Alabama Football: The 30 Greatest Games in Alabama Football History

Dec 5, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators former quarterback Tim Tebow on the sideline during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 SEC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

2009 SEC Championship Game, Alabama vs. Florida – Tebow Cried

After an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Urban Meyer’s Gators in 2008, the Tide had another opportunity to win the SEC and advance to the program’s first BCS National Championship Game.

Both teams entered the game undefeated, a first in the 15 year history of the SEC Championship Game. The game was advertised as a play-in game for the title game. Both teams also featured Heisman Trophy candidates on offense.

Alabama scored first, with a 48-yard field goal to end their first drive. The Tide led for the rest of the game.

Florida went in to the locker room at halftime down by only six points and got the ball to start the second half. The Gators punted on their first two possessions of the second half, but Alabama scored touchdowns on both possessions to put the game away.

Quarterback Greg McElroy used his 239 passing yards and one touchdown to claim MVP honors for the game. He also collected some broken ribs that didn’t become public knowledge until after a lackluster performance in the national championship game. Now that’s toughness built by Bama.

Mark Ingram’s 3 touchdowns and 113 yards on 28 carries vaulted him to the top of the Heisman Trophy conversation. Ingram would go on to win the award by the narrowest margin in its history.

Alabama’s win sent the team to Pasadena to face the Texas Longhorns with a national title on the line. I’m sure you don’t need the reminder, but it’s always fun to say – Alabama beat Texas 37-21 to claim the program’s 13th National Championship.

Next: 2010 BCS National Championship