Notre Dame awaits UGA-Alabama winner in title game

The SEC Championship Game winner will face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the BCS Championship Game on Jan. 7, 2013 in Miami, Fla.

The Irish punched their ticket with a 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans on Saturday night, a result that left "little mystery" as to whether or not the BCS formula would rear its ugly head again this season, writes Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Irish had trouble finishing drives in their win, but dominated the game offensively by outgaining the Trojans, 439 total yards to 281. In addition, Notre Dame came up with several defensive stops, including a goal-line stand late in the game to seal the victory.

Notre Dame awaits the winner of the Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2012 SEC Championship Game. Both teams finished the season with one loss, but they are ranked No. 3 and No. 2, respectively, leaving virtually zero hope for any of the teams ranked behind them to make a jump.