For the first time since 1966, the Cotton Bowl will be played in December instead of January. And for the first time in the bowl game's history, dating back to 1937, the winner of this game between No. 3 Michigan State and No. 2 Alabama will be going to the national championship game.
Both teams had to scramble in order to get to the college football playoff. Alabama had to overcome a loss to Ole Miss in order to make it to the SEC Championship Game, where it defeated Florida. Michigan State had an even worse loss to Nebraska before defeating Ohio State to help cement their spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.