GAINESVILLE -- For three long months, the University of Florida football team had to not only manage opponents on a weekly basis but also persevere in the face of unreasonable expectations, perform brilliantly without fail.

Those distractions are gone.

That pressure has subsided.

The regular season was perfect.

Now, only one game separates the Gators and a return trip to the BCS championship game. The Southeastern Conference championship is here, and with it comes a welcomed sense of calm for the Gators. The SEC title game between No. 1 Florida (12-0) and No. 2 Alabama (12-0) at 4 p.m. Saturday will be billed as one of the most anticipated games in league history. Florida has dealt with that type of pressure all year.

``This is a one-game season now,'' Florida coach Urban Meyer said Sunday. ``The fact that we had to deal with all the expectations, and now it's right in front of us, I do feel a sense of, `Hey, now we're here. Let's not worry about it. Let's just go play.' ''

Florida began championship week on Sunday as a five-point favorite. The Gators had a light practice Sunday evening, and the team's coaches began preparing for Alabama almost immediately after Saturday's 37-10 win against rival Florida State. Florida clinched its spot in the SEC title game four weeks ago and, according to Meyer, the Gators' graduate assistants began logging film on Alabama before the regular season ended.

``It's a little bit ahead of schedule because we had it all on tap ready to go,'' Meyer said.

Alabama defeated rival Auburn 26-21 on Friday, which means the Crimson Tide will enter Saturday's game with one more day to prepare. According to Alabama coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide used the extra day to rest.

``This time of the season, anytime you get an extra day it's beneficial -- long season, lots of games, lots of plays, lots of practices,'' Saban said. ``I also think it helps them mentally and emotionally to freshen up a bit and not have to think about an extra game plan the next day.''

INGRAM ACHING

The extra day will benefit Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who injured his hip during the Iron Bowl. Ingram was on the sideline during the Crimson Tide's game-winning touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. Auburn's defense limited Ingram, a Heisman Trophy candidate, to 30 yards on 15 carries.

On Sunday, Saban said Ingram was still sore with what Alabama's coach called a hip pointer. Ingram is probable for Saturday's game, according to Saban. The sophomore running back enters the SEC title game with 1,429 yards on 221 carries and 12 rushing touchdowns.

``I think he'll be fine,'' Saban said. ``We don't think he has a significant problem. We'll see more [Monday] and how he moves around in practice.''

Florida's injured running back, Emmanuel Moody, also is expected to play Saturday in Atlanta. On Sunday, Meyer classified Moody's playing status as probable. The redshirt junior sprained his ankle against South Carolina on Nov. 14. He didn't play against FIU and didn't dress for the Florida State game.

FIELD-POSITION GAME

Meyer said Sunday that one of his biggest concerns this week will be preparing for Alabama return specialist Javier Arenas of Tampa. Arenas, a senior cornerback, is ranked fourth in the nation in punt returns (16.64 yards per return) and ninth nationally in kickoff returns (29.50 yards per return).

``It's going to be like it was last year, a field-position game,'' Meyer said.

As the Gators' special-teams coordinator, Meyer's focus this week will be on winning the field-position battle in a game he believes could be decided by one blocked kick, one mistake, one field goal, one long return. As the Gators' coach, Meyer's focus this week is clear and without distraction. One game.