New Year’s Day is always a celebration for American sports fans thanks to college football’s New Year’s Six (NY6) Bowls. The top college football teams in the nation face off against each other in a series of six bowl games that are determined by conference bids. Two of the bowls are determined by the college football playoff rankings and those games decide who will advance to the national championship. This time around, the Alabama Crimson Tide predictably handled business against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after opening up as a 19.5 point favorite, one of the largest spreads in collegiate postseason history. Surprisingly, the Ohio State Buckeyes routed the favorite Clemson Tigers 49-28 after weeks of trash talk between fan bases, players, and even coaches. Although Alabama has opened up as a seven-point favorite against the Buckeyes, the amount of talent on both sides makes it anyone’s ball game.   

The Alabama Crimson Tide (12-0) have been simply unmatched this season. Although it seems fans say the same thing about the Tide every year, it once again holds true: this may be the best offense college football has ever seen. With Davey O-Brien (Best QB Award) winner and Heisman-finalist Mac Jones under center with an award-winning offensive line, Heisman-winning wide receiver Devonta Smith and Doak Walker (Best RB Award) winner Najee Harris in the backfield, this Alabama offense is nearly impossible to stop. The Tide have definitely shown up to every big game this season, lighting up the scoreboard against top-15 opponents Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M, and most recently Notre Dame. Despite COVID concerns, Nick Saban’s squad has once again reached the title game for the eighth time in 12 years, and are hoping to bring home yet another championship for that “Sweet Home” just west of us. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0) clearly proved the doubters wrong after demolishing Trevor Lawrence’s Tigers on New Year’s Day, however some critics question whether it has been tested like their championship-game opponent. The Buckeyes had a much shorter season compared to most, after three of its games were cancelled due to COVID. Despite the team’s short seven game track-record, they were put into the playoffs thanks to its immensely-talented roster. 

Although many doubted the Buckeyes, they are accustomed to silencing the critics. Quarterback Justin Fields put on a show against Clemson, tossing six touchdown passes after taking a brutal hit to the ribs in the second quarter. Buckeyes running back Tre Sermon has also been recording unprecedented numbers, racking up 524 rushing yards and three touchdowns over the last two games against top defenses. Although they are not favored, Ohio State is going to ride this underdog mentality all the through. “After the Cleveland Browns won last night, a win tonight would be insane for the state ogOhio,” said Buckeyes fan Evan Elgison. “Alabama’s offense looks scary but I think the Buckeyes have what it takes to pull another upset.”

Although there will not be many in attendance at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, millions of sports fans will be cheering from home as a season like none other comes to an end. Despite the COVID controversy concerning both teams coming into Monday’s matchup, both squads are officially set to hash it out for the ultimate go big or go home finale. Whether it comes down to the wire or ends in a blowout as most playoff games have, the work put in to make this season work is appreciated by sports watchers across the country.