Alabama winning its second BCS national title in three years is the Associated Press' choice for the state's top sports story of 2012.

The Crimson Tide claimed the championship with a 21-0 win over LSU 11 months ago, and 'Bama is now gearing up for another title championship game against Notre Dame.

Alabama is ranked No. 2 nationally headed into the game against No. 1 Notre Dame in Miami on Jan. 7.

Alabama's winning ways are in stark contrast to another top story of the year: Auburn's misfortunes just two seasons after winning its own BCS title.

Auburn's 3-9 season culminated in Gene Chizik's firing as head coach and the hiring of former offensive coordinate Gus Malzahn in an attempt to right the ship.