BCS Nightmare: Three Upsets That Will Devastate the System

Every year at this time the BCS hinges its hopes that the elite teams will distinguish themselves from the pack, creating clear, crisp champions and compelling matchups.

While controversy and calamity do cause a stir and drive a lot of intrigue to college football and the bowls themselves, the BCS does not need to draw further attention and scrutiny to its ridiculous system.

Thus far, it's already been a rough go for the BCS. Sure-fire teams that travel well and drive ratings such as USC, Notre Dame, and Miami are likely out of the picture, while the possibility of having two non-AQ teams looms large.

Assuming that the BCS is entirely about money, power, greed, and control (I know that's a stretch that could never be possible) these are three highly likely upsets that will devastate the BCS.

Sooners Win the Bedlam Game

As of today, the 12th ranked Cowboys are almost a lock for the Fiesta Bowl heading into Norman to play arch-rival Oklahoma.

OSU is a perfect fit for the Fiesta—a reputable and explosive Big 12 team that travels well and can help sell tickets should the opponents not draw well. The Pokes just need to win one final game.

But, that's not going to happen. Not in Norman.

Not with Gerald McCoy still healthy and Murray and Brown in the backfield.

Downtrodden and wracked with injury, the beleaguered Sooners will redeem an otherwise dismal 2009 by eliminating their rival from the BCS and claiming their seventh straight Bedlam victory.

For the BCS, this will likely mean Boise State, a second non-AQ team will take the last at-large berth. A TV rating nightmare and a possible public relations and legal landmine should the Broncos win.

ACC Championship Game: Clemson Beats Georgia Tech

The Tigers have been red hot of late and RB C.J. Spiller has been nearly unstoppable.

Georgia Tech has a phenomenal and innovative coach in Paul Johnson and two of the most creative and explosive players in QB Josh Nesbitt and RB Jonathan Dwyer. But their dynamic offense can be stopped.

Especially by a strong defense like Clemson's, one that has already seen the Yellow Jackets this season.

Remember, had it not been for a phantom offensive holding call against the Tigers, they probably would have beaten Tech in Atlanta earlier this year.

Ultimately, it will be coach Dabo Swinney taking the Dr. Pepper bath following the game.

Unfortunately for the BCS, the last thing they need is another three-loss ACC team receiving an automatic berth. Not to mention one that lost to Maryland.

Pitt Ends Cincinnati's Quest for Perfection

While a one-loss Pitt would be a legitimate top-10 (maybe even top five if they play well in the Backyard Brawl) and a worthy BCS contender, Pitt's upset over Cincinnati will eliminate one of the more compelling story lines heading into the BCS.

The draw of an undefeated Big East team going up against a one-loss SEC team in the Sugar Bowl or against an undefeated TCU/Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl would be phenomenal, and would promise to be one of the highest rated Big East BCS Bowls in recent memory.

Instead, it will be one-loss Pitt and a large mustache.

The Bearcats have struggled of late. Especially on defense and especially the run, which is Pitt's forte.

Freshman sensation Dion Lewis will continue his tear and burn the Bearcats for a clock-chewing 135 yards while the formidable Panther D-line will cause just enough trouble to keep Pike out of the red zone.

BCS Bowl Projections

Under this scenario, the BCS Bowl matchups will go something like this:

BCS Title Game: Florida/Alabama vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State
Fiesta Bowl: Penn State/Iowa vs. Boise State
Orange Bowl: Pitt vs. Clemson
Sugar Bowl: TCU vs. Florida/Alabama

While the Title game would be a dream for the BCS, almost every other BCS game will feature at least one smaller revenue team.

In the heart of a rough economy, this could prove to be the lowest ticket sales and TV rating season in recent memory.

Not to mention a win by either TCU or Boise State will undoubtedly provoke further antitrust discussion and scrutiny from Congress.