As the confetti fell to the floor of University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, late Monday night, and Alabama celebrated its fourth national title in seven years, the echoes of the "S-E-C" chant began to grow louder and louder.
For the first time since Alabama hoisted the crystal football three years ago in South Florida after dominating Notre Dame, the national title was back in its rightful home.
The SEC.
The Crimson Tide's 45-40 win over Clemson capped off a stellar 9-2 bowl season in which every SEC favorite won, every underdog lost and the margin of victory for the SEC's winners was a whopping 23.