The way the media is slanting hard against Ohio State right now, I wouldn't be surprised if a Bama team that loses a close game at Auburn is still ranked ahead of Ohio State in the polls. "It was the Iron Bowl, a hostile environment, Bama was on the road, it's the SEC, Auburn was super-jacked, Auburn is super-good, blah blah blah."
Remember when Florida State lost at Notre Dame and only moved from 1 to 2 in the polls? Notre Dame was 2 at the time and moved to 1 Then the next week (I think) Notre Dame lost in a stunner to Boston College. That allowed Florida State to move back to 1 in the polls (and they eventually went on to win the NC that year).