THE RACE FOR NO. 1

Around these parts, anyway, it was becoming easy to forget any team other than top-ranked USC had a claim to last season’s national championship.

Not that No. 4 Louisiana State looked as if it will be “defending” with a very tight grip after surviving an Oregon State upset bid in overtime Saturday, 22-21, after the Beavers’ third missed extra-point attempt of the game.

Among other top teams, No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 3 Georgia won by lopsided scores against Bowling Green and Georgia Southern.

Just ahead, one top team will bow out of the group hoping to go unbeaten when No. 5 Florida State and No. 6 Miami meet Friday in a clash that was rescheduled because of Hurricane Frances.

-- Robyn Norwood