NEW YORK — After a steady climb, Alabama has reached the top of the AP poll.

The Crimson Tide jumped Florida and landed at No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday.

The unbeaten Gators had been in the top spot since the preseason, but the Crimson Tide has been gaining ground for weeks by winning more convincingly than the Gators.

The final surge came after Alabama beat South Carolina 20-6 and Florida needed a field goal in the waning seconds to beat Arkansas 23-20 at home.

The Crimson Tide, which received 10 first-place votes last week, got 39 out of 59 from the media panel. Florida received the other 20 first-place votes.

Texas is No. 3, followed by Southern California, Cincinnati and Boise State at No. 6. The Broncos dropped a spot.

The first BCS standings also came out Sunday and Florida was in first place, followed by Alabama, Texas and Boise State.

No. 16 BYU then Houston, Ohio State, Utah and Pittsburgh finish the first 20.

Pitt, No. 21 Texas Tech and No. 22 West Virginia are ranked for the first time.