Nebraska Closes In on No. 2

The race is on: Who’s No. 2?

Florida State clinched a spot in the bowl championship series’ national title game, but second-place Virginia Tech is locked in a numbers game with fast-closing Nebraska in the latest BCS rankings released Monday.

The first-place Seminoles (11-0) guaranteed themselves a trip to the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4 by ending their regular season undefeated.

Virginia Tech (10-0) held its spot after a 62-7 rout of Temple, but Nebraska (9-1) made a big jump and closed within .63 points of the Hokies. A week ago, the Cornhuskers were 2.4 points behind.

Even if Virginia Tech beats Boston College (8-2) on Friday to finish with a perfect record, there is still a chance a once-beaten Nebraska could move ahead when the final BCS rankings come out Dec. 5. If the Huskers win at Colorado (6-4) on Friday, they play Texas (9-2) in the Big 12 title game Dec. 4.

It won’t be easy, but here’s how the Huskers could pass the Hokies. First, they would have to move ahead in five of the seven computer ratings used. This week, the Huskers are ahead on two computers.

The Cornhuskers also can make up ground in strength of schedule based on results of their opponents’ games. Nebraska could gain if Oklahoma State upsets Oklahoma and Texas beats Texas A&M.;

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The Houston Cougars fired coach Kim Helton despite a seven-win season and a chance at their second bowl appearance this decade.

The university must pay Helton the $600,000 for the two years remaining on his contract, but Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk said it was time for a change.

Houston might get a Humanitarian Bowl berth if Louisville accepts an alternate bowl bid. If that happens, an assistant coach would take over on an interim basis.

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Oklahoma State Coach Bob Simmons suspended four starters for violating team policy.

Tight end Marcellus Rivers, cornerbacks Evan Howell and Alvin Porter, and safety J.B. Flowers will not play in the regular-season finale Saturday against Oklahoma.