The players have changed and the stakes aren’t quite the same. Instead of a winner-collects-confetti slugfest Monday night in New Orleans, the winner will advance to the championship game the following week in Atlanta.

Still, there’s no hiding the hype surrounding Alabama-Clemson III.

You know the history. We’re glued to the present.

Who wins the Sugar Bowl? That’s something we’ve been discussing since the selection committee revealed the bracket.

Connor O’Gara, senior national columnist: Clemson. I thought all year that the Tigers were the most battle-tested team in the country. I think there’s something to be said for that heading into a showdown against a team like Alabama.

The Tigers are every bit as athletic as Alabama. I think on the defensive line, Clemson actually has the advantage up front. That will prevent Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough from really getting going.

And while everyone wants to talk about how Alabama no longer has to defend Deshaun Watson, Kelly Bryant is no picnic, either. This is still a dynamic, versatile Clemson rushing attack that’s going to test the Tide defense even more than Auburn and Mississippi State did.

Do I think Alabama has a chance to play its best game of the year and win the grudge match? Of course. It’s Nick Saban with more than a month to prepare. But I’m not convinced that Brian Daboll is beating Brent Venables in a game of chess. That winds up being the difference. Clemson 24, Alabama 23.

Jon Cooper, director of operations: Entering the CFP, No. 1 Clemson is the best and most complete team in the final four. The defense is downright nasty, and the offense is very comparable to the defense.

Interestingly, look at different programs around the country after losing a once in a decade-type player in Deshaun Watson. Florida still hasn’t recovered from losing Tim Tebow; Texas A&M hasn’t either from losing Johnny Manziel. Auburn struggled after losing Cam Newton.

Now, look at Clemson. The autopilot that Dabo Swinney has the program on right now is crazy impressive. Alabama is a very good football team; Clemson is the best team in the country entering the Playoff. Clemson 24, Alabama 21.

Clint Lamb, Alabama beat reporter: Unlike the last two years when the most intriguing matchup was Clemson’s offense versus Alabama’s defense, this tiebreaker is going to come down to how well Alabama’s offense performs against Clemson’s defense.

It won’t be easy — especially for the Tide’s offensive line. They’ll be facing a defensive front that features several futures NFL players. If you want proof of their abilities, look no further than the 44 sacks they have this season — which is the best in the country.

Alabama’s line has struggled in pass protection against quality defensive fronts — i.e. Florida State, Texas A&M and Auburn. This group Clemson brings is way better than any of those.

The good news is Alabama is 11-2 following a loss since 2008, and they’ve had a month to prepare for what Clemson is going to throw at them. Don’t expect this one to be as high-scoring as the previous matchups. Alabama 24, Clemson 21.

Jim Tomlin, bowl expert: Clemson has four players on defense who were named first-team All-Americans by at least one major polling service: Linemen Clelin Ferrell (below), Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant, and linebacker Dorian O’Daniel.

Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

So the Tigers are one of the few teams who can match defense for defense against the Crimson Tide.

Clemson has allowed 30 total points over its past four games, including a 38-3 rout in the ACC Championship Game against a Miami team that had scored at least 40 points four times in 2017. As for the offensive matchup, Kelly Bryant has thrown for more yards (2,678) than Tide QBs Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa combined and three Clemson receivers have at least 46 catches and 500 receiving yards. Alabama has yet to develop a second receiver behind Calvin Ridley.

Alabama will make plays and gain yards on the ground but not as much as it is accustomed to, and Clemson’s defense can make the one big play which separates these teams. Clemson 24, Alabama 17.

Michael Bratton, news editor: This is more of a coin flip contest. I’m not a big believer in revenge games, but I do think the fact that Alabama is coming off a loss and snuck into the Playoff by the skin of their teeth will motivate this team much more heading into this game. The long layoff should also help Alabama rest several injuries while it could hurt the Tigers. Clemson was playing the best ball of any team in the nation down the stretch and might not be able to capture that same momentum weeks after the end of the ACC title game.

Considering Alabama has the edge in quarterback play and coaching in this matchup, I’ll take the Tide to win this one 27-20.

Chris Wright, executive editor: For whatever reason — if you prefer dumb luck, fine — I’ve had a good feel for how Alabama will play in big games. I picked them to win the 2015 title against Clemson, lose the 2016 title to Clemson and lose to Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Check, check, check.

I think they’re going to blow out Clemson on Monday.

This Clemson team reminds me of the 2014 FSU team, a vastly inferior group compared with the 2013 national champions.

Kelly Bryant is perfectly fine, but let’s not pretend that Kelly Bryant is anything remotely close to Deshaun Watson. Clemson’s running back combo is good, but Wayne Gallman was electric. (Remember, Tavien Feaster was there last year, too, but got all of 37 carries.) Deon Cain will be in the NFL, but Mike Williams, Jordan Leggett and Artavis Scott already are.

Clemson’s defense is statistically dominant, but you have to consider the competition. The ACC’s best effort this season came at the podium during Media Day. FSU tanked. Louisville wasn’t anything special. The Coastal, per custom, didn’t put up a challenge.

Angry Alabama is the most dangerous Alabama of all. In Jalen I trust. Give me the Tide, 34-17.