Ohio State and Utah will head to Pasadena, California, coming from opposite directions. The Buckeyes appeared destined for the College Football Playoff for the bulk of the season until their loss to Michigan, while the Utes started the year 1-2 before a quarterback changed the trajectory of the season.
Utah's Kyle Whittingham is among the top candidates for national coach of the year after guiding the Utes through the tragic deaths of teammates -- and close friends -- Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe roughly 10 months apart. It's a nearly unimaginable set of circumstances to cope with, and to do so while equaling the best conference record (8-1) by any team since the Pac-12 expanded, is a remarkable achievement.