Historically, you look at some of the top "mid-major" programs, and a one loss team would typically be ranked in the top 10 in the country--at least. Right along with the other one-loss programs. I don't think that is the case anymore. Look at Fresno, Lousiville, BSI, etc., the past few years, and they are undefeated midway through the regular season and are barely ranked. One loss early and you are done. And you are definitely ranked lower than one, two, and even sometime three loss BCS teams (although this isn't as common).