BCS

Champions from non-automatic-qualifier conferences will now have the chance to earn a spot in one of six BCS bowl games, according to a new agreement announced Monday. Under the terms of the deal, the highest-ranked champion from the "Group of Five" non-automatic conferences (Big East, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt) will be guaranteed a spot in a BCS bowl game. Read Mor

The Southeastern Conference, winner of six straight national championships, took an early lead for a seventh, as the first BCS poll of the season gave the top two spots to Alabama and Florida.

SEC powerhouses Louisiana State and Alabama rank first and second  in the first BCS poll of the year. In-state and Big 12 rivals Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are third and fourth, with Boise State rounding out the top five.