It probably doesn't matter a lot - but it might matter some.

Besides not being too thrilled with the idea that our beloved Buckeyes didn't quite make it to the "dance" this year - while watching the ESPN pundits raving about Alabama and Clemson this morning - to an old Buckeye, there are questions about how this game could impact Ohio State's interests. 

The most obvious factor would have to be recruiting.  Alabama and Clemson are getting a lot of attention right now that Ohio State is not.  Of course, neither one of those programs needs the help - especially, the Tide.  And make no mistake - the winner will be helped - much like the Buckeyes were helped by the additional exposure (and how they looked in impressive wins) this time last year. 

So which team stands to benefit more on the recuiting trail with a victory - and how might that affect the Buckeyes down the road?  It could be that an impressive win by the Tide might stymie Clemson's attempt to be considered among the truly elite programs in college football. 

With only one national championship in their entire history to date, the Tigers aren't really there, yet - not with the likes of Alabama or Ohio State, at least.  A good beat-down by the Tide might serve to illustrate that Clemson hasn't really risen to that level yet.  And there's always the "Clemsoning" issues that will surely come up with a loss - whether deserved or not. 

Conversely, a loss by the Tide would not necessarily remove them from consideration as being among the truly elite.  Strangely enough, a 'Bama victory might be slightly better for OSU from a recruiting standpoint, using that reasoning. 

There are conference credibility issues, also.  Would it be better for Ohio State (and the B1G) if the SEC were to be exposed as a touch overrated (with a 'Bama loss) - or (with a Clemson loss) - for the ACC to be confirmed as the second-weakest of the "power conferences"?  (The Big-12 is considered to be the weakest, of course). 

Even with a loss in this game, the media will probably continue to push the SEC as the best conference - and this bowl season, they actually deserved some of that praise.  So once again, it may be better for the Buckeyes if the SEC continues to look strong (they'll be portrayed that way, in any case) - while the ACC continues to be perceived to be in a lesser position. 

Without question, it can matter how the CFP committee views the comparative strengths of the conferences. 

Another obvious consideration is whether it would it be better if Alabama wins because they creamed the only team that beat Ohio State this season.

Again - the outcome of this season's national championship game probably won't affect Ohio State too much.  But there will be some effect.  At the very least, it'll affect where Urban Meyer stands in the coaching world verses Nick Saban to some degree.  Another national championship for Saban would add to his current all-time lead over UFM.  It'd even put him up there with the great Woody Hayes, himself (numerically, anyway)  That wouldn't be good at all -