We have a new number one in the power rankings. Photo: USA Today Sports
Well, we always said Alabama would probably hold the top spot in our power rankings until forced to do otherwise. Low and behold, Chris Davis and his improbable and remarkable return for a touchdown off a missed field goal had our voters reshuffling our top ten ballots this week. As we head in to championship week, here is how our latest top ten looks…
1. Florida State (88 points, 7 first place votes)
There was little doubt which team would ascend to the top spot in the power rankings once Alabama fell at Auburn. The Seminoles have been a solid number two team in our power rankings for a while now, so it seemed only natural to see Florida State take over the top spot in the power rankings after dominating Florida in The Swamp. Florida State's overall schedule strength is a legitimate topic of debate, but the Seminoles received seven first place votes out of nine from our staff and was ranked second on the only other ballots. Florida State is now in a very comfortable position on top of our rankings.
2. Auburn (77 points, 1 first place vote)
The Auburn Tigers squeaked by undefeated Ohio State by the slimmest of margins, one point. Auburn's victory over Alabama was one of the biggest results of the season, considering the impact it had on the entire BCS picture with time running out. With one of the nation's top running games and a coach of the year candidate in Gus Malzahn, Auburn has the offense to cause any team in the country problems.
3. Ohio State (76 points, 1 first place vote)
The Buckeyes remain undefeated and sit in a good spot in the BCS rankings, but fell just shy of second place in our weekly power rankings. Ohio State received more second place votes (4) than Auburn (3) and as many first place votes as the Tigers, but one fourth-place vote sunk the Buckeyes just enough to put them third on this week's rankings.
4. Missouri (59 points)
The 11-1 Tigers silenced Johnny Football in the final game of the regular season to clinch a spot in the SEC Championship Game. They also narrowly got by Alabama. As they prepare for a battle with Auburn, Missouri could move in to the top two with a win if this week's rankings are any indication.
5. Alabama (58 points)
the difference one second can make. Alabama certainly took a fall in the rankings after taking their first loss of the year. Most will tell you they may still be the best team in the country, but this week we have them ranked fifth overall. Alabama was all over our ballots this week, sinking as low as sixth and finishing as high as third.
6. Oklahoma State (41 points)
If only Oklahoma State would have defeated West Virginia…
7. Michigan State (36 points)
Michigan State has plenty of fans in the states of Missouri and Alabama this weekend. A Spartans win over Big Ten will make it much easier for a one-loss SEC champion to get to the BCS championship game. Michigan State may have the defense to make it happen.
8. South Carolina (18 points)
South Carolina ended their regular season once again victorious over Clemson. While they miss out on a trip to Atlanta, the Gamecocks should be a tough match-up for anyone in the bowl season.
9. Arizona State (14 points)
Watch out for Arizona State because this team is pretty hot right now. The Sun Devils pounded Arizona and now get to host Stanford in the Pac 12 Championship Game. Know this about Arizona State, they play much better at home than on the road so this weekend could be quite different than the first meeting between the two earlier this season.
10. Baylor (11 points)
We see you Baylor. your victory over TCU may not have been quite the rebound some of us expected it to be, but let's see what you do against Texas this weekend.
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