Matchup: No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1, Big Ten) vs. No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1, SEC)
Site: Mercedes-Benz Superdome (New Orleans)
When: Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Series: Alabama leads the all-time series, 2-0.
Last game: Alabama won, 24-17 (Jan. 2, 1995)
Coaches: Urban Meyer (Ohio State); Nick Saban (Alabama)
Players to watch: Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper led the nation in receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,656) and had 14 touchdowns while running backs T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry combined for 1,827 rushing yards and 20 scores. Third-string quarterback Cardale Jones makes his second start for Ohio State and Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 1,402 yards and 12 TDs.
Reason to watch: Get SN's take from Bill Bender.
First game: No. 2 Oregon vs. No. 3 Florida State, Rose Bowl, 5 p.m. ET Jan.1