Alabama tightens grip on No. 1 in BCS poll

Alabama only managed a close win over Louisiana State but strengthened its grip on the top spot of the Bowl Championship Series standings Sunday. The undefeated Crimson Tide escaped with a 21-17 win over LSU Saturday, putting them on track for a second straight date in a national title game should they stay unbeaten through a Southeast Conference championship tilt. The win gave Alabama a computerized average of 0.996 in new standings released Sunday -- well ahead of No. 2 Kansas State's 0.932. The Wildcats, Oregon and Notre Dame all improved to 9-0 Saturday, with Kansas State holding off hard-charging Oregon for the second position by just 0.015 points. Notre Dame fell to fourth after posting a three-overtime win over Pittsburgh. The next five included Georgia, Florida, LSU and South Carolina, while undefeated Louisville climbed to ninth, followed by Florida State at No. 10.