The SEC is turned upside down, Now, for the depths of the poll plunge...roll the dice

Just how far from their No. 1 perch will Alabama fall when the rankings come out Sunday afternoon?

It would seem to be a given that Ohio State will slide into the top spot, with Oregon, their first-half struggles pushed to the side, continuing their poll climb and landing gently at No. 2. After that, it gets tricky with the presence of two "outsiders" sitting at No. 4 and No. 5.

The next 24 hours will show exactly how Boise State and TCU are really viewed by the voters, particularly the ones who comprise the USA Today coaches' poll. Conventional wisdom would state that the Broncos and Horned Frogs would make their way up one spot to No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, leaving Alabama at No. 5 at best.

This has never had to be considered, two non-AQ schools doing a one-week jump of the defending national champion and No. 1 team in the country after they suffered a conference manhandling. If Alabama does not fall to at least No. 5, it's a clear sign that neither Boise nor TCU nor any other non-AQ school will ever be "allowed", except by a playoff , to have a shot at a national title.