ATLANTA (AP) — A week ago, the Southeastern Conference looked as though it had finally been vanquished.

The rest of the nation breathed a sigh of relief, clearly relieved it wouldn’t have to watch the haughty SEC celebrate another national championship.

Not so fast.

After a wild Saturday in this most unpredictable of seasons, the SEC was back in a familiar position — playing for a BCS title, albeit not in its usual role of favorite.

No. 2 Auburn (12-1) landed a spot in the championship game against top-ranked Florida State (13-0) when the BCS pairings were announced Sunday night, the fallout from Ohio State losing to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship game.

The Seminoles were established as an early touchdown favorite for the Jan. 6 game at the Rose Bowl.

Auburn doesn’t sound the least bit intimidated.

“We feel we’re the best team in college football,” star running back Tre Mason said. “We’ve got to continue to prove it.”

Ohio State had not lost a game in two years under coach Urban Meyer and needed one more victory to lock up a trip to Pasadena. Alas, in what has been a familiar theme since 2006, the SEC champion Tigers stepped up to claim the spot when the Buckeyes were upset by Michigan State 34-24.