Ohio State (11-0) jumped one spot in the latest BCS rankings and into the .9 range (whatever that means), ESPN reported. They're chasing #1 Alabama (11-0) at .9981 and #2 Florida State (11-0) at .9697. #4 Auburn's (10-1) .8236 average trails all three top teams considerably, but they play Alabama this Saturday (3:30 pm E.T. on CBS) with the chance to possibly overtake Ohio State and their suspect Big Ten schedule. (Baylor would have most likely overtaken them had they won this weekend; instead, they were crushed by Oklahoma State). If the Tigers win, Auburn would move on to the SEC championship game against either Missouri (10-1) or South Carolina (9-2). The winner of a potential Missouri-Auburn scenario could have enough schedule cred to pass an undefeated Ohio State, according to ESPN.

Lately, however, the computers appear to be warming to the Buck Eyes; more likely, they'll cement the third spot with season finale wins over Michigan (7-4) and #11 Michigan State (10-1).

Two mid majors, #14 Northern Illinois (11-0) and #16 Fresno State (11-0) find themselves in the top 16, or the minimum ranking to qualify for a BCS Bowl. According to ESPN's Chris Fowler, one of the six BCS computers (run by USA Today's Jeff Sagarin) had Northern Illinois ranked as high as number three. As per BCS rules, a team's highest and lowest computer ranking is discarded, preserving (somewhat) the sanctity of the system. When Fowler mentioned Sagarin's defense -- that he had "other formulas" that were more accurate -- co-host Jessie Palmer flippantly replied, "Well use them" (about a minute in).

Palmer went on to question Northern Illinois' so called marquee wins: @ Iowa (7-4), @ Purdue (1-10), and Ball State (9-2). Few question the talent of Northern Illinois QB Jordan Lynch, who's accounted for 38 TDs this season (behind only Johnny Manziel) though some wonder whether he'll make it as even a back up at the next level. Draft experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper, Jr. peg Lynch as a 6th or 7th round pick and believe he'll most likely have to change positions, ESPN reported. McShay noted, however, that Lynch has the chance to prove himself to scouts who question his arm talent; many quarterbacks have done it before. The senior signal caller is only 6-feet but weighs a solid 216 lbs and should be a Heisman finalist.