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Makers
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Posts: 19,313

Thursday's College Football Dec 31, 2015 8:12:00 GMT -5

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Post by Makers on Dec 31, 2015 8:12:00 GMT -5

Game of the Day: Thursday's College Football Playoff

Capital One Orange Bowl

To be played at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

(3) Oklahoma Sooners vs. Clemson Tigers (+4, 63.5)

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL STORYLINES

1. Top-ranked Clemson is the lone remaining unbeaten squad and fourth-ranked Oklahoma has reeled off seven straight victories as they enter their College Football Playoff semifinal clash in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 31 at Miami Gardens, Fla. The Tigers are bidding for their first national championship since going 12-0 in 1981, while the Sooners are chasing their first national title since going 13-0 in 2000. Oklahoma's lone loss came to Texas on Oct. 10, while Clemson has won 16 consecutive games since losing to Georgia Tech in mid-November of the 2014 campaign.

2. There is no disputing the notion that the top two quarterbacks in the country are playing in this contest as Clemson sophomore Deshaun Watson finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting and Oklahoma junior Baker Mayfield placed fourth with the top two finishers both being running back. Watson is an all-around nightmare for defensive coordinators as he has passed for 3,512 yards and 30 touchdowns and rushed for 887 yards and 11 scores while Mayfield has passed for 3,389 yards and 35 touchdowns while rushing for 420 yards and seven scores. "I think he's exceptional," Sooners coach Bob Stoops told reporters of Watson. "What a great athlete - thrower, runner, everything. I really have a great respect and appreciation for what a quality player he is."

3. One aspect both teams are downplaying is that Clemson put a 40-6 thumping on the Sooners in last season's Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, Fla. Watson missed the game with a knee injury and Oklahoma committed five turnovers and was never in the contest but Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has been insisting that nobody should be bringing up that game. "That just absolutely has nothing to do with this year," Swinney told reporters. "They're playing as good as anybody in the country right now, maybe the best of anybody in the country, so we know they'll be fired up to play us."

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Clemson as a 3-point dog before that moved to +4. The total is down to 63.5 from the opening 65.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the high-70s with a 28 percent chance of showers. Wind will blow toward the west endzone at around 9 mph.

INJURY REPORT:

Oklahoma - CB Jordan Thomas (Probable, personal), RB Daniel Brooks (Out, academics), DE Gabriel Campbell (Out, academics), S Prentice McKinney (Out, academics), RB Rodney Anderson (Out, leg), T Kenyon Frison (Out, suspension).

Clemson - WR Artavis Scott (Probable, knee), WR Mike Williams (Out, neck), S Korrin Wiggins (Out, knee).

ABOUT OKLAHOMA (11-1 SU, 9-3 ATS, 8-4 O/U): The Sooners have averaged 52 points during their seven-game winning streak as senior receiver Sterling Shepard and sophomore running back Samaje Perine complement Mayfield's prowess. Shepard has 79 receptions for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdown catches and ranks second in school history in receptions (226) and receiving yardage (3,395) while Perine has rushed for 1,291 yards and 15 touchdowns and has 3,004 career rushing yards to join Adrian Peterson (2004-05) as the only players to top 3,000 in their first two seasons as Sooners. Oklahoma allows 20.8 points per game and boasts solid players in senior outside linebacker Eric Striker (team-high 16 tackles for losses and 7.5 sacks), junior cornerback Zack Sanchez (team-leading six interceptions), sophomore cornerback Jordan Thomas (five interceptions), junior inside linebacker Dominique Alexander (team-best 91 tackles) and senior defensive end Charles Tapper (seven sacks).

ABOUT CLEMSON (13-0 SU, 6-7 ATS, 8-5 O/U): The Tigers are hoping standout sophomore receiver Artavis Scott (84 receptions, 805 yards) will be in top shape by the bowl game after he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair meniscus cartilage in his right knee earlier this month. Sophomore running back Wayne Gallman has been superb with 1,332 yards and 10 touchdowns and is 14 yards shy of surpassing the school mark set by Raymond Priester in 1996. Clemson allows 20.2 points per game with standout junior defensive end Shaq Lawson delivering a dominating season - he has a team-best 9.5 sacks and leads the nation with 22.5 tackles for losses - while senior middle linebacker B.J. Goodson (team-high 91 tackles), junior cornerback Condrea Tankersley (team-leading five interceptions) and junior defensive end Kevin Dodd (eight sacks) also are having strong campaigns.

TWEET BEAT:

TRENDS:

* Sooners are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games overall.
* Tigers are 1-4 ATS in their last five games overall.
* Under is 12-3-1 in Sooners last 16 games in December.
* Under is 5-0 in Tigers last five vs. Big 12.

COVERS CONSENSUS: Fifty-six percent of Covers users are backing Clemson.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl

To be played at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

(4) Michigan State Spartans vs. (2) Alabama Crimson Tide (-10, 46.5)

GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL STORYLINES

1. Second-ranked Alabama is in the College Football Playoff semifinals for the second straight season as it faces third-ranked Michigan State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31 at Arlington, Texas. The Crimson Tide were ousted by Ohio State in last season's semifinals and are again matched up against a Big Ten program. Only a one-point loss to Nebraska in early November prevented the Spartans from entering the playoffs with an unbeaten record while Alabama has won 10 straight games since losing to Ole Miss in mid-September.

2. Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook said his sprained throwing shoulder is improving and will be close to 100 percent New Year's Eve. Cook has a 34-4 career mark as a starter, has thrown a school-record 71 career touchdown passes and ranks second in passing yards (8,984) behind Kirk Cousins (9,131 from 2008-11). "I'm pretty much doing everything in practice now," Cook told reporters in mid-December. "I'm pretty confident."

3. Alabama junior running back Derrick Henry topped 100 yards nine times - and 200 on four occasions - while rushing for an SEC-record 1,986 yards to go with 23 touchdowns en route to winning the Heisman Trophy. The Spartans know they will be seeing a lot of Henry with the football as he carried it a combined 90 times over the Crimson Tide's last two games. "Whatever I have to do to help my team win," Henry told reporters. "I don't care how many carries it is. As long as it's successful and we've got the ball, I'm all for it."

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: Books opened Alabama as 8.5-point faves but that now sits at -10. The total is down to 46.5 after opening at 49.

WEATHER: N/A

INJURY REPORT:

Michigan State - S R.J. Williamson (Probable, bicep), QB Connor Cook (Probable, shoulder), FB Trevon Pendleton (Questionable, leg), DB Jalen Watts-Jackson (Out for season, hip), OL Dennis Finley (Out for season, leg), CB Vayante Copeland (Out for season, back), LB Ed Davis (Out for season, knee).

Alabama - WR Chris Black (Out for season, ankle), WR Robert Foster (Out for season, shoulder).

CHEERLEADER WAR:

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (12-1 SU, 5-7-1 ATS, 6-7 O/U): Cook has completed 56.9 percent of his passes and been intercepted only five times and has a big-time target to work with in senior Aaron Burbridge, who has 1,219 yards and seven touchdowns on a school-record 80 receptions. Freshman LJ Scott rushed for a team-high 691 yards and 11 touchdowns and his last score was the biggest as he kept his legs churning on third-and-goal to score the decisive 1-yard touchdown to beat Iowa in the Big Ten title game. The Spartans allow 20.5 points per game with senior defensive end Shilique Calhoun (10.5 sacks) leading the way while sophomore nose tackle Malik McDowell (12 tackles for losses) and junior middle linebacker Riley Bullough (team-most 95 tackles) are also standout players.

ABOUT ALABAMA (12-1 SU, 7-6 ATS, 5-8 O/U): Henry carries the offense and takes pressure off of senior quarterback Jake Coker, who has thrown for 2,489 yards and 17 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Freshman receiver Calvin Ridley emerged as a solid target with 75 receptions for 893 yards to help the Crimson Tide average 34.1 points and complement a defense that allows only 14.4 per game. Junior strong safety Eddie Jackson has a team-leading five interceptions - he has returned them for 230 yards and two touchdowns - while senior middle linebacker Reggie Ragland has recorded a team-high 90 tackles and junior defensive Jonathan Allen has a team-best 10 sacks.

TWEET BEAT:

TRENDS:

* Spartans are 4-0 ATS in their last four bowl games.
* Crimson Tide are 5-1 ATS in their last six vs. Big Ten.
* Over is 8-2 in Spartans last 10 non-conference games.
* Over is 8-1 in Crimson Tide last nine bowl games.

Makers
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Posts: 19,313

Thursday's College Football Dec 31, 2015 8:14:06 GMT -5

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Post by Makers on Dec 31, 2015 8:14:06 GMT -5

Alabama's Saban the smart bet when facing former assistants

If recent history is any indication of what the future holds, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and his 12-1 Spartans could be in major trouble come Thursday’s college football playoff semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.

Why, you ask? Because Alabama head coach Nick Saban has never lost a football game to one of his former assistants.

The most successful coach in college football currently pacing the sidelines, Saban owns a 98-15 (.867) regular season record with three national championship victories since taking over at Alabama in 2007.

And when any of his former assistants has attempted to demonstrate that the student has, in fact, become the master, each has found himself in the same position as those who came before him: defeated in convincing fashion.

When matched up against a former assistant, as the case will be in Thursday’s semifinal against Dantonio, who served as defensive backs coach under Saban at Michigan State from 1995-1999, the Crimson Tide boss is a perfect 8-0 SU and 6-2 ATS while defeating the opposition by the staggering average of 27.8 points per game.

Just ask Derek Dooley, who tried and failed three times against Saban while leading the Tennessee Volunteers from 2010-2012. Or Will Muschamp, who tasted defeat at the hands of Saban twice while coaching the Florida Gators. You could also talk to Jim McElwain, who lost to Saban while running the show at Colorado State and again in this year’s SEC Championship game as the head coach of the Florida Gators.

Or, you could just talk to Mark Dantonio, who was annihilated by Saban and the Crimson Tide by the final score of 49-7 in the 2011 Capital One Bowl.

And here’s the kicker: Saban doesn’t just beat his former assistants, he destroys them. In each of the eight aforementioned encounters with a former employee, Saban’s program has posted at least 29 points each time (38.9 pts/gm) while never surrendering more than 21 points (11.0 pts/gm). In fact, the closest any former assistant has gotten to hanging with Saban was when Jim McElwain’s Gators fell 29-15 to Alabama in the 2015 SEC Championship game just a few weeks ago.

Covering a 10-point spread against a Spartans defense that has permitted an average of just 20.5 points per game this season may seem like a tall order, but that line hasn’t detracted the sharp bettors one bit from backing Alabama.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS

As you’re about to find out, there has been very little movement in regards to the prices for the four teams set to do battle in this season’s college football playoff.

Here’s a breakdown of what the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook was offering on December 7 when the four-team playoff was first announced as well as what the odds board is currently offering:

Alabama Crimson Tide: Even (Even on December 7)
Oklahoma Sooners: 9/4 (9/4 on December 7)
Clemson Tigers: 6/1 (5/1 on December 7)
Michigan State Spartans: 7/1 (7/1 on December 7)

SHARP vs. PUBLIC: Behind the counter

Covers spoke with Jeff Sherman (@golfodds), assistant sportsbook manager at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, and Jay Rood, vice president of race & sports at MGM Resorts, earlier this week for some insight as to what was taking place in the betting market in regards to the December 31 and January 1 bowl games.

Sharp action: Per Rood, MGM Resorts has been taking sharp action on Alabama (-10 vs. Michigan State), Florida (+4 vs. Michigan) and Ole Miss (-7 vs. Oklahoma State). Over at the Westgate, Sherman told Covers that Alabama was the most popular position amongst their sophisticated clientele.

Public action: “Michigan State plus the points is the clear public choice this bowl season,” Rood told Covers, meaning the Goodyear Cotton Bowl will feature a classic matchup pitting sharp bettors against public bettors, which is interesting because usually in these scenarios, the sharps support the underdog while the public backs the favorite.

As for the Westgate, Sherman echoed Rood’s sentiment about Michigan State, while also stating that Northwestern (+8 vs. Tennessee), Michigan (-4 vs. Florida), Ohio State (-6.5 vs. Notre Dame) and Oklahoma State (+7 vs. Ole Miss) were also experiencing significant public support.

Biggest bets: Both Rood and Sherman expressed that the largest wagers placed at their respective sportsbooks this bowl season came in backing Alabama. In addition, Sherman indicated that the biggest public bet the Westgate took this bowl season was in support of Northwestern.

Liability: Of the eight games scheduled to be played on December 31 and January 1, the worst financial result for MGM Resorts would be Alabama covering the pointspread against Michigan State, according to Rood. Conversely, the Westgate would experience its worst possible financial loss if Michigan State were to win outright over the Crimson Tide, per Sherman.

Biggest line movement: The two most significant line movements that have taken place so far at the Westgate were the adjustments of Oklahoma (vs. Clemson) from -2.5 to -3.5 and Tennessee (vs. Northwestern) from -9.5 to -8.5. Rood expressed a similar situation at MGM Resorts, as he has moved Tennessee from -8 to -9 before adjusting back to -8.5.

THREE QUESTIONS

We asked our good friend Chris Andrews, a former bookmaker, three questions in regards to the December 31 and January 1 bowl games:

Is there a sharp play that isn’t garnering as much attention as Alabama?

“I would say that Iowa (+6 vs. Stanford) is experiencing the most wiseguy action outside of Alabama.”

What’s the best value play left on the board?

“I still like a lot of the games out there, even at these numbers. But my favorite play is probably Michigan (-4 vs. Stanford), even though it is such a huge public side. However, I still believe that -4 is a steal.”

Are you worried that any of these teams lack the motivation to show up and play their best?

“I think there is a good shot that Florida State (-7 vs. Houston) won’t show up. In addition, I think there’s a chance that Ohio State (-6.5 vs. Notre Dame) won’t show up, either, but I can’t help but think that Notre Dame is overrated.”

ACTION REPORT

Here are the current betting percentages for every side and total set to be played on December 31 and January 1.

CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL (12/31 at 12:00 p.m. ET)

Florida State Seminoles (-7/55.5) vs. Houston Cougars: 58 percent on Houston, 75 percent on the Over.

CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL (12/31 at 4:00 p.m. ET)

Oklahoma Sooners (-3.5/63.5) vs. Clemson Tigers: 63 percent on Clemson, 74 percent on the Over.

GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL (12/31 at 8:00 p.m. ET)

Alabama Crimson Tide (-10/47) vs. Michigan State Spartans: 67 percent on Michigan State, 57 percent on the Under.

OUTBACK BOWL (1/1 at 12:00 p.m. ET)

Tennessee Volunteers (-8/47.5) vs. Northwestern Wildcats: 56 percent on Northwestern, 68 percent on the Over.

BATTLEFROG FIESTA BOWL (1/1 at 1:00 p.m. ET)

Ohio State Buckeyes (-6.5/57) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: 66 percent on Ohio State, 94 percent on the Over.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS CITRUS BOWL (1/1 at 1:00 p.m. ET)

Michigan Wolverines (-4/39) vs. Florida Gators: 72 percent on Michigan, 51 percent on the Over.

ROSE BOWL (1/1 at 5:00 p.m. ET)

Stanford Cardinal (-6/53) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes: 51 percent on Iowa, 65 percent on the Over.

ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (1/1 at 8:30 p.m. ET)

Mississippi Rebels (-7/68) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys: 58 percent on Mississippi, 77 percent on the Over.

Gooba
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Posts: 22,837

Thursday's College Football Dec 31, 2015 10:26:54 GMT -5

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Post by Gooba on Dec 31, 2015 10:26:54 GMT -5

Preview: Sooners (11-1) at Tigers (13-0)

Date: December 31, 2015 4:00 PM EDT

(AP) - Another year, another Clemson vs. Oklahoma bowl game.

Only now, the stakes are immeasurably higher.

Clemson (13-0, No. 1 CFP) will meet Oklahoma (11-1, No. 4 CFP) in the Orange Bowl on Thursday, one of the two semifinal games in this season's College Football Playoff. It's a rematch of last season's Russell Athletic Bowl, a 40-6 romp for the Tigers that served as a springboard of sorts on the way to being the last unbeaten club at the FBS level this season.

And now the Tigers are two wins away from becoming the first 15-0 team in FBS history - not to mention a national championship. The Clemson-Oklahoma winner gets either Alabama or Michigan State to decide who supplants Ohio State as college football's kings.

"We know we're going to have to play our best four quarters of the year," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. "That's what these games are all about. There's not a lot of margin for error, certainly when you're playing a team as hot as Oklahoma. They're probably playing the best football of anybody in the country right now."

Whereas Swinney was named The Associated Press coach of the year, quarterback Deshaun Watson received an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony but finished third. Watson did win ACC offensive player of the year honors, while fellow All-American Shaq Lawson took home the defensive honor.

While Watson thought it cool to be a Heisman finalist, Swinney said the trophy his quarterback truly wants "is the one they give to the last team standing."

Clemson outscored opponents 500-263 this season, and though the Tigers were tested at times - Notre Dame could have forced overtime with a 2-point conversion in the final seconds of an October matchup - they never trailed in a fourth quarter. The Tigers wrapped up their playoff spot with a 45-37 win over North Carolina in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, extending the nation's longest winning streak to 16 games.

"Regardless of who we're playing, it doesn't matter," Oklahoma linebacker Eric Striker said. "We're in."

The Tigers are well-versed in how to get around Sun Life Stadium, and embarrassed Miami 58-0 earlier this season on the same field they'll see for the bowl game.

But no team has been to the Orange Bowl more than Oklahoma.

The Sooners - outright winners of the Big 12 title, their ninth in 17 seasons under coach Bob Stoops - are extending their record by heading to the game for the 19th time, 20 if you count a BCS title game that was hosted by the Orange Bowl Committee. Oklahoma could have been doomed by a midseason loss to Texas, but won seven straight by a combined score of 364-136 to climb into the CFP mix.

"It isn't just about the opportunity," Stoops said. "You've got to go down and win."

This will be the fifth meeting between the schools, the series split 2-2 to this point. Oklahoma won regular-season games in 1963 and 1972; Clemson won bowl matchups in 1989 and then again last season.

"I don't think any of it is about getting teams back," Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez said when asked about the rematch with Clemson. "The ultimate motivation right now is winning a national championship."

That Russell Athletic Bowl matchup last season was played without both Clemson's Deshaun Watson (injured) and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield (sitting out to satisfy transfer rules) on the field. They'll be asked to be among the stars of the show on New Year's Eve. Mayfield threw 35 touchdown passes this season, Watson passed for 30. Both ranked among the top nine nationally in that department.

Having Mayfield on the field should make for a more competitive matchup after Trevor Knight, who recently decided to transfer, completed just 13 of 37 passes for 103 yards with three interceptions against Clemson last year. Mayfield had only five interceptions in 354 attempts, completing 68.6 percent for 3,389 yards en route to Big 12 offensive player of the year honors.

The Texas Tech transfer gives credit to first-year offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley, who led a unit which scored 45.8 points per game to rank third in the FBS.

"He knows he can push me," Mayfield said. "I like being pushed. It's a challenge. I want to get better. He's doing that every day in practice."

While Mayfield can also be a threat with his legs, rushing for 195 yards over the last three games, Watson is a bigger one. He topped 100 yards on the ground in four of the final five games and finished with 11 rushing touchdowns.

Watson was just as dangerous with his arm, and having a healthy Artavis Scott could be a key. The all-ACC first-team receiver recently had a procedure to fix a damaged meniscus in a knee that had bothered him for about a month, but Swinney expects him to be full speed for the Orange Bowl.

Maybe it's a byproduct of the teams facing Watson and Mayfield in practice every day, but good luck passing against either of these clubs. Both finished among the nation's leaders in passer rating defense, with Clemson at No. 7 and Oklahoma at No. 12. Plus, both defenses have logged 38 sacks so far this season, including 10 by Lawson.

Clemson has gotten here despite actually losing the turnover battle this season, giving the ball away 25 times while forcing 23. Oklahoma has been one of the nation's best in turnover margin, with 26 takeaways opposed to 16 giveaways. And during the Sooners' seven-game winning streak they've been even better with 19 takeaways against just seven turnovers.

Five turnovers cost Oklahoma in last year's matchup with the Tigers.

"We had something to do with that," Swinney said. "But at the end of the day, if you turn the ball over against a good team, it's going to get away."

Gooba
Administrator

Posts: 22,837

Thursday's College Football Dec 31, 2015 10:27:29 GMT -5

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Post by Gooba on Dec 31, 2015 10:27:29 GMT -5

Preview: Spartans (12-1) at Crimson Tide (12-1)

Date: December 31, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

A decade before winning three national championships at Alabama, Nick Saban was the coach at Michigan State and Mark Dantonio was one of his assistants.

Before winning bowl games the past four years, Dantonio's first really good season as the Spartans' coach ended with an embarrassing bowl loss to the Crimson Tide and the coach he calls a mentor.

The programs meet again in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve, this time with a national championship game berth on the line. The SEC champion Tide play Big Ten winner Michigan State in a likely bruising College Football Playoff semifinal between 12-1 teams.

'Mark has exceeded expectations of all of us in terms of what he's done at Michigan State and certainly done a better job than I ever did there,' Saban said Sunday.

'We're going to play on edge,' Dantonio said.

Michigan State won the Big Ten championship 16-13 over Iowa on Dec. 5, and Saban was pulling for his former team and assistant while watching the epic 22-play drive that ended with freshman L.J. Scott lunging forward for a 1-yard touchdown in the final minute.

A few hours earlier, eventual Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry had a staggering 44 carries for 189 yards in Alabama's 29-15 victory over Florida in the SEC title game.

'They had a big physical back and they had a big physical offensive line, and you know, that's the way we try to play, and that's the way they try to play,' Saban said. 'That's the kind of football a lot of people enjoy watching.'

Saban and the Tide also get another shot at the Big Ten. Alabama is the only team that also played in the first four-team playoff last season, but lost 42-35 to eventual national champion Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl.

Saban was 34-21-1 in five seasons at Michigan State (1995-99) before going to LSU, then the NFL and to Alabama in 2007. The Spartans lost in the Independence, Sun and Aloha bowls in Saban's first three years, but were 9-2 in his final season before he left to start his job at LSU and they then won the Citrus Bowl over Florida.

'When I was there, it was a difficult time,' said Saban, also Michigan State's defensive coordinator for five seasons in the 1980s. 'Didn't really have the number of scholarships until the last year we were there. ... We certainly had a good team that year. Probably not as good as Mark's teams have been.'

The co-Big Ten champion Spartans lost out on a tiebreaker and didn't get to go to the Rose Bowl in 2011. Instead, they went to the Capital One Bowl and got pounded 49-7 by Alabama.

Michigan State has won its four bowl games since, including last New Year's Day when they overcame a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Baylor 42-41 in their first Cotton Bowl.

Dantonio left Michigan State a year after Saban to be Ohio State's defensive coordinator for three seasons, then was Cincinnati's coach for three years before his nine seasons so far leading the Spartans.

'My mindset as a football coach has been shaped by the people I've worked for. Certainly Jim Tressel ... but Nick Saban's probably the guy too that from a defensive system certainly, and then also from just an overall football system,' Dantonio said. 'He's truly a mentor.'

Spartans quarterback Connor Cook became the first two-time MVP of the Big Ten title game, even playing with a sore shoulder that isn't holding him back anymore.

Cook says he had been limited in practice, but is now 'pretty much doing everything in practice.' He has thrown for 24 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Michigan State's top three rushers - Scott, Gerald Holmes and Madre London - have a combined 1,614 yards and 22 TDs.

Henry became the second Alabama player to win the Heisman, joining running back Mark Ingram. Henry's 1,986 yards broke Herschel Walker's SEC single-season mark set in 1981, and his 23 rushing TDs tied the SEC mark shared by Tim Tebow and Auburn's Tre Mason.

AT&T Stadium shouldn't feel unfamiliar to Michigan State and Alabama, as both have played there this year. The Spartans had last season's Cotton Bowl, and Henry ran for 147 yards and three TDs in the Tide's season-opening 35-17 victory over Wisconsin this Sept. 5.

The Tide also opened at AT&T in the 2012 season, when they won their last national title.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart will coach the Crimson Tide throughout the playoff after being named coach of Georgia, his alma mater.

Michigan State's four-game bowl winning streak matches the longest in Big Ten history, and is the longest active streak in the FBS. The Spartans' comeback in January's Cotton Bowl was the school's biggest in a postseason game.

Sharp Action Sports

Thursday's College Football

Post by Makers on Dec 31, 2015 8:12:00 GMT -5

Post by Makers on Dec 31, 2015 8:14:06 GMT -5

Post by Gooba on Dec 31, 2015 10:26:54 GMT -5

Post by Gooba on Dec 31, 2015 10:27:29 GMT -5

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