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Berth in BCS title game on line in SEC

Dec 6, 2008 - 11:15 AM (1) Alabama (12-0) vs. (3) Florida (11-1), 4:00 pm EST

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- While the Big 12 Conference is defending itself over its tiebreaking procedures, there is no controversy in the Southeastern Conference.

Things are remarkably clear in the SEC - the winner of Saturday's conference championship game between top-ranked Alabama and No. 3 Florida at the Georgia Dome will almost certainly earn a berth in the BCS title game January 8 in Miami.

The loser of Saturday's contest is likely headed to the Sugar Bowl on January 2 in New Orleans.

Two years ago, Florida's path to the national championship traveled through Atlanta, with the Gators beating Arkansas, 38-28, in the SEC title game.

Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin, who is listed as questionable with a sprained right ankle suffered in last week's 45-15 win over Florida State, was the Most Valuable Player in that contest. He rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown and caught TD receptions of 67 and 37 yards.

"It's great going to that dome," Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "That's why we get up, that's why we shave, that's why we brush our teeth, that's why we hug our kids - to go to that dome."

Florida (11-1, 7-1 SEC East) very well may be the best in the country - it certainly is playing as well as anybody. The Gators have scored at least 42 points in seven straight games, the longest current streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

"They are just explosive," Alabama cornerback Javier Arenas said. "That's why they are so good. They have playmakers and great coaches. All around, they are the ideal team."

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is making a late push to win a second straight Heisman Trophy, throwing 11 touchdown passes in his last four games.

Alabama left tackle Andre Smith and Tebow were recruited together by former Crimson Tide coach Mike Shula.

"We had a great relationship through the recruiting process," Smith said. "He's a great guy and has a great family. We could probably switch families and be fine. I don't blame him for picking Florida. He is right up the road from there."

Alabama's Glen Coffee, the SEC's second-leading rusher with 1,235 yards, could play an important role in the game. The Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 West) would like to keep Tebow and company off the field with an effective ground game.

"We want to keep the ball in our hands and keep it away from their offense," Coffeee said. "We want to wear down their defense."

Florida, however, has played like a team on a mission following its inexplicable 31-30 loss to Mississippi on September 27.

"Our whole offseason was based on getting back to Atlanta," Florida linebacker Brandon Spikes said after last week's victory over Florida State. "It was hard not to look forward after we clinched the SEC (East). Now its finally here."

Florida would seem to have a significant edge at quarterback with Tebow going up against the oft-maligned John Parker Wilson - although the senior cut down on his interceptions with only five this season.

Wilson also didn't need to throw as much with the emergence of Coffee. Wilson has attempted just 268 passes this season after throwing 462 a year ago.

Florida and Alabama are meeting in the SEC title game for the sixth time, with the Gators holding a 3-2 edge.

Overall, Florida is 6-2 in the SEC championship. All five of Alabama's appearances have come against the Gators, with the Crimson Tide winning their two titles in 1992 and 1999.