For the fourth consecutive year, either Alabama or Clemson will hoist the College Football Playoff national championship trophy.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is looking for his second national title, while Alabama's Nick Saban is on a quest for his seventh title.
AL.com asked former players, analysts and coaches for their thoughts on Monday night's game in Santa Clara, Calif.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney pose with the trophy at a news conference for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.
Alabama and Clemson have combined for the past three national championships and will meet Monday night to keep the streak alive.
Jake Coker
Former Alabama quarterback:
"I think Clemson is talented, but they aren't as complete as Alabama. I don't see how Clemson - or anyone - can stop us with a healthy Tua. I think Alabama wins by at least 10 if both teams show up."
Corey Miller
Alabama linebacker Christian Miller's dad who covers Clemson for WACH Fox in South Carolina:
"I'm going Roll Tide. At the end of the day, the offense has an ability to spread the ball around. I think the defense will be the best defense they've seen all year, especially if Christian is able to play. The ability to get to the quarterback, I think Alabama wins by 9 or 10 points."
Gene Stallings
Former Alabama coach Gene Stallings, who coached Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, and the grandfather of Clemson TE J.C. Chalk:
"I think Alabama's a little bit better team than Clemson. I think it is probably a five-point game. If Clemson can pressure the quarterback, make him throw the football before he' ready, they have an excellent chance of winning the game. ... The thing with Alabama is, they have outstanding wide receivers who go up and get the ball. And now they are running the ball. I think Alabama's a little bit better team."
Phil Savage
GM of Arizona Hot Shots of the Alliance League Phil Savage, former analyst for the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
"I think it will be a really competitive game. It's a really good matchup. Those individual games within the games take place. The Hunter Renfrow vs. Shyheim Carter, Isiah Simmons vs. Irv Smith Jr., Tua Tagovailoa against their group of linebackers. I don't think either school wants it to come down to a kicking contest because neither one has been particularly good there. It's hard to beat Alabama. I think Alabama wins a close game."
Tommy Bowden
Former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden:
"It's more evenly matched than any of the other games. It's two teams looking in a mirror. It could be a 3-point Alabama win. Not so much because Alabama's kicking game is that good. I think both kicking games are average. When you look at position by position, strength vs. strength, there is just an ever so slight advantage toward Alabama."
Tommy Tuberville
Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville:
Big plays by the Alabama receivers and turnovers caused by the Alabama defense will be the difference. I think the weather will play a factor. Could be low-scoring, but it will be an interesting game.
Alabama 45-28.
Cole Cubelic
SEC Network, AL.com analyst and former Auburn lineman:
"Clemson must have an answer for Quinnen Williams. A couple teams have had a good plan for this Bama team and Quinnen happens. I'd go warp speed if I was Clemson. Try to wear the defense down as they have appeared to be gassed late in a few games later in the season. Alabama has to neutralize the Clemson defensive line, and I think they will be fine."
Alabama 42-28
Sherman Williams
Former Alabama running back:
"Two explosive offenses. Clemson's front seven is the best in the country. Clemson's Dexter Lawrence's absence will hurt the depth for the Tigers. Alabama's offense will play at a high level and plays to its competition a lot."
Alabama 52-39
Bob Baumhower
Former Alabama player:
"Tough game. Dabo Swinney is a great coach with a great coaching staff. Great team. I think its going to be a fourth-quarter game. Very good defense on both sides. Two good offenses, but I think with Tua at quarterback, the talent we have on offense, you'll be looking at roughly a 10-point game.
Alabama 35-24
