i kinda like texas against the dawgs... i wouldn't be surprised if that game is decided by one possession in heroic fashion. UGA is more talented i've little doubt, but it's not like texas are a bunch of scrubs- and a month of prep is a long time. UGA and Bama win by attrition- they lean on people an entire game and burst when they can- and then they 'go to work' the next week, no matter who the opponent with the same game plan week in and week out. it works for them as they rely on depth to keep the game fresh- it's why they're harder to beat as the season progresses when just about all teams have been depleted to a degree... teams like bama and uga have bench almost as good as starters... it's a formula that works as there really isn't anything fancy about their sets, schemes, or plays.
it isn't a formula for tearing up a well rested and prepared team.
Clemson can absolutely beat Bama in a one off... OU can't. without Big12 zebra's out there making calls that assisted OU ever more as the season progressed, they have already been cut down and worth at least two yards per play average on this 'vaunted' Offense. Bama, with a healthy Tua, will rip the OU defense to shreds. Bama can and in my opinion will hold OU to their lowest scoring event of the year- half because OU will be called for their constant but often overlooked infractions, and the other because Bama can play very solid D.
Texas can come out and play a totally different and very well rehearsed game- and that is where i think the difference is in a bowl vs. a regular season game- Herman's a tactician.... it's his style. Smart is a 'go to work' guy, selling out for perfected execution and rolling out a well documented game plan. this actually favors Texas, and the reason I think it'll be close.