Northwestern surges in Amway Coaches Poll

The college football weekend was not without drama. But in the end, most outcomes followed the script, resulting in minimal shake- up in the Amway Coaches Poll.

Alabama’s game did not involve much of said drama, however, and the Crimson Tide easily retain the No. 1 spot. The Tide showed no signs of rust from a two- week hiatus in their romp past Kentucky. They picked up 59 of 62 firstplace votes.

Notre Dame, which had the weekend off, retains the No. 2 position with two first- place nods.

Ohio State remains No. 3 with the remaining No. 1 vote, but the Buckeyes had to stave off a furious rally from Indiana to hang on to their position.

The voters were kind to Hoosiers, who fall only two places to No. 12.

Clemson, whose game at Florida State was postponed at the last minute, holds at No. 4.

Florida, which took care of winless Vanderbilt, extended its lead a bit over Texas A& M for the No. 5 spot.

Northwestern, the winner of the Big Ten’s other key showdown against Wisconsin, makes the biggest jump of the week. The Wildcats climb seven slots to check in at a season- best No. 13, while the Badgers slip to No. 20.

Oklahoma gains three spots to No. 14 after a dominant win against Bedlam rival Oklahoma State, which drops to No. 22.

Liberty, which saw its bid for perfection come to an end at North Carolina State, falls out of the poll, replaced by No. 25 Tulsa. This is the first poll appearance for the Golden Hurricane since 2012.

DAVID BANKS/ USA TODAY SPORTS Brandon Joseph gestures after an interception for Northwestern versus Wisconsin.