Oregon vs. Ohio State: TV Info, Key Players in College Football Championship

Just when it seemed the games couldn't get any more exciting than the Sugar Bowl, the College Football Playoff now comes to a close with the national championship game.

Oregon routed Florida State in the Rose Bowl prior to Ohio State's comeback win over Alabama. Both games were intriguing going in, but Oregon came away looking like the stronger team for the national championship.

The deciding factor, of course, will be which players show up on the big stage. There is no shortage of star power between a Heisman winner and a breakout running back that has carried the Buckeyes late in the season.

Before the final game of the season kicks off, here's a look at the viewing info and players to watch on Jan. 12.

Game Information

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

When: Monday, Jan. 12, at 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Players to Watch

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

All season long, Marcus Mariota has done it all for the Ducks. Whether it's been with his arm or legs, the Heisman winner has throttled nearly every opponent this season en route to the title game.

After replacing Jameis Winston as the reigning Heisman winner, he promptly dismantled Florida State. It was just another huge accomplishment for Mariota on what has already been a special season, as SportsCenter notes:

Heading into the title matchup, Mariota has contributed 56 total touchdowns with just six turnovers (three fumbles, three interceptions). He threw one during a slightly shaky start to the FSU game but bounced back after his running game started rolling.

Expect Mariota to once again have a huge role in the championship game to lead the way for the Ducks. Depending on how well he plays under pressure, Oregon might be hoisting its first-ever national championship trophy in the same year Mariota won the first Heisman for the program.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State

Over the course of the last several games, many have heralded Cardale Jones as the catalyst for the Ohio State offense. While he's been a solid signal-caller for the Buckeyes, it has been Ezekiel Elliott that has paced the team.

In his last two games, Elliott has recorded over 200 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports put the two phenomenal performances in perspective:

Even against two Heisman finalists in the Big Ten Championship and Sugar Bowl, Elliott was able to steal the show. In fact, he was named the MVP in the semifinal, via Ohio State's official account:

Having Jones and Devin Smith in the passing game, the Buckeyes have the weapons on offense to compete. If the Buckeyes plan to take home a crystal football, however, they will need a certain crop top-wearing tailback streaking down the field for several huge gains.

Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

Even when held in check at times during the Rose Bowl, Royce Freeman still showed out despite receiving only 14 touches. The freshman finished with 63 total yards and two touchdowns, including one that saw him go through one of Florida State's biggest defensive players at the goal line.

His relentless approach in the Oregon running game has been evident throughout the season with eight straight 100-yard games prior to the semifinal. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com actually made a comparison to a current NFL running back: 

On the other side is an Ohio State rush defense that allowed 170 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against Alabama. If Freeman and Thomas Tyner can find success against OSU, the Ducks will run away in the national championship game—literally.

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