It was a close game to watch as the now No. 1 Florida beat No. 4 Alabama last Saturday night 31-20.

Both teams probably played their best game Saturday night in an arena Alabama knows all too well, having played there in their first win over Clemson.

Yes, after the game I was a little sour due to the loss, but I quickly got over it after hearing an interview on the radio with Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.

Saban said essentially the players should be proud of what they have accomplished this season and rightfully so.

Unranked Alabama started the regular season with a win over Clemson and then sealed an undefeated regular season SEC schedule with a 36-0 win over Auburn on Nov. 29.

I believe Alabama is back to the way they were playing in the 1990s, when in 1992 under the helm of former head coach Gene Stallings when they won the title.

Alabama exceeded many fans’ expectations by winning the SEC West over LSU on Nov. 8.

After all, who would have thought that the Crimson Tide would go on to having a successful season? In the 2008 preseason poll, members of the media picked Alabama to take the No. 3 spot in the SEC West, finishing behind both Auburn and LSU.

Leading up to the SEC championship game was like watching every sports commentator talk about every other team besides Alabama. They received little to no credit for what they did on the field this season.

I really do believe that Alabama will be back vying for the SEC championship title in the near future.

Now, Alabama has to get ready for unbeaten Utah on Jan. 2 in the Sugar Bowl and I think Alabama is going to win that game.

They have an excellent recruiting class coming in next year, including Andalusia’s own Nico Johnson.

It will be interesting to see how Alabama will pick themselves up after the winning season this year to get ready for next year.

As for Florida, I can’t help but say that it will be a test for them as they face off against Oklahoma on Jan. 8 for the BCS championship title.

The Gators have a tough game ahead of them and I wish them the best of luck.