190-pound Shipley to get off the line of scrimmage.