You can when you beat #3 convincingly and the ones ahead of you beat lesser opponents. But, hey, in the end, only #1 matters. Congratulations to Florida Gators and their fans.
USC beat the snot out of Arakansas, while LSU had a close call. LSU beat the snot out of Arizona, while USC had a close game. They both pounded the heck out of Notre Dame. Let's call it a tie and break it in the fall!