Entering the final week of the regular season, the feeling was that something would need to happen in order to change the perception that Alabama would be a heavy favorite against Florida in the SEC Championship Game.

Instead, Alabama stayed on its tear while Florida not only continued its stretch of poor play, it lost to Florida State.

As a result, Alabama opened as an early 17.5-point favorite, according to overseas sports book 5Dimes.

With its 29-13 win over Auburn, the Crimson Tide extended its winning streak to nine, the fourth-longest active streak in the FBS behind only Clemson (12), Iowa (12) and North Carolina (11). Meanwhile, Florida suffered a 27-2 home loss to rival Florida State.

Vegas lines for the game won’t be released until later today.

Saturday’s SEC Championship Game in Atlanta will kick off at 4 pm ET (ESPN).