Normally a preseason number one has to lose to be displaced several weeks into the season, but AP voters determined that LSU's body of work has been more impressive than Oklahoma's, even though both teams are undefeated. LSU received 42 first-place votes to OU's 12, while Alabama collected five and Boise State received one. Overall, LSU received 1471 points to Oklahoma's 1422, a 49-point gap. The Sooners have just a nine-point cushion over third.
Oklahoma State's impressive win over Texas A&M jumped them a pair of spots to No. 5, while the Aggies dropped to No. 14. A&M's opponent this week, Arkansas, also lost to a top five team (Bama) and fell to No. 18.
Between A&M and Arkansas lie Baylor (No. 15) and Texas (No. 17), who slowly and steadily make their way northward. Both begin their conference schedule on the road this week, with Baylor traveling to Manhattan to take on an unbeaten Kansas State and Texas traveling to Ames to battle 3-0 Iowa State. The Longhorns then see Oklahoma and Oklahoma State in consecutive weeks, so we will know much more about Mack Brown's new regime in a few weeks.
Despite their early loss to Baylor, TCU is back at No. 20. The Frogs host SMU Saturday in their battle for the Iron Skillet. Since SMU's surprising win in 2005, TCU has held the trophy, winning easily the past four seasons.