College Football Title Game Is Also a Battle of Megadonors

Monday’s Bowl Championship Series title game between the University of Oregon and Auburn University also matches two of the country’s biggest college-sports donors, according to the Associated Press.

Phil Knight, chairman of Nike, has given more than $200-million to athletics at Oregon, his alma mater. Bobby Lowder, former Colonial Bank CEO, an Auburn graduate and a member of the Alabama school’s board of trustees, has made donations that exceed $10-million.

While Mr. Knight has maintained a relatively low profile at Oregon, Mr. Lowder’s role in Auburn athletics has attracted controversy, with critics contending he is involved in day-to-day football operations, including hiring and firing decisions.