Tonight: CFP National Championship, Alabama vs. Ohio State (CAN)

January 11, 2021
The GIST: Look. We know we don’t talk about college football a lot, but tonight’s CFP National Championship is a big deal and is airing on TSN at 8 p.m. ET, with two undefeated teams looking to take home a hefty stack of hardware and solidify their names in college football history.
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Tonight: CFP National Championship, Alabama vs. Ohio State (CAN)
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The teams: The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide went a perfect 10-0 this season, capturing the school’s 28th SEC championship en route to their eighth National Championship appearance since 2010. Boasting three of the top five finishers for the Heisman Trophy (in addition to a long list of other award winners), it’s an understatement to say Alabama’s roster is incredibly stacked.

  • No. 3 Ohio State’s appearance in the CFP is a bit controversial. Due to COVID-19 cancellations and a delayed season start, the Buckeyes only played five regular-season games.
  • Still, they’re fresh off a blowout 49–28 upset over No. 2 Clemson and could pull off another underdog miracle tonight. Woof.

Players to watch: Alabama wide receiver (WR) and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith has been an absolute force all season, breaking ankles and records. Along with Heisman finalist QB Mac Jones, he’ll lead an Alabama offense that puts up video game-like scores with ease.

  • Keep an eye out for Canadian John Metchie III, a WR for the Crimson Tide. The sophomore has made a name for himself on a star-powered ’Bama team and will be an important target for QB Jones tonight.
  • Ohio State QB Justin Fields was the main factor in the Buckeyes’ upset victory over Clemson. Fields tossed six (!!!) touchdowns (TDs), stepping up through injury to lead his squad. But…is he ready for the biggest stage of his career?

Prediction: While we do love an underdog story, we’re expecting the elite Alabama roster, led by legendary coach Nick Saban, to roll away with the title. But our GISTers are split. Only 54% of GISTers who participated in our first-ever “Sunday Scroll” newsletter poll think the Crimson Tide will take home the National Title. Drama.