Huskers Remain Atop Press Polls

No. 2 Ohio State widened its lead over No. 3 Florida in Sunday’s Associated Press college football poll, while Nebraska remained No. 1 for the third straight week.

While the first-place totals were unchanged from last week, the gap between Ohio State and Florida increased from six to 18 points. The Buckeyes increased their lead over the Gators from five to 23 points in the USA Today-CNN coaches’ poll, which has the same top three as the AP media rankings.

That’s significant because the Buckeyes (10-0) and Gators (9-0) could wage an electoral battle for No. 1 if they finish undefeated and Nebraska (10-0) loses.

Both Ohio State and Florida must overcome major roadblocks on Nov. 25 to keep their national title hopes alive. The Buckeyes visit No. 12 Michigan while Florida plays host to No. 6 Florida State.

If the top three teams win out, Nebraska will play Florida in the Fiesta Bowl and Ohio State will meet Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl.

The big three all won in impressive fashion Saturday, with Nebraska beating No. 15 Kansas 41-3, Ohio State defeating Illinois 41-3 and Florida routing South Carolina 63-7.

Nebraska received 45 first-place votes and 1,530 points in the AP poll, while Ohio State got 12 firsts and 1,476 points. Florida received five firsts and 1,458 points.

Rounding out the Top 10 were Tennessee (8-1), Northwestern (9-1), Florida State (8-1), Kansas State (9-1), Notre Dame (8-2), Colorado (8-2) and Texas (7-1-1).

Michigan keeps Carr

Lloyd Carr, the interim coach who has guided Michigan to an 8-2 record so far this season, will be hired as the Wolverines’ permanent coach today.

Sources close to the university told the Associated Press on Sunday night a campus news conference has been called for 10 a.m., when the appointment will be made official.

Carr was awarded the job after Gary Moeller was forced to resign.