No. 1 Clemson has the nation's most dynamic quarterback. No. 2 Alabama boasts college football's top running back. But when these two teams meet in the 2016 National Championship Game, the real fireworks could happen in the trenches.
No two teams in the country have been as good along their offensive and defensive lines than Clemson and Alabama. The Crimson Tide's top-ranked run defense will take on a Tiger blocking squad made up of five different All-ACC players. When Clemson snaps the ball, we'll be treated to the battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah in five-second spurts.
On the opposite side of the ball, the Tide have done a tremendous job of clearing space for Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. Two first-team All-SEC selections -- tackle Cam Robinson and center Ryan Kelly -- will work to keep defenders off his back, even as opponents (often unsuccessfully) stack the box against them. They'll go up against Shaq Lawson, who was hobbled in the Orange Bowl, and a Clemson defense that ranked sixth in the nation when it came to advanced stats this fall.
There are plenty of thrilling matchups on Monday. Nick Saban vs. Dabo Swinney. Jacob Coker vs. the Tigers' no-fly-zone pass defense. Deshaun Watson vs. Henry in a battle between Heisman finalists. But everything starts with the big men up front. If 2015 was any indication, the biggest game of 2016 won't disappoint.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN. Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit will have the call.
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Megacast: Watch and listen to the game in 14 different ways on various ESPN stations and platforms, plus on WatchESPN.
Spread: Alabama is favored by 7 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation's team blog chats for this game at Shakin' the Southland (for Clemson fans) and Roll 'Bama Roll (for Alabama fans).
Three big things to know
1. Deshaun's time to shine. Alabama has done a tremendous job of shutting down spread offenses under Nick Saban, but will that mastery hold true against the nation's most successful dual-threat quarterback? In the past, mobile quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel were able to exploit 'Bama's weaknesses, but since-departed defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was able to close that loophole behind inspired defensive line play this fall. They'll have a much tougher time figuring out Deshaun Watson, who has run for more yards per game against Power 5 opponents than anyone else in the country. If Watson can get Clemson explosive plays, the Tigers can win.
2. Clemson's beefy defensive front should slow Derrick Henry. Granted, we've said that a few times this season, but the Tigers' proficiency in hamstringing Oklahoma's potent duo of Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine should be the key to keeping the NCAA's leading rusher from extra yards. Of course, even if you limit the Heisman winner, you've still got to deal with ever-improving QB Jacob Coker. It will help if star defensive end Shaq Lawson can play for Clemson. The Tigers are "optimistic" he can.
3. Who do the numbers like? The advanced stats have had Alabama as the College Football Playoff favorite since day one, but much of that was due to a perceived easier matchup against Michigan State in the semifinals. Now, Clemson's about six big plays away from being able to pull off the upset and bring home their first national title since 1981.