I'm not sure anyone could keep it close with Bama in the championship game this season. It really was an amazing team, and I've got a feeling that people may be shocked at how good they will be next year too....even though they are replacing quite a few starters. (I think they have 4-5 returning starters on offense, although the defense seems to be returning most their players IIRC).
I thought Clemson would be a pretty formidable team to face Bama once December hit, but they were fools gold. They should be REALLY good next year as they pretty much return their entire defense, so maybe they knock Bama off next season (although they got to get through UGA in week #1).
I hate Ohio State as much as most the nation does, but even I have to admit that I think the results of the championship game would have still likely been lopsided, no matter which college team you put on the field against Bama in that game. Really, no one deserved to be in the championship game. They should have just crowned Bama at the end of the regular season this year.