Arizona State defensive end Carl Bradford (52) celebrates after beating Wisconsin 32-30. (Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports)

Alabama’s win against Texas A&M secured the Crimson Tide’s hold on the top spot in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. Win or lose – whether the Tide or Aggies came out on top – the SEC remains entrenched in the top spot of For The Win’s weekly conference rankings. Which league comes in second? It’s a dogfight between the Pac-12, Big Ten and Big 12, but let’s remember one important fact: When push came to shove this weekend, it was the Pac-12 getting the better of the Big Ten in three marquee games. The Pac-12 moves to No. 2.

SEC: Even in defeat, Texas A&M proved why the SEC is unquestionably the best league in the country – because who else, outside of Oregon, is putting up 600 yards of offense on Alabama?

Pac-12: The Pac-12 had a nice weekend at the Big Ten’s expense.

Big Ten: Nebraska lost to UCLA, Wisconsin lost to Arizona State, Illinois lost to Washington, Purdue lost to Notre Dame, Penn State lost to UCF and Michigan needed a late stand to survive Akron. It wasn’t a banner Saturday.

Big 12: Texas continues to slide, which hurts the league’s overall standing, but look out for Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Baylor and Texas Tech.

ACC: It was a quiet week for the ACC: Clemson was idle, Miami (Fla.) was idle and Florida State smothered poor Nevada just as Alabama was sneaking past Texas A&M.

AAC: Five of Louisville’s regular-season opponents have suffered a loss to a Football Championship Subdivision opponent. The American is a bit of a laughingstock.

(Graphics by Tim McGarry)