Alabama is closing in on top-ranked Clemson.

The Crimson Tide moved up one spot to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 Poll, released Sunday. They also moved up to No. 2 in the Coaches Poll.

RELATED: Coaches Poll | AP Top 25 Poll | Playoff Poll

Warned early last week by coach Nick Saban about the perils of overlooking an FCS opponent, Alabama ran over Charleston Southern 56-6 on Saturday.

That alone wouldn’t have bumped the Tide in the polls, but Ohio State’s loss to Michigan State cleared the path to No. 2.

That combination should keep the Tide solidly in the top four of the next College Football Playoff Poll, which will be released Tuesday night.

Alabama was No. 2 in last week’s playoff poll, with the committee seriously weighing its case to be No. 1.

Alabama (10-1, 6-1 SEC) closes the regular season Saturday in the Iron Bowl at Auburn.

A victory — or Mississippi loss against Mississippi State — will send the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship Game against Florida.