College Football Playoff title game storylines to keep an eye on

If the last two CFP championships between Alabama and Clemson are any indication, football fans are in for a treat. The Crimson Tide claimed the 2015-16 championship with a 45-40 win, but Clemson won 35-31 the following year behind Deshaun Watson's heroics. Alabama was favored by six points and 6.5 points, respectively, in those two games and opened this year's game as six-point favorites.

Tagovailoa was carted off in the SEC Championship with an ankle injury, but he looked good in the CFP semifinals after aggressive rehab. He still claims that he's not 100 percent, so aggravating the injury remains a concern. The Tide have the best fallback option in the country with Jalen Hurts backing up Tagovailoa, but they certainly hope their star quarterback can stay on the field.

Clemson had one of the top recruiting classes in the country, and it was on full display in the CFP semifinals with huge contributions from quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Justyn Ross. Freshman running back Lyn-J Dixon also has been a contributor this season.

Clemson is appearing in its fourth straight College Football Playoff, and Swinney is aiming for his second national championship. He's built the program into a true college football powerhouse and has a chance to notch his first undefeated season with a win.

Saban has probably already cemented his status as the greatest college football head coach in history, but he can add to his legacy with another national championship. It would be Saban's seventh national title and his third in four years.

Clemson's senior class already has historic accomplishments with four straight College Football Playoff appearances, but this year's seniors are special for another reason. Several players, including defensive linemen Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant, opted to return to school rather than enter the NFL Draft after last season. Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is another notable senior entering his final game, with more than 2,100 yards receiving for his career.

Hurts started last year's CFP championship before giving way to Tua Tagovailoa. By all accounts he's been a model citizen in the role of backup to Tagovailoa this season, and he came up huge when the Crimson Tide needed him in the SEC Championship vs. Georgia. Alabama might not be here without him, and Hurts could be used for a few snaps even if Tagovailoa is having his way on offense.

The 6-4, 340-pound Lawrence was suspended for the College Football Playoff after testing positive for a banned substance. Clemson had no problem beating Notre Dame without him, but Alabama is a much stiffer test. Lawrence is a dominant run defender, and his loss could be significant for Alabama's running game.

A key pass rusher with eight sacks for Alabama this season, Miller was lost in the CFP semifinal with what appeared to be a serious leg injury. The diagnosis is a strained hamstring, but Alabama is hopeful Miller will be able to play vs. Clemson. That would be a huge boost for Alabama's pass rush.

As you'd expect, there are some big-time draft prospects in this game who could shape the 2019 NFL Draft and beyond. Among the possible first-rounders for this year's draft for Alabama are Jonah Williams (OT), Quinnen Williams (DT), Deionte Thompson (S) and Raekwon Davis (DL), while Clemson features Christian Wilkins (DL), Clelin Ferrell (DL), Austin Bryant (DL) and Trayvon Mullen (CB). That's not even mentioning possible future No. 1 overall quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence.

Alabama finished seventh-best in points allowed this season (16.2), while Clemson ranked second (12.9). Both defenses are absolutely loaded with NFL talent and depth at all three levels. Despite great offenses, the fact that the Vegas total opened at 59 says a lot for the defensive ability on both sides.

Etienne has been a true bell-cow running back for the Tigers, with 190 carries for 1,573 yards and 22 rushing touchdowns this season. He's averaging 8.3 yards per carry but faces an Alabama defense that allows only 3.3 yards per carry. It will be an interesting matchup for Etienne, to say the least.

Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley has done a terrific job turning Alabama into an elite passing offense this season, but he's now a lame-duck coordinator after accepting the Maryland head coaching position. We've seen past Alabama coordinators in the same position, like Lane Kiffin, struggle and then receive postgame criticism. Tide fans hope Locksley caps off his Alabama coaching career with a dominant performance and a final win.

Both teams are great on offense and defense, but the kicking game hasn't been as smooth for either side. Clemson kicker Greg Huegel has the benefit of experience, but he's just 10-of-15 on field goals this season and 53-of-70 for his career. Alabama's Joseph Bulovas is a freshman, and he's just 13-of-17 on field goals and has missed five extra points. Fans of both sides are probably hoping the contest doesn't come down to the kicking game.

Going into New Year's Eve, the ACC was 5-2 in bowl games, while the SEC was 3-2. The SEC clearly has been the most dominant football conference in recent years, but the ACC is staking its claim with a solid bowl season.