It’s almost here. Just one day remains before the end to the inaugural College Football Playoff, and the stage is set for a monumental clash between Oregon and Ohio State.

Both programs come in after massive wins over two other outstanding programs. Following a blowout win for the Ducks over Florida State, the Buckeyes shocked the world with a victory over No. 1-seeded Alabama.

In just his third start for the Buckeyes, Cardale Jones has a chance to already win a national title. On the other side, Marcus Mariota is looking to close out a phenomenal season in Oregon. Prior to the showdown, here’s a look at the full game information and a prediction for the national championship.

Game Information

Where: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

When: Monday, Jan. 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Prediction

For the second straight game, the Ducks will be without one of their most critical players. Prior to the Rose Bowl, Oregon lost Ifo Ekpre-Olomu to a season-ending injury. Heading into the national championship, freshman receiver Darren Carrington has been ruled ineligible.

Of course, that comes after two breakout games for Carrington—the Pac-12 championship and the Rose Bowl. The 6’2″ receiver had a combined 291 yards and three touchdowns during that span.

Mariota may be without one of his best young receivers, but he didn’t seem extremely bothered by the loss, via Joe Schad of ESPN:

Marcus Mariota on Carrington: It’s tough. He’s a big playmaker for us. Next guy up.

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 10, 2015

The junior quarterback has been unflappable all season, accounting for 56 total touchdowns to just six turnovers. While Carrington won’t be on the field for the Ducks, Mariota can still target leading receiver Byron Marshall and tight end Evan Baylis, who had 73 yards against the Seminoles.

Needless to say, Mariota can spread the ball around regardless of his receiving corps. Ducks offensive coordinator Scott Frost spoke about the Heisman winner, via Bill Landis of Cleveland.com:

“Marcus has an unbelievable mind,” Frost said. “I think that’s his best attribute. Despite being able to do everything he can do physically, he can process things so fast. Sometimes he makes me feel inadequate because of how fast he can process through things.”

In order for Mariota to bring back the crystal ball to Oregon, a lot of pressure will also be on the other side of the ball. The Ducks defense will be tasked with stopping the likes of Jones, Devin Smith and Ezekiel Elliott.

Jones and Smith have hooked up for four touchdowns in the last two games, but Elliott has been one of the most electric players in the country. Between the Big Ten Championship Game and the Sugar Bowl, Elliott compiled 463 total yards and four touchdowns.

Oregon linebacker Tony Washington spoke about how difficult the matchup will be for the Ducks, via Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports:

#Oregon LB Tony Washington on Ezekiel Elliott: “That dude is really fast.. He’s not a guy that’s going to let an arm-tackle take him down.”

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 10, 2015

Elliott will likely get going against an Oregon defense that allowed 170 rushing yards to Alabama. However, his production, along with that of Jones and Smith, simply won’t be enough to keep up with the Ducks on Monday night.

Mariota will complete a ridiculous season with a crystal ball hoisted in the air before likely riding off into the sunset.

Prediction: Oregon 48, Ohio State 42

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.