Notre Dame vs. Alabama: BCS Title Game Betting Lines, Television Schedule

The College Bowl Game season is almost done, except for crowning a national champion. And that happens tonight.

BCS National Championship Game, Notre Dame vs. Alabama

January 7, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Alabama (12-1) vs. Notre Dame (12-0)

Scouting report: The Seattle Times says Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron leads the nation in passing efficiency, passing for 26 touchdowns, with only interceptions. Alabama features two 1,000-yard running backs. Junior Eddie Lacy has run for 1,182 yards and 16 touchdowns, freshman T.J. Yeldon 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Notre Dame ranks sixth nationally in total defense and is fourth against the run, surrendering only 92.4 yards rushing per game. All-American inside linebacker Manti Te'o and end Stephon Tuitt anchor the defense.

The line: Alabama by 9 ½.

Iowa Connections: Of the two teams, only Notre Dame has players with Iowa ties, featuring West Des Moines native Eric Lee and Bettendorf native Kevin Walsh.

Notre Dame also has several University of Iowa ties at the coaching level, as Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Bobby Diaco played for Iowa under Hayden Fry as an All-Big Ten performer and his career 334 tackles still has him in the Iowa record books. Co-defensive coordinator Kerry Cooks also played for Iowa, and former Iowa strength and conditioning coordinator Paul Longo does the weight training for the Irish. Defensive backs coach Bobby Elliott, who also played at Iowa, is an Iowa City native, and son of former athletic director Bump Elliott.

But the ties run even deeper than that when you're talking the state of Iowa and the Notre Dame staff, according to this interesting article from the Des Moines Register.

Where to Watch: If you prefer to hang with a crowd, here's a few places to catch the game this weekend in Waukee.

Mickey's Irish Pub

Legacy Sports Bar & Grill

Kenny's Pub

Sidetrack Pub

Chops Old Bank