It was a game that lived up to its billing. It was a battle of champions, with the lead and momentum swinging back and forth for much of the game.

Florida played mistake-free ball. Alabama had mental lapses that may have cost it the game. The Gators seized every opportunity in the end to cement a thrilling 31-20 victory.

Bama failed to do the three things it must have done to win.

The first was: No mental mistakes. Though the one turnover didn't matter, as it was in the final seconds, the mental mistake by Javier Arenas in the kickoff return put Alabama near its own goal line.

The subsequent punt gave Florida terrific field position and turned the momentum back to the Gators.

The second was: Alabama failure to outrush the Gators (136 yards to the Gators 142) and win the time of possession (The Tide held the ball for roughly 28 minutes, while the Gators had it for roughly 32). Though they were close, this wasn't horseshoes they were playing.

The third was: Alabama did not contain the Florida rushing game. Though they held Florida far below their seasonal average, it wasn't good enough to keep them from from using it effectively.

Both teams had times in the game where it looked like thing would go their way. Each team had great plays on offense and defense. It was a game worthy of its championship status.

Given the age of both teams and the way they handled other SEC opponents, I would say that a re-match next year would certainly be in the picture. Florida now sits where many media pundits said it would be at the first of the season, as the SEC Champion.

Alabama on the other hand can console itself with the fact that no leading pundit picked them to finish 12-1 and go to the Sugar Bowl. Somehow this trip back to Louisiana will be much sweeter than the one it took last year. New Orleans is January is so much prettier than Shreveport in December.

As for other aftermaths of the game, Tebow did nothing but excite voters in the Heisman race. Florida is sure to get the nod for the BCS championship game. Alabama proved that even in losing, this was no fluke season, and that they are indeed back in the mix for post seasons for years to come.

It was a great game from two great teams and Florida, its players and coaches are to be congratulated. Both teams looked like teams that could finish the regular season 12-1 and finish in the Top Five.

Larry Burton is an analyst for the bleacher report. Visit http://bleacherreport.com/articles/89941-florida-victorious-over-alabama-in-sec-championship-game for the original article.