The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Florida Gators, 32-13, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta to claim their first SEC title in 10 years and their first shot at a national championship since the end of the 1992 season.

The Tide (13-0) avenged a 31-20 loss to the Gators (12-1) in the same game last year, this time by keeping heralded Florida QB Tim Tebow in check for much of the evening. The senior finished 20 of 35 for 246 yards, one touchdown and one interception. In the meantime, Bama RB Mark Ingram jumpstarted his flagging Heisman campaign with a 113-yard, three touchdown effort. The sophomore also hauled in two pass receptions for 76 yards, including a 69-yard catch-and-run off a screen pass from QB Greg McElroy.

The win propels Alabama into the BCS National Championship game in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2010. The Tide will be competing for their 13th football national championship.

McElroy had a solid performance, completing 12 of 18 pass attempts for 239 yards and a touchdown. He effectively executed the Tide’s aggressive offensive game plan, which torched the top-ranked Gator defense for 490 yards and 32 points. Alabama’s 251 yards rushing represents the highest total allowed by Florida under head coach Urban Meyer’s tenure.

Alabama now owns 22 SEC championships, the most of any one team in the 12-member league. Tennessee is second with 13.

Pick up next Thursday’s edition of Birmingham Weekly for more on Alabama’s SEC championship victory and a preview of January’s BCS National Championship game next month in Pasadena.