No. 1 Alabama (12-0) will play No. 3 Ohio State (7-0) in the 2021 College Football Playoff national championship after both programs won their respective semifinal playoff games on Jan. 1.
The Crimson Tide blew out No. 4 Notre Dame, 31–14, in the Rose Bowl after receiving stellar offensive performances from quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris and wide receiver DeVonta Smith.
The Buckeyes pulled away from No. 2 Clemson to defeat the Tigers 49-28 to win the Sugar Bowl and advance to the national championship. Quarterback Justin Fields threw for 385 yards and six touchdowns in the victory.