Ohio State will be the underdog again in the CFP championship game vs. top-ranked Alabama on Monday in Miami Gardens, Fla., but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban won't add motivation for the No. 3 Buckeyes.
"We're excited about having the opportunity to play against a great Ohio State team," Saban said Monday. "These guys are really well-coached. Ryan Day has done a great job there. They're one of the best defensive teams in the country in terms of points allowed. Tough to run against, really explosive on offense, really good skill players outside."
No bulletin-board material there by Alabama (12-0) to fuel Ohio State (7-0), which was rankled before its semifinal game when Clemson coach Dabo Swinney ranked the Buckeyes 11th in the coaches' poll.