(3) MICHIGAN STATE VERSUS (2) ALABAMA

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THE LAST TIME Nick Saban and Mark Dantonio met on the field, at the 2011 Capital One Bowl, professor annihilated pupil. Michigan State could muster just one score, and that came only after Alabama had hung 42 unanswered on the Spartans. No doubt, it was a low point for Dantonio, who was a defensive backs coach for five seasons at MSU under Saban. But despite the embarrassment, Saban's disciple didn't waver from his plan -- and perhaps now Dantonio's perceived stone-faced stubbornness should instead be thought of as patience. Because over the last three seasons he has won two Big Ten titles and his total of 36 wins is second only to Urban Meyer and Jimbo Fisher (37) -- and one more than Saban.

Of course, Saban, who remains unbeaten (8-0) versus his former assistants, hasn't exactly changed his ways either. Why would he after winning a pair of national titles and reaching last season's first-ever College Football Playoff? He's succeeded by relying heavily on NFL-caliber running backs, and this year is no different. The Tide personify their coach's resolve, feeding Derrick Henry down after down, waiting for defenses to eventually surrender a crease for the Heisman Trophy-winner to burst through.

Teacher will again meet student this New Year's Eve in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and we'll see if Dantonio can finally be the one to school Saban.