While Nebraska maintains a firm grip on the No. 1 ranking in college football, Ohio State and Florida are jockeying for the No. 2 spot in an electoral battle that could eventually determine the national champion.
No. 2 Ohio State widened its lead over No. 3 Florida in both major polls Sunday. That's significant because the balloting for the national title would come down to those teams if they go undefeated and Nebraska loses.After both schools won easily Saturday, Ohio State increased its lead over Florida to 18 points in The Associated Press media poll and 23 points in the USA Today-CNN coaches' poll. Last week, the Buckeyes leapfrogged the Gators in both polls, edging Florida by six points in AP and five points in the coaches' rankings.
Nebraska will be heavily favored to win its regular-season finale against Oklahoma on Nov. 24, but Ohio State and Florida must overcome major roadblocks the following day to keep their national title hopes alive. The Buckeyes visit No. 12 Michigan while Florida plays host to No. 6 Florida State.
If the top three teams win out, Nebraska (10-0) will play Florida (9-0) in the Fiesta Bowl and Ohio State (10-0) will meet Southern Cal (8-1-1) in the Rose Bowl.
The AP poll is the Scoreboard page (D4).