Oregon vs. Ohio State: TV Info, Preview for College Football Championship 2015

The first year of the College Football Playoff is geared up for a fitting ending, as Oregon and Ohio State are set to battle in Arlington, Texas, for the shiny new trophy.

It only took one year for the four-team playoff to prove its importance. An Alabama-Florida State showdown would have been the title game under the old BCS format, but both teams lost in the semifinal round.

In their place are two squads that seem to have destiny on their side heading into Monday night, but only one group will be standing on the AT&T Stadium turf long into the night celebrating a national title.

Let's break down everything you need to know for the national championship.

Oregon vs. Ohio State: 2015 National Championship

When: Monday, January 12

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Start Time (ET): 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN

Spread (via Odds Shark): Oregon -5.5

Oregon vs. Ohio State Preview

Both Oregon and Ohio State made big statements for their programs that were a long time coming in the semifinal round. 

The Ducks proved something to themselves and college football just by getting into the field of four, but such a dominant win over Florida State showed Oregon may have even been overlooked as the nation's No. 2 team behind Alabama down the stretch of 2014. 

As for the Buckeyes, their win was perhaps more validating. It came in toppling the mighty Crimson Tide, the poster organization of a SEC that has haunted Ohio State in championship-like games in recent history.

Of course, it will have a sour ending for one of the two teams. But don't expect Cardale Jones and the Ohio State offense to come in feeling the pressure.

The stakes couldn't be higher in the Buckeyes' last two games, and Jones has masterfully led them one step away from the promised land. It hasn't hurt that Ezekiel Elliott has run for over 200 yards in both games, but Jones has done plenty of work on his own.

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

The sophomore threw for 250 yards on average in both games, tossing a total of four touchdowns and just one interception in the span. With speedsters like Devon Smith and Jalin Marshall on the outside, Oregon could be in trouble, as Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman uncovered:

Ohio State might live and die off turnovers in this one. Both of its first-half turnovers against Alabama directly led to Tide touchdowns, but the Buckeyes played a turnover-free second half en route to the victory.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg noted how turnovers might not be a problem against an inferior defense:

Opposing offenses don't seem to scare Oregon very often, due to the Ducks' high-powered offense with Marcus Mariota that can put up points in a hurry. But on Monday night, they'll be far from full strength.

Wide receiver Devon Allen went down during the Rose Bowl and is out, but the Ducks' problems compounded Friday. ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach reported receiver Darren Carrington failed a drug test and will also miss the national championship.

Mariota will be without two of his top three receivers, who have combined for almost 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns on the year. The Ducks have weapons to fill the void, like Byron Marshal, Keanon Lowe and Charles Nelson, but being without two of their most reliable options could loom large.

Ohio State and Oregon have both rode destiny-filled seasons to this point and have overcome insane obstacles. But when they suit up for Monday night's game, they will both be going up against the best talent they have faced all season.