The AP and Coaches' Polls are both due for a shake-up this week after a wild two days of action. Two teams in the top-5 fell, and when the dust settled only three teams remain unbeaten on the year. The Oregon Ducks, Auburn Tigers and TCU Horned Frogs all made it out of the weekend unscathed, but the top-2 teams did receive a scare.
It took a furious second half comeback for Auburn to stay in the BCS picture. The Tigers trailed the Alabama Crimson Tide at the half, 24-7, but came all the way back with a strong final two quarters to win, 28-27. Alabama looked completely dominant early, but it was Heisman contender Cam Newton carrying the team again, leading the Tigers to victory. Auburn heads to the SEC Championship Game to face South Carolina with a perfect season and BCS National Championship Game berth on the line.
The Oregon Ducks also started slow, trailing Arizona at the half, 19-14. As Oregon has all season, the Ducks stormed back in the second half and cruised to a 48-29 victory. The win should keep Oregon atop both polls and on the inside track to the BCS Title Game.
Boise State wasn't so fortunate. Saturday night's loss to Nevada not only ends the Bronco's run to perfection, but kills any chance of a BCS bowl berth. The question isn't if Boise will fall in the rankings, but how far. The Broncos sat at No. 3 in both polls, likely allowing TCU to jump back into the bridesmaid's seat behind the top-2.
Finally, LSU fell to Arkansas on Saturday, 31-23. The loss opens up a second spot in the top-5 as LSU was ranked No. 5 heading into the week in both polls. The biggest benefactor from both upsets this weekend should be No. 6 Stanford. The Cardinal will, in all likelihood, move up to the No. 4 spot, just behind the three unbeaten teams.
With an Arizona loss to Oregon on Friday, only two Pac-10 teams will be left standing in the top-25. However, both Stanford and Oregon are looking at a top-5 ranking, with the Ducks solidifying their grasp on the No. 1 spot in the AP and Coaches' top-25. The top of the Pac-10 is strong, but the rest of the conference continues to toil in mediocrity.