No major changes in major college football polls
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The fact that three of the top four teams in college football had the weekend off had little effect on Sunday’s college football polls, with Oregon, Auburn, Boise State and Texas Christian all retaining their positions from last week.
The top eight positions in the USA Today coaches’ poll did not shift: Oregon, Auburn, Boise State, TCU, Wisconsin, Louisiana State, Ohio State and Stanford.
The Associated Press poll had the same top four but jumped Wisconsin to No. 5 over LSU. Stanford stayed at No. 7, followed by Ohio State, Alabama and Oklahoma State.
The only news was Boise State widening its lead over TCU in the all-important battle for the No. 3 spot.
Boise State, which defeated Fresno State, 51-0, on Friday, increased its lead in the coaches’ poll from 11 points to 41.
Boise State is currently No. 4 in the BCS standings but is expected eventually to end up ahead of TCU if the Broncos win their last two games.
If the top four teams win out, the No. 3 team in the final BCS standings would receive a bid to the Rose Bowl, which would have to replace Pac-10 anchor Oregon.
If Oregon or Auburn loses, then the No. 3 team could earn a bid to the Jan. 10 BCS title game.
The coaches’ poll is used in the BCS standings. The AP is no longer a part of the formula but still crowns an independent champion.
-- Chris Dufresne
