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The BCS is right around the corner as we are just over a month away from the selection process being taken place.
Every year fans cry over their beloved teams that get left out and instead have to play either in a respected New Year’s Day or potentially a middle of December blowout game over an inferior opponent.
That last statement would fall in line of the Boise State Broncos since they were jobbed just one season ago in favor of a Virginia Tech team that despite playing Michigan into overtime, had no business after getting humiliated by Clemson in the ACC Championship in their final game.
The BCS title games gives us the two best teams every year (at least in my eyes) and that is why the sport is simply the best thanks to a regular season that is always amazing. However, the other four BCS bowls could be even better than year’s past.
Kellen Moore and that smurf turf squad a season ago and Michigan could have given us one of the best Sugar Bowls that we had ever seen (if Denard and that offense wasn’t as horrid vs/ the Hokies).
Kansas State (Michigan State perhaps despite losing to Wisconsin) had an argument as well, so let us pray that somebody does not get shafted once again.
There are still several critical games that will decide which teams earn that much respected million dollar BCS bowl, but who has the best chances at the moment?
Well, the SEC is almost a mortal lock to get two teams barring we see Florida, Georgia and LSU loses two games apiece from here on out.
Notre Dame at 11-1 (if they do lose) will also be just as a mortal lock to land in one of the four other BCS bowls, with the Fiesta Bowl looking the most obvious (unless Pac-12 doesn’t get somebody then smell roses).
Also, the Big 12 seems like they should get onlyKansas State in although that is where the fun begins.
The Big 12 has been getting a ton of credit by the BCS computer voters so much that even Texas Tech (and Oklahoma) has earned higher rankings than teams such as Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Mississippi State and USC.
If the Wildcats can continue to win games, they will climb up the rankings and remain as BCS title contenders. A loss would drop them out of the top 10 potentially, even if it were to lose to somebody down the road.
The voters would turn on a team that has not been that prestigious nationally under Bill Snyder at least over the last several seasons (save last year).
Depending on how jumbled up the Big 12 gets (who knows if Tech or Texas can become relevant), a team like Boise State and or Clemson potentially would reap the benefits.
The Trojans are the biggest name because of their BCS reputation, but going up against Oregon State and Oregon (twice) could have a lingering affect.
Plus, they did just lose to Arizona albeit everybody will forget if they stun the Ducks.
Clemson will be heavy favorites in every game remaining outside of a home date with Spurrier and the Gamecocks.
Their offense has proven to be among the best in the country, thanks to arguably the most electric skill players in America.
If they had the offensive line and defense they would be able to take on any team out there. Instead, their lone loss to FSU may still end up costing them a bid in the BCS albeit the chances are still.
Boise State may not be in any close games, although they would have to finish in the top 16 and stay ahead of the Big Ten (or Big East potentially) winner in the standings.
While those are all possibilities, Notre Dame and the Big 12 runner up have already received a ton of praise so far.
The dominoes will continue to fall, but there has to be some luck involved by the voters as well. Continuing to win every week is the key for the underdogs such as Clemson and Boise State, but they need the juggernauts atop the polls to either fold at the end or lose at some point during the season to stand a realistic chance.
At-large bid chances after USC, Notre Dame, Big 12 runner-up
Clemson: Solid, not guaranteed
Boise State: Possible to finish top 16 and ahead BCS conf. champ, but not impossible
Stanford/Oregon State: Doubtful, must beat USC/ORE
Big East or Big 12 runner-uprunner-up: Nearly impossible
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