With only a couple days remaining until the Jan. 9 National Title Game between Alabama (14-0) and Clemson (13-1), the Crimson Tide are viewed as a 6.5-point favorite over the Tigers (per Odds Shark).

Nick Saban’s undefeated squad has been the prohibitive favorite throughout the season to win yet another championship.

While many feel Alabama has an edge in this contest, players on the team aren’t of this mindset. In fact, many believe Clemson is being hyped as the favorite to win this game.

Both teams participated in a media day for the game on Saturday morning. Per ESPN, Alabama linebacker/defensive end Tim Williams had this to say:

“[The media] is selling us as possible underdogs, possible upset. We know what we have to come out there and do at the end of the day — put the cleats on. When you have No. 1 next to your name as much as us at Alabama, a lot of people are going to take shots and a lot of people are going to say a lot of things. But we have a standard that we always play to, and we never worry about the end result. If we put everything we have on the field, then we can deal with everything else after.”

Defender Ryan Anderson took this premise a step further, and appeared to be a bit annoyed with possible public perception: “We do feel like we’re underdogs right now. Just feel that way.”

Do Alabama players truly feel this way? Or, is this some sort of motivation tactic employed by Saban?

Either way, the contest on Monday night should be a great one.