Oregon strengthened its hold on the top spot in the USA TODAY coaches poll, while Boise State's grip on the No.2 position grew more tenuous.

The Ducks, who flew past UCLA 60-13 Thursday, claimed 50 of 59 first-place votes, eight more than last week. The Broncos, who were off over the weekend and host Louisiana Tech Tuesday, retained five first-place votes, down from 11 a week ago.

TOP 25: See the full USA TODAY coaches poll

Closing fast is Auburn, which climbed to No. 3 and earned three first-place votes on the strength of its 24-17 victory against previously unbeaten LSU.

TCU might have to change its nickname to the leapfrogs after being overtaken again. But the fourth-ranked Horned Frogs still have a No. 1 vote after taking care of Air Force 38-7.

Michigan State kept its record clean after a wild come-from-behind victory at Northwestern and edged once-beaten Alabama for the No. 5 spot. It is the Spartans' highest ranking since USA TODAY began administering the poll in the 1991-92 season.

No. 7 Utah stayed undefeated with an easy triumph over Colorado State, and No.8 Missouri moved up eight places after toppling then-No.3 Oklahoma.

No. 24 Baylor is ranked for the first time since 1995. The Bears won a wild shootout 47-42 vs. Kansas State and now sit alone atop the Big 12 South. No. 25 Michigan regained a poll spot following a bye week. West Virginia and Texas, both upset victims at home, were the week's dropouts.

-- Eddie Timanus