GAME DAY
T U S C A L O O S A , N O R T H P O R T, W E S T A L A B A M A
T H U R S D A Y , J A N U A R Y 1, 2015 75¢
WWW.TIDESPORTS.COM
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE RECORD: 12-1 RANKING: NO. 1 HEAD COACH: NICK SABAN
VS.
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY BUCKEYES RECORD: 12-1 RANKING: NO. 4 HEAD COACH: URBAN MEYER
AT A GLANCE KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans TV: ESPN RADIO: 95.3 FM, 99.1 FM THE LINE: Alabama by 9
INSIDE ■ THE CALL: Executive Sports Editor Tommy Deas breaks down the AlabamaOhio State game | 2D ■ STAFF PICKS: The Tuscaloosa News sports writers offer their Sugar Bowl predictions | 2D ■ PLAYERS TO WATCH: Inside look at three Alabama players and three Ohio State players to keep an eye on tonight | 3D ■ THE EDGE: A look at Alabama’s offensive line against Ohio State’s defensive front | 3D ■ DEPTH CHART: Starting lineup for the Crimson Tide and Buckeyes | 4D ■ COVER STORY: Powers collide as tradition-rich programs Alabama and Ohio State meet for just the fourth time in their storied histories | 5D
KICKOFF FORECAST
New Orleans Mostly cloudy Hi: 60 Lo: 52
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STAFF ILLUSTRATION | ANTHONY BRATINA