College Football Rankings 2011: South Carolina and Potential BCS-Crashing Teams

The BCS rankings are out, so now it’s time to talk about which schools will be ruining other schools’ shining moments from Sunday.

Obviously, these rankings aren’t set in stone, but the first edition of the list will likely be the furthest thing from the final list that will determine this year’s bowl games.

Here are the current BCS rankings:

1  LSU  .9522  

2  Alabama  .9519  

3  Oklahoma  .930  

4  Oklahoma State .857  

5  Boise State .803  

6  Wisconsin  .771  

7  Clemson  .758  

8  Stanford  .748  

9  Arkansas  .626  

10  Oregon  .619  

11  Kansas State .569  

12  Virginia Tech .505  

13  Nebraska  .497  

14  South Carolina .491  

15  West Virginia .373  

16  Michigan State .329  

17  Texas A&M .308  

18  Michigan  .300  

19  Houston  .286  

20  Auburn  .265  

21  Penn State .231  

22  Georgia Tech .197  

23  Illinois  .152  

24  Texas  .135  

25  Washington  .087

Here are five teams that can crash the party and join the top 10 in the BCS rankings.

South Carolina – Ranked No. 14 in BCS (6-1, 1st in SEC East)

The South Carolina Gamecocks were edged out by a mere field goal by the Auburn Tigers in their fifth game of the season. Although they struggled in their last game against Mississippi State, they have a bye week coming up.

The Gamecocks could see some teams lose before they take the field again. They will also have extra time to prepare for their Oct. 29 game against Tennessee. A win against the Volunteers will set the stage for a huge game against No. 9 Arkansas.

Houston – Ranked No. 19 in BCS (6-0, 1st in C-USA West)

The most efficient passing offense in the nation should not have a problem winning the rest of their games in their schedule. Star quarterback Case Keenum could easily shatter the NCAA Division I records for career passing yards and touchdowns en route to a perfect season.

Marshall and Tulsa are the toughest opponents left for the Cougars, who could bust into the top 10 if they don’t suffer a loss.

Kansas State – Ranked No. 11 in BCS (6-0, 1st in Big 12)

By starting the season 6-0 and posting a huge win over the Baylor Bears, the Kansas State Wildcats have earned their No. 11 ranking in the BCS.

However, the Wildcats need to add some quality wins to break into the top 10. If they defeat Kansas on Saturday, they get a shot to prove themselves in a match of unbeatens on Oct. 29 against Oklahoma.

The contest against the Sooners is the first of four straight against currently ranked teams.

Michigan State – Ranked No. 16 in BCS (5-1, 1st in Big Ten)

A loss to Notre Dame could have derailed the Michigan State Spartans, but it did not.

The Spartans have won three straight and have the fourth-best defense in the country in points against. On Saturday, Michigan State gets an immediate shot to move into the top 10 with a game against Wisconsin, who is currently sixth in the BCS standings.

A win against the Badgers would likely put the Spartans in the top 10 next week.

West Virginia – Ranked No. 15 in BCS (5-1, 1st in Big East)

West Virginia is in a similar situation to Houston, as the Mountaineers have a weak conference. Six very winnable games stand in front of West Virginia and an undefeated season.

If the Mountaineers can keep their potent pass offense going, they could easily go undefeated in the Big Easy…oops, I mean Big East.