GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has quieted down. A game that was much closer than many expected had the Gators’ fans permeating the air with deafening chants as they made one last effort to will their team past the Alabama Crimson Tide.

This 31-29 defeat of the Gators has confirmed what the Crimson Tide football team already knew, and what its opponents feared: This Alabama program, which overpowered Ohio State just nine months ago, is recharged and has its eyes on its next national title.