Because of college football's creation of a four-team playoff, intrigue in the sport has reached a fever pitch. On Monday night in Arlington, Texas, Oregon will take on Ohio State for the first-ever College Football Playoff championship game.
Obviously, there's a little more interest in the state of Ohio, as the Buckeyes look to bring home their first national championship title since a 2003 overtime victory over the Miami Hurricanes.
The odds have seemingly been stacked against Ohio State for more than a month – a third-string quarterback, young players at key positions and a daunting matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide. But the Buckeyes have repeatedly prevailed under coach Urban Meyer, who has his team buying into this "underdog" role.
Much like the rest of the country, Browns players will tune in this evening. A few of them gave us their predictions for the game.
Rookie offensive lineman Joel Bitonio took a break from the sunshine in his hometown of Long Beach, California, to weigh in. "Oregon 44, Ohio State 38," Bitonio wrote in a text. "Hopefully I don't get shamed out of Ohio!"
On the other side of the spectrum, defensive lineman Desmond Bryant was quite adamant about Ohio State riding its wave of momentum to win the whole enchilada.
"If that running back Ezekiel Elliot can do what he did against Alabama to Oregon, the Ducks are definitely in trouble," Bryant said while vacationing in North Carolina, predicting a 48-45 final score in favor of the Buckeyes.
Donte Whitner is the only Ohio State alumnus on the roster, and he took to Instagram on Sunday with a message about his Buckeyes:
"Tomorrow WE win the BIG one! O-H!!!!!!! #Buckeye4Life
Other predictions
Tashaun Gipson: Oregon 35, Ohio State 21
Buster Skrine: Ohio State 24, Oregon 17
Taylor Gabriel: Ohio State 28, Oregon 21
Scott Solomon: Oregon 35, Ohio State 31
Connor Shaw: Oregon 38, Ohio State 31
Spencer Lanning: Ohio State 35, Oregon 34
