The insanity of week 12 of the college football season has left us with an intriguing setup for the Week 13 college football rankings. Thanks to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Oregon all losing this weekend, the SEC West has claimed the top of the Week 13 AP Poll all to itself. LSU, Alabama and Arkansas have claimed the top three spots, in what is only the second time history one conference has occupied the top three rankings. The only other time was when the Big 8 had Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado at the top in 1971.
Stanford claims the first non-SEC spot as they have climbed back up from No. 8 to No. 4. Stanford still is on the outside looking in at the Rose Bowl picture, but they are in the mix for a BCS bowl given the collapse of much of the top ten this week. Oklahoma was a main competitor for a BCS berth, but their loss to Baylor likely knocks them out of that. Of course, a win over Oklahoma State next week could change all that.
Next week provides a chance for some change in the rankings, particularly with LSU hosting Arkansas. If Arkansas wins, the SEC West probably still maintains their top three stranglehold. If LSU wins and Stanford beats Notre Dame, Stanford likely climbs up to No. 3 in the polls. Of course, if Arkansas loses to LSU and Alabama loses to Auburn, Stanford could climb all the way up to No. 2 in the AP Poll. The intrigue continues!
Here is the top ten according to the Week 13 AP Poll:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
4. Stanford
5. Oklahoma State
6. Virginia Tech
7. Boise State
8. Houston
9. Oregon
10. USC