For the first time since 2006, the SEC doesn’t have a representative in tonight’s national championship game. We’re disappointed, but you shouldn’t be. There’s plenty of reasons to watch Oregon vs. Ohio State as a viewer:

10. Nike’s four-hour apparel advertisement — Tonight’s a great opportunity for Nike to debut new gear for next season, free airtime in front of millions. Each team, both Nike-sponsored, will wear their Mach Speed uniforms complete with a fractal diamond-colored Swoosh on jerseys and pants.

9. Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott vs. Ducks front seven — Ranked 51st in the nation in rushing defense this season, Oregon has only had a week to scheme for Elliott, arguably the second-best offensive player in this game who torched Alabama for 230 yards and two touchdowns.

8. Who steps up in Oregon wideout Darren Carrington’s absence — Suspended for the game after failing a drug test, Carrington was the Ducks’ second-leading receiver this season with 37 catches for 704 yards and four touchdowns. Coming off his his best game as a collegian, the freshman is one less threat Marcus Mariota has on a multifaceted offense.

7. Ohio State’s defensive line — SEC fans can appreciative dominant, athletic players in the trenches and the Buckeyes have plenty. Led by Joey Bosa, Ohio State has a slight edge at the line of scrimmage in one of the more intriguing personnel battles between these two titans.

6. The unnamed star — In big games like this, there’s always a memorable play from someone just outside the scouting report that changes momentum and often directly affects the outcome. Which second-team defensive back will make the key interception or replacement running back shedding tackles during a highlight-worthy touchdown run? That’s why we watch.

5. Cardale Jones — This Cam Newton-sized third-string quarterback is one win from becoming a legend in the state of Ohio despite being a relative unknown as recent as Dec. 1.

4. Marcus Mariota — One of the most efficient passers in NCAA history, this year’s Heisman gets his chance to go out in style before declaring for the Draft as a record-setting junior. Should the Ducks sink by a touchdown or two, expect much of the fourth-quarter broadcast to center around the possibility of Mariota returning for redemption.

3. This is Monday Night Football — Conference championship games are set in the NFL which means college football gets its final game in the Monday prime-time spotlight. Ratings should soar this evening.

2. Cosmic meeting of national powers — Will Oregon finally land that elusive title? Will the Big Ten garner bragging rights the entire offseason? The first College Football Playoff final promises to be an exciting game between teams with extreme talent. A win for Mariota and the Ducks would be the seventh consecutive postseason victory for a Heisman winner, continuing to shake the ‘Heisman curse’ stigma that existed in the 1980s and 00s.

1. Urban Meyer — The two-time national champion who is now the SEC’s villain is familiar with the big stage, winning both of his titles at Florida’s during the league’s unprecedented seven-year reign at the top. An underdog for the second straight heavyweight matchup, Meyer relishes the role as arguably college football’s second-best coach behind Nick Saban.