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Miami second in BCS

Miami is No. 1 in two polls, but Ohio State is atop the latest Bowl Championship Series standings.

The Buckeyes (11-0) have 3.41 points to lead Monday's chart, while Miami (9-0) is No. 2 with 4.10. Each moved up one spot after previous leader Oklahoma lost to Texas A&M 30-26 Saturday.

If Ohio State and Miami -- the only unbeaten teams -- win their remaining games, they will play for the national championship. The top two teams in the final BCS standings released Dec. 8 will play in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3 in Tempe, Ariz.

"I am proud of what this team has accomplished so far this year," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. "We have won a number of tough football games. This week, we have another very difficult challenge at Illinois. That is where our focus is."

Miami, the defending national champion, temporarily lost the top spot in the AP poll last week but is a unanimous No. 1 following a 26-3 win over Tennessee.

The Hurricanes, also No. 1 in the coaches' poll, have won a school-record 31 straight games.

The Buckeyes are ahead of Miami for one big reason -- quality win points. Ohio State has a 4.21 composite total, compared with Miami's 4.10. But the Buckeyes got a 0.8 deduction for a 25-7 victory over Washington State on Sept. 14. Miami has no bonus-point deduction.

Ohio State's deduction went from 0.6 points last week to 0.8 points this week because the Cougars jumped two spots to No. 3 in the BCS standings.

Miami has a more difficult schedule ahead than Ohio State. The Hurricanes are off this week, then play at home against No. 18 Pittsburgh (8-2) on Nov. 21, followed by games at Syracuse (4-6) and at home against No. 13 Virginia Tech (8-2).

Ohio State plays at Illinois (4-6) on Saturday and ends the season at home against No. 12 Michigan (8-2) on Nov. 23.

If Miami or Ohio State slips, Washington State, Oklahoma and Texas might get a shot to play for the national championship.

ACC HONORS: Three Maryland players were named players of the week.

Steve Suter was named top offensive back, Todd Wike was top offensive lineman and defensive tackle Randy Starks was the week's best defensive lineman.

MIAMI: Coach Larry Coker had surgery on his left knee, then went back to work. The surgery was performed at a hospital next to the campus.

MISSISSIPPI: Tailback Robert Williams and receiver Trey Fryfogle have been kicked off the team for violating unspecified team rules.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Coach Lou Holtz intends to return next year, blaming himself for his team's poor play after a strong start to the season. The 65-year-old has three years left on his contract.

TEXAS A&M: Coach R.C. Slocum said freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal would start Saturday against Missouri. He replaces redshirt sophomore Dustin Long.

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