College football takes over the sporting arena tonight with the BCS National Championship game. The game features (2) Alabama against (1) Notre Dame in Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida. The game features more story lines than imaginable, including former Miami Dolphins head coach Nick Saban returning to south Florida with the team he jilted the Dolphins to go coach.
First, the data on how to watch the game:
BCS National Championship Game
Notre Dame vs. Alabama
8 p.m. (ET), ESPN - Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit
SB Nation Coverage: Alabama - Roll Bama Roll | Notre Dame - One Foot Down
Of course, the main focus for Miami Dolphins fans tonight will be Saban's return. Saban was the Dolphins coach in 2005 and 2006, before he bolted for Alabama. As the 2006 season was winding down, the rumors of Saban to Alabama grew so loud that Saban had to hold a press conference, in which he explicitly stated that he would not be the next head coach at Alabama, stating he would remain with the Dolphins. Two weeks later, he was introduced as the Alabama coach.
Dolphins fans have never forgotten that, and don't be surprised if the south Florida fans in the stands tonight remind Saban of his abandonment of the team.
But, there's also the game itself. Alabama is currently a 10 point favorite to win the game, despite Notre Dame entering tonight undefeated. There are a ton of prospects for the NFL Draft prospects in this game. The game will include Alabama guard Chance Warmack, center Barrett Jones, right tackle D.J. Fluker, running back Eddie Lacy, nose tackle Jesse Williams, defensive end Damion Square, linebacker Nico Johnson, cornerbacker Dee Milliner, and possibly linebacker Adrian Hubbard. LInebacker C.J. Mosley and quarterback A,J. McCArron have both already stated they will return to Alabama for their senior seasons.
Related: Mocking the Draft Prospect Watch
As for Notre Dame, the prospects will include tight end Tyler Eifert, running back Theo Riddick, defensive lineman Kapron Lewis-Moore, nose tackle Louis Nix, defensive end Stephon Tuitt, linebacker Manti Te'o, and safety Zeke Motta.
Obviously, a big game from any of these players could sky rocket their draft stock come April's NFL Draft. A bad game could also damage their chances to hear their name called early. Each year, there are players who entire draft stock rests on what people see in them in the BCS National Championship Game. Who will break out tonight?
Related: Mocking the Draft NFL Draft Stock
The game should be a great game between two of the most storied franchises in NCAA history. No one seems to be giving Notre Dame a chance in this contest, but don't be surprised if they use that as motivation to go after Alabama.
We will have a Phinsider live thread up for the game.
Phinsider Miami Dolphins Draft Coverage:
- 2013 NFL Mock Draft Database
- Video Profile: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
- 2013 Phinsider Big Board