I don't think anyone knows OTF, but I thought the leaning among the so called experts was for ND to meet AL if neither stumbled. ND, lacking a state alliance, has always pulled more weight than they probably deserved. ND always put up some very good teams when they had the coach to direct them. I think however they often got less than an all out effort by a lot of teams because of the timing, they played a lot teams when the teams were in the midst of conference play. Those teams often appeared to be looking past ND. That's just an opinion.
I don't think close games should count in the polls, but they slip in that's for sure. Close games are better for armchair QB's like us, especially in multiples.
Stanford always gets some hype, but they don't have the offense that Oregon has and their defense, while very close doesn't match up either.
OSU is sold most likely, but if Oregon stumbles there is no rule as to how teams move and I doubt they would get any boost.
I look for FSU to demolish Miami and get a solid hold on a top 3. they don't have any "tough" opponents on the horizon.
Baylor will be in the wings, but they have a tough schedule, on the other hand if they win out they may get a jump from the BCS strength ratings and be able to move if a couple of the schools above them flounder. Stanford will likely drop if my overrated crystal ball is right.
Missouri will have to step up. They didn't look like a team destined to beat TN, MS and TA&M against SC. Like I said though they may have been blind sided by practicing against a team running simpler plays. The offense still looked good against what I believe was a healthy SC defense.