With the Alabama Crimson Tide’s dominating win over the undefeated LSU Tigers, most will buy the outcome at face value and proclaim that Alabama proved that both teams belonged in tonight’s title game.

And they’d be right. But not for the reason that many think.

In their earlier meeting this season, Alabama outgained LSU, and controlled the flow of the game. However, there were a few select plays that allowed the Tigers to either put points on the board or keep the Tide from putting points on the board:

- Two missed field goals by Wade Foster (Alabama kicker)
- Another Alabama field goal attempt blocked by the Tigers
- A Jordan Jefferson special – - turning a broken play into a 34-yard pass connection
- An interception and 33-yard return by the Tigers’ Morris Claiborne
- The now infamous 4th quarter interception by Ed Reid
- A horrible set of offensive execution by the Tide in the game’s only overtime session

These events enabled LSU to escape with a 9-6 victory over Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. And anyone watching that game should clearly recall feeling that way when the teams left the gridiron.

Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw were the obstacles that Les Miles' offense could not overcome.

And was it ‘Bama’s defense that was intimidating the LSU offense? Or was it plain and simple offensive ineptitude that defined the Tigers’ inability to move the ball?

Does it really matter?

Tonight, Alabama dominated in the same fashion, but also made a drastic improvement – it didn’t give Louisiana State anything to capitalize on…because it didn’t make any mistakes.

So, while the BCS had no choice but to place LSU in this game, making the Crimson Tide its opponent was indeed the right thing to do. And tonight, they proved that they are, and were, the better team.

Analysts and fans may began to jump on the SEC bandwagon after tonight’s result. However, they only need to remember how dominant ‘Bama was in its loss on November 5. Therefore, the Tide’s win doesn’t provide anyone with revelation of greatness for the SEC. They are the premiere conference in NCAA football, but errors from the nation’s best team opened the door for a less-talented team to rise above them in the rankings.

But as far as Alabama is concerned, revenge is a dish best saved for the BCS title game.

T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com.  All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this author