BCS Championship Update: Alabama, Notre Dame Clash Monday

And, then there was one. The climax of the 2012-13 bowl season is Monday (January 7), when Notre Dame and Alabama meet in Miami in the BCS Championship Game. (Game time: 8:30 p.m., ESPN).

The unbeaten, No. 1 Irish and No. 2 Crimson Tide have been practicing and talking with media members for several days, so we want to bring you a sampling of the information, to

• Georgia fans will have an unpleasant memory of Alabama receiver Amari Cooper, who caught a 45-yard touchdown pass for the winning TD vs. the Bulldogs in the SEC title game. “To me, Alabama is not here without Amari Cooper,” ESPN analyst David Pollack said.

-- Who ya got in Alabama-Notre Dame? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.

• "It was not a dirty play," Alabama's Quinton Dial said of his controversial block of Georgia QB Aaron Murray in December. (See the attached video.)
• Alabama coach Nick Saban, who once coached the Miami Dolphins, says he has no "unfinished business in the NFL," according to The Sporting News.
• Bear Bryant, Frank Leahy, Ross Browner, Joe Namath ... Notre Dame and Alabama have had many legendary players and coaches. Check the Legends series from The Chicago Tribune.
• Alabama is trying to repeat as BCS champion -- but no one ever has. From Wikipedia, check the results of all previous BCS title games.

-- Who do you favor in Alabama-Notre Dame? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below.

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