NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Mack Brown wore a gray suit. Nick Saban was in navy.

The two men shook hands in front of the national championship trophy, looking as much like candidates for governor before election day as football coaches getting ready for the big game.

Then again, they probably could run for governor, given what football means in their respective states. Saban coaches Alabama, where the Crimson Tide makes news 365 days a year. Brown coaches Texas, where football on every level is often larger than life.

The undefeated Crimson Tide and Longhorns will each try to add another championship to their considerable pedigrees Thursday night. It's a meeting of two old-line programs from the South — Roll Tide vs. Hook 'em Horns — where football, on many days, is the biggest thing going.

"Everyone that sees that 'A' and sees the Longhorn knows the programs," Brown said, "and that's what makes this game so special."

The game will pit All-American quarterback Colt McCoy of Texas against the player who beat him for the Heisman Trophy, running back Mark Ingram of Alabama.

In his third year in Tuscaloosa, Saban has led a quick rebuilding program, aiming to bring the first championship to the school since 1992, when Gene Stallings — a protege of the late, great Bear Bryant — roamed the sidelines.

"We have a tremendous amount of respect for the tradition and the passion that our fans have," Saban said.

But, he said, tradition doesn't win ball games. Players like Ingram and 350-pound defensive lineman Terrence Cody do. So, Saban has tried to ignore the hype and has gone about doing what he did six years ago when he led LSU to the BCS title: recruit top prospects, coach them up, try to turn them into good players, students and citizens.

"The rest of it really doesn't affect that," Saban insisted.

Brown grew up in small-town Tennessee and saw Bryant as the larger-than-life figure he was, the same way anyone of a certain age from that part of the country would.

Now, he's at Texas. Once derisively known as "Coach February" — the guy who could recruit all the talent but never cash in come January — Brown has won seven of his last eight bowl games, led the Longhorns (13-0) to one national title and can easily be mentioned in the same breath as their own legendary coach, Darrell Royal.

He tells his players to focus on the "three Fs."

"I wasn't the smartest guy in the world, so one day I said it's full of 'Fs' — it's fast, have fun, be physical," Brown said. "They all laughed. Some of them didn't get it. That bothered me more."

Alabama vs. Texas facts

Line: Alabama by 4. Series record: Texas leads 7-0-1 Last meeting: 1982 Cotton Bowl, Texas 14-12.

What's at stake Two of college football's most storied and tradition-rich programs try to add a national championship crystal ball to their trophy cases. For the Crimson Tide, it would be the first national championship since 1992 and be a culmination of sorts for Nick Saban's quick restoration of Alabama football. Saban would also be the first coach in the poll era to win national championships with two teams. Mack Brown and the Longhorns are going for their second national title in five seasons.

Key matchup Alabama defensive line vs. Texas offensive line. OT Adam Ulatoski, C Chris Hall and the Longhorns' blockers are coming off their worst game of the season. They allowed nine sacks against Ndamukong Suh and Nebraska in the Big 12 title game. Now the question is: How will they hold up against massive NG Terrence Cody and all those blitzes that Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart conjure up.

Players to watch Alabama: LB Rolando McClain. The 258-pound All-American makes plays all over the field. He led the Tide in tackles (101) and had four sacks and two interceptions. He is also like a coach on the field, directing his teammates into the right spots. But he was fighting an illness earlier in the week and how much that will affect him won't be known until the game is played.

Texas: QB Colt McCoy. The two-time Heisman finalist completed 70 percent of his passes and was also the team's second-leading rusher with 348 yards. It's unlikely Texas' inconsistent running game will find traction against Alabama, so the Longhorns' hopes are firmly in McCoy's hands.

Facts & figures Alabama TB Mark Ingram is the eighth Heisman Trophy winner to play in the BCS championship game. Six of the previous seven were on the losing end of the title game. ... Alabama ranks No. 2 in the nation in total defense at 241 yards allowed per game and Texas is No. 3 at 251 yards allowed per game. The Longhorns' run defense ranks No. 1 in the nation at 62 yards allowed per game and 'Bama is No. 2 at 78 yards allowed per game. ... Texas WR Jordan Shipley caught 106 passes, more than the combined total of the Longhorns' second- and third-leading receivers (James Kirkendoll with 48 and Dan Buckner with 44).

Wednesday's bowl result GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan 44, Troy 41, 2 OT

Thursday's bowl game BCS Championship Game: Alabama vs. Texas, 8 p.m., ABC

Go here for the complete college bowl schedule and results