The Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks are set to square off Monday in the 2015 National Championship.

Can Urban Meyer win his third title? Or will Marcus Mariota finish off arguably the best season ever for a quarterback?

The Ducks and Buckeyes will do battle Monday night at 8:30 p.m. EST:

Oregon

Oregon had one of the most powerful offenses in the league this season, losing just one game to Arizona. The Ducks dismantled Florida State and Jameis Winston in the Rose Bowl, 59-20.

With Oregon, it begins and ends with Marcus Mariota. The 21-year-old quarterback won the Heisman trophy this season for his incredible performance. This season Mariota tossed 40 touchdowns and just three interceptions, in what many believe is one of the greatest seasons ever for a quarterback.

Unfortunately for Oregon, they will be without one of their best wide receivers, Darren Carrington. Carrington failed a drug test and will not be allowed to play against Ohio State.

The Ducks have the No. 2 ranked offense in the league, but it won't be easy without Carrington on the field. Running back Royce Freeman is going to have to have a great game to provide a balanced attack.

Similar to Ohio State, Oregon has an average defense ranking 27th in the nation. The Ducks haven't allowed more than 20 points in their last four consecutive games. If the Ducks can win this game, it will be their first football National Championship in school history.

Ohio State

Standing in the Ducks way is the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes only loss this season came in Week 2 against Virginia Tech. Since then, Ohio State has won 12 consecutive games, including a Sugar Bowl victory over the SEC powerhouse that was Alabama. Ohio State's last National Championship came in 2002 when they defeated the Miami Hurricanes in the Fiesta Bowl.

Ohio State has been battling injuries to the quarterback position, but head coach Urban Meyer has done a fantastic job with J.T. Barrett. Barrett has 34 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season while running back Ezekiel Elliott has 1,632 rushing yards. The Buckeyes rushing offense ranks 10th in the country, and they know they have to run the ball to beat Oregon.

This Buckeyes squad doesn't have an elite vertical passing game, but Michael Thomas and Devin Smith are two great wide receivers who can get open. With their powerful offensive line, the Buckeyes dominate defensive tackles at the line of scrimmage.

Schedule, Where to Watch

Ohio State and Oregon will play each other on Monday, Jan. 12, at 8:30 p.m. EST on ESPN. The game will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. You can view a live game stream here.

Predictions

This should be a really close game between two teams who deserve to be here. The first-ever college football playoff hasn't disappointed. Mariota against the Ohio State defense will be the matchup to watch. The absence of Carrington, Ohio State's offensive line and Urban Meyer will make the difference. Don't be surprised if we see a game-winning drive in the final minute.

Ohio State wins 31-28

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