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'Bama on verge of unprecedented run, with Clemson in the way

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) - Regardless of the outcome of Monday night's College Football Playoff championship game between No. 1 Clemson and No. 2 Alabama, a case can be made that no team in the history of the sport has had a better run than the Crimson Tide under coach Nick Saban.

If Alabama beats the Tigers to win a fourth national title in seven seasons, the argument may be settled.

There was talk early in the season after Alabama lost to Mississippi that the Tide dynasty was in decline. Now Alabama (13-1) is one victory away from an unprecedented achievement.

The Tide can become just the third school in college football's poll era, dating back to the creation of The Associated Press media poll in 1936, to win four championships in a 10-year span.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and Alabama head coach Nick Saban shake hands after a news conference for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) The Associated Press
The trophy is displayed during media day for the NCAA College Football Playoff National Championship in Phoenix, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016. Clemson will face Alabama in Monday's game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Associated Press
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney speaks during a new conference for the NCAA college football playoff championship game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) The Associated Press
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