Humans and computers won't huddle to render their verdict on the two best teams in college football until Dec. 2, when the Bowl Championship Series releases its final rankings. But we don't need to see another minute of shovel passes or politicking to vote. On Saturday night, two teams produced such astounding displays of worthiness that they should stow their playbooks and pack their charter planes for the Jan. 7 title game in Miami.

Alabama closed a 43-second drive for the winning touchdown with 51 seconds left, surmounting...