Ohio State vs Alabama 8:30 ET
Crimson Tide (-) over Buckeyes- This one could end up a classic as the two best coaches in college football Nick Saban of Alabama and Urban Meyer of Ohio State face each other in the inaugural College Football Playoff for the first time since their SEC days. At first look at this contest I see a team that won their the Big Ten Conference Championship game 59-0 opening almost a 10-point underdog. Both clubs enter with identical 12-1 record and one would expect a 'line' that seems more competitive. Defense might be the reason as Alabama held their last opponent (Missouri) in the SEC Championship game to 41 yards on 34 carries. Red-Shirt sophomore Cardale Jones was outstanding in his first start in the Big Ten Championship game but facing Alabama is another story. Ohio State scored at least 31 points in 12 of 13 games averaging 45.2 points per game while the Tide allows just 16.6 per contest. Defense wins championship and it will win here. Take ALABAMA!