Just two weeks after returning to No. 1 in the Southern College Football poll, LSU relinquished their hold on the top spot - and gave up their chance to play for the BCS National Championship. The Tigers lost to rival Arkansas on Friday. Both LSU losses this season came to SEC opponents in triple overtime.
LSU wasn't the only team to go down, as No. 2 Kansas lost to No. 3 Missouri on Saturday night in Kansas City, Mo. The Jayhawks and Heisman contender Todd Reesing became the sixth No. 2 ranked team to fall this season. Missouri, following the 36-28 win, garnered nine first place votes to take over the top spot of the rankings. The Tigers will attempt to avenge their only loss of the season when they take on Oklahoma for the Big XII Championship.
West Virginia moved up to No. 2 after clinching the Big East Championship. The Moutaineers routed Connecticut 66-21 and are one game away from clinching a spot in the BCS National Championship Game. UWV received the remaining eight first place votes.
Ohio State, which played it's last game two weeks ago against Michigan, rose two spots to No. 3. The Buckeyes hold out hope for a potential return to the national championship game, but need either Missouri or West Virginia to fall. Georgia, the highest ranked two-loss team, rounds out the top five. The Bulldogs await their bowl destination as their regular season ended with Tennessee's four-overtime victory over Kentucky; Volunteers' victory clinched UT a berth in the SEC Championship Game.
Virginia Tech, coming off a win over rival Virginia, rose two spots to No. 6. Kansas fell five spots to No. 7, followed by USC, Oklahoma and Florida. The Trojans and Sooners are still capable of making return trips to BCS bowls - USC clinches a Rose Bowl berth with a victory over rival UCLA, while Oklahoma must defeat Missouri to win the Big XII.
Hawaii, the only remaining undefeated team in Division I-A, moved up three spots to No. 11, which is the Rainbow Warriors highest-ever ranking in the SCF poll. Hawaii defeated Boise State to win the WAC Championship and needs a win over Washington on Saturday to close out an undefeated regular season. Boston College slides up three spots to No. 12, followed by Tennessee, who will play LSU for the SEC championship this weekend. The Volunteers' victory over rival Kentucky gave UT it's first ranking in the top 16 this season.
Arizona State, following a blowout loss to USC at home on Thanksgiving night, dropped seven slots to No. 14, followed by Illinois. Clemson, coming off a last-minute victory over arch-rival South Carolina, returns to the poll at No. 16.
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