Sugar Bowl 2015: Alabama vs. Ohio State Schedule and Players to Watch

The moment the entire country has been waiting for is nearly here. On New Year's Day, the first two semifinals of the College Football Playoff will finally take place, with four of the most illustrious programs looking to make the national championship game.

In the nightcap, Alabama and Ohio State will do battle in the Superdome. Urban Meyer and Nick Saban are looking to add to their impressive collection of national titles, with just two wins standing in their way.

On the field, a collection of some of the most talented players will be the deciding factor for the two coaches. Amari Cooper leads the way for the Crimson Tide. Ezekiel Elliott will likely be the workhorse for the Buckeyes.

Prior to the two historic programs facing off, here's a look at the full schedule and players to watch during the massive showdown.

Sugar Bowl Information

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

When: Thursday, Jan. 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Players to Watch

Amari Cooper

Coming into the College Football Playoff, Cooper has already accomplished everything at the college level. Despite not winning a Heisman Trophy, the star receiver has already won a national title, two SEC titles and owns several school records for the Tide.

ESPN Stats & Info points out how historically great this season was for Bama's leading wideout:

Now Cooper has a chance to bring a second title back to Tuscaloosa during his tenure. Already a Biletnikoff Award winner and unanimous All-American, Cooper has another chance to shine on the big stage down in New Orleans.

If he does, Buckeyes defensive coordinator Chris Ash is worried they will have issues, via Ohio State's official account:

The only problem with that is every time Cooper touches the field, he's a defense's worst nightmare. When Cooper is shut down even the slightest bit, the Tide still have offensive weapons like Blake Sims and T.J. Yeldon to get the job done.

Ezekiel Elliott

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

The one facet of Ohio State's offense that has been successful all season has been the rushing attack. Regardless of who's under center, the Buckeyes have carved up yards on the ground to the tune of 260.8 per game—good for 11th in the country.

Leading that rushing attack all year has been a sophomore tailback. Elliott burst onto the scene for the Buckeyes following their lone loss to Virginia Tech with more than 100 yards from scrimmage in nine of the final 11 games.

Despite his success this season, Elliott believes he could have done more, per Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com.

"

I think there will be a lot of things that will improve, just like breaking tackles and things. I've left a lot of yards on the field this year just because of my wrist, I can't really carry the ball in my left hand, and can't really use my stiff-arm. I can't really use my hand to post on the ground. I have left a lot of yards on the field, something we are going to improve on next year.

"

Over his last three games, Elliott has averaged 164.7 total yards per game with five total touchdowns. If he is, in fact, leaving yards on the field, that has to be terrifying for any defense.

Alabama's defense comes in allowing just 16.6 points per game, but Elliott has been a brute force for OSU. Similar to Cooper, the sophomore will be the biggest weapon and potential deciding factor.

Landon Collins

Now it's time to give the defense some love. For the Alabama defense, look no further than Landon Collins for pure star power.

The Tide's top defensive back has been special all season, following a long line of safeties to explode in Tuscaloosa. Collins leads Bama in tackles (91) and interceptions (three) along with 3.5 tackles for loss this season.

Facing an inexperienced quarterback like Jones, Collins should thrive for the Tide. The junior will lead a Bama defense that allows the fourth-least amount of points (16.6) per game against a potent rushing attack. If he can limit long runs down the field, Collins might be a defensive difference-maker.

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