Alabama moved up to No. 5 in the newly released Associated Press Top 25 poll.
The Crimson Tide advanced one spot after previously undefeated Michigan State and Missouri both lost road games Saturday.
The Spartans fell from No. 5 to No. 16 after a 37-6 loss at Iowa. The Tigers dropped from No. 7 to No. 14 after a 31-17 loss at Nebraska. Missouri was coming off an upset of then-No. 1 Oklahoma just a week earlier.
The Bowl Championship Series rankings, which determine the top two teams to play for the national championship, are scheduled to be released Sunday night.
Three of the Tide’s four remaining games are against AP Top 25 teams including next week’s regular-season road finale at No. 12 LSU.
Alabama then hosts three home games including the Nov. 26 Iron Bowl against BCS No. 1 Auburn. Those Tigers are ranked No. 3 in the AP poll after Saturday’s 51-31 win at Ole Miss.
Alabama is 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the Southeastern Conference. LSU and Alabama are currently tied for second place in the SEC West behind first-place Auburn.
via Alabama No. 5 in AP poll; BCS standings to be released Sunday night | al.com.
