College Football Rankings: Alabama Will Overtake Oklahoma This Week

When you take a look at the new Associated Press Top 25 poll, you’ll see a change in the top three spots.

No, not at No. 1, where LSU currently sits. It will be between No. 2 and No. 3, as Alabama will pass Oklahoma after this week.  

Heading into Week 5, Oklahoma is ranked second in the AP poll with 1,422 points, with Alabama ranked third with 1,413 points. So, if both teams win this Saturday, then why would Oklahoma drop another spot without ever losing a game?  

It’s simple.

Oklahoma has Ball State at home this Saturday, while Alabama has to travel to “The Swamp” in Gainesville to play the No. 12 Florida Gators. 

Did you notice the difference in talent between these two teams' opponents?  

Now, not to knock the Mid-American Athletic Conference, but Ball State does not bring the same level of talent as, say, Florida does. Ball State has defeated a BCS Conference team this year in Indiana, and is 3-1 on the year.  

Even if Oklahoma had to travel to Muncie, Indiana to play Ball State in front of its 100 fans, it still would not keep the team from dropping to third in the rankings.  

Now, this prediction is based solely on the fact that Alabama will beat Florida this Saturday night. If Alabama is able to play on the same level of defense, while managing the game on offense, they should have no problem winning this game by double-digits.  

The question is, though, if Oklahoma is No. 3 in the AP poll, do they stay No. 1 in the USA Today Coaches Poll?  

Oklahoma has survived an onslaught of pressure from LSU and Alabama trying to take its No. 1 ranking in the Coaches Poll. As the writers have decided that LSU is a more deserving No. 1, the coaches are steadfast in keeping Oklahoma at the top. 

Entering Week 5, Oklahoma is first with 1,434 points, Alabama sits second with 1,404 points and the AP’s No. 1 team, LSU, has 1,404 as well.  

Where will these teams sit in points after Week 5 with the coaches? Let’s say they punish Oklahoma for scheduling Ball State. Will the Sooners drop in this pool to second, with LSU still at third? 

For those wondering, LSU is playing Kentucky this week.  

We’re entering the first week of October, and it looks like we are heading into a BCS controversy.  

After this week, we will have two different No. 1s in LSU and Alabama, while Oklahoma sits, undefeated, at second and third. 

If you’re confused, don’t worry. It’s just how college football determines its national champion—everyone is confused. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon