Auburn rises to the top of ‘the Super 16’ after turbulent week

Last week’s rankings went through the paper shredder. Not only did the Super 16 get jumbled, but three of the “first four out” teams also lost: USC, Wisconsin and Nebraska. The rankings have gone through such a remodel they should be featured on “Love It or List It.” But the more things change, the more the championship game looks like a rematch from last season: Auburn versus Florida State. That thriller at the Rose Bowl wasn’t decided until the final 13 seconds, and this season also appears headed to the final few ticks.

1; Auburn; 5-0; “Gus for Us” campaign will spearhead drive to unseat Saban as governor of Alabama. (5)

2; Florida State 5-0; Last week versus this week on the ACC schedule: Weak Forest and Syra-cruise. (4)

3; Mississippi 5-0; After Alabama win, students tear down goal posts and use them for giant swizzle sticks. (8)

4; Baylor 5-0; If Bears defeat Texas Christian on Saturday, the Texas state fair should be moved from Dallas to Waco. (7)

5; Mississippi State 5-0; Dak Prescott would be a great name in Grisham novel based in Starkville. (11)

6; Notre Dame 5-0; Good things happen every other year, or when Everett Golson starts at quarterback. (10)

7; Alabama 4-1; Angry Tide heads to Arkansas for what it hopes will be Grind Hogs Day. (3)

8; Texas Christian 4-0; Frogs treated for the bends after rising 16 spots in AP poll following Oklahoma win. (NR)

9; Oregon 4-1; “Wanted: offensive tackles who seek exotic adventures in places like Pasadena and Corvallis.” (2)

10; Oklahoma 4-1; “OK, whose big idea was it to invite Texas Christian into the Big 12?” (1)

11; Michigan State 4-1; Only weakness in the program is too many empty seats in student section. (12)

12; Arizona 5-0; School sends Michigan thank-you note after receiving the wonderful gift of Rich Rod. (NR)

13; Georgia 4-1; Carrying the Southeastern Conference East banner until Vanderbilt gets a few football things figured out. (16)

14; Utah 4-1; Kicker Andy Phillips is a former U.S. ski team member who just cannot be iced. (NR)

15; UCLA 4-1; Nietzsche said, “That which does not kill you also makes Oregon a must win on Saturday.” (9)

16; Texas A&M 5-1; Quarterback Hill goes to team doctor complaining of “cowbells ringing in my ears.” (6)

Dropped out: Brigham Young (13), Stanford (14), Louisiana State (15).

Moved in: Texas Christian, Arizona, Utah.

First four out: Ohio State, Arizona State, Kansas State, Stanford.