"I think there's going to be quite a bit to write about the legacy of this team".

In that sense, this is nothing new for Ryan Day and Co.: the team missed three games this year due to outbreaks among its players and other teams, including its regular season-ending rivalry matchup against MI.

Ohio State's outbreak is the third it has suffered this season.

Throughout the season, Alabama rarely found itself in close matchups. "He's as competitively tough a player as I've been around", Day said. Monday will be his 12th National Championship. "Ultimately, this is the final goal".

For sports fans, the odd atmosphere has become frustratingly familiar - like Alabama, which beat Ohio State 52-24 to complete an unbeaten season, the Lakers, Lightning and Dodgers won championships in mostly empty arenas.

Led by an all-star cast of wide receiver DeVonta Smith, running back Najee Harris and quarterback Mac Jones, the Crimson Tide rolled to a 52-24 win over the Buckeyes and National Football League players chimed in with their reactions. A three-year starter with the Crimson Tide, Surtain II amassed 34 total tackles (20 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one defensive touchdown and eight passes defended in 12 games this season at Alabama.

Harris has made his presence felt in the first half, although a lot of his rushing yards have been well earned against an impressing Buckeyes front seven.

Junior quarterback Mac Jones finished with 36 completions for 464 yards and five touchdowns, tying a playoff championship game record for completions and setting a new mark for yardage.

"Justin has had a good week of practice", Day said.

"One of the best football coaches in the history of college football", Day said. "I think our guys have the eyes on the prize, and it's a slow build towards the game. And he's continued to do that this week".

Justin Fields and the prolific Ohio State offense, fresh from piling up 639 yards in a semifinal win over Clemson, couldn't find the same groove against Alabama on Monday night.

Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle has a chance to play for the first time since he broke his right ankle against Tennessee on October 24.

"He has been able to practice to some degree", Saban said. "We don't stop. We just keep reloading". The coach also said Tide freshman defensive back Malachi Moore is questionable to play because of an undisclosed injury.

"BetMGM has adjusted the Crimson Tide's line from -7 to -8.5". It's going to be fun playing against him because I had never envisioned playing him. "All those things are probably positives when it comes to recruiting".

"Unbelievable", Smith told ESPN post-game.