Rolling to No. 1: Tide takes top spot in AP poll

(AP Photo/LM Otero)

By RALPH D. RUSSO

NEW YORK (AP) Alabama is the new No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll, moving past Southern California after its resounding victory against Michigan.

The Crimson Tide swayed more than enough voters with its 41-14 win Saturday night in Texas to overtake the preseason No. 1 Trojans, who beat Hawaii 49-10. USC entered that game a 40-point favorite at home.

The Tide receives 45 first-place votes, up 28 from last week. USC draws 11 first-place votes and No. 3 LSU four.

It's the 47th time Alabama has been No. 1, the 16th under coach Nick Saban.

This is the 86th time in the 76-year history of the AP media poll that the top-ranked team won and dropped in the rankings. It's happened at least once every year since 2007.

Updated September 4, 2012