BCS Rankings 2011: Where Did Alabama, Arkansas and the Top SEC Teams Land?

Butch Dill/Getty Images

The first edition of the 2011 BCS rankings have been released and SEC fans should like what they see. LSU, Alabama, South Carolina and Arkansas all still have a legitimate shot at making it to the national championship. LSU is No. 1 in the human polls but do the computers agree? Let’s take a look where each team landed.   

No. 14 South Carolina

Connor Shaw
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

South Carolina controls its own destiny in the SEC East at the moment. However, now without Stephen Garcia and Marcus Lattimore, the road has become a little rougher.

Combined with Georgia's resurgence, South Carolina is under pressure to avoid any slip ups. There toughest remaining tests are Arkansas, Florida and Clemson.

If sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw can lead USC to run the table into the SEC Championship game the Gamecocks could make some noise on the national level. 

No. 9 Arkansas

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Arkansas is currently 5-1 with its only loss coming at the hands of Alabama in Bryant-Denny stadium.

Arkansas doesn't control its destiny in the SEC West but could climb into the national picture with a season finale win over LSU and if Alabama stumbles twice this season. 

Bobby Petrino's squad also take on South Carolina on Nov. 5 a win there could also have major ramifications. 

No. 2 Alabama

Nick Saban
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Alabama slides into the poll at No. 2. Alabama plays arch rival Tennessee this week before it hosts LSU on Nov.5. A game that will essentially be a playoff for the drivers seat in the SEC West and the No. 1 ranking. 

Alabama controls its destiny all the way to the national championship game just keep winning and they will be in the big game. 

No. 1 LSU

Tyran Mathieu
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Yes the LSU Tigers are the number team in all the major polls including the BCS rankings. The Tigers still have many challenges remaining with Auburn, Alabama and Arkansas remaining on the schedule.

For now all roads lead to Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5 when LSU will visit Alabama. A LSU win could give Arkansas new life in the SEC West but that remains to be seen. For now LSU holds all the cards and is in position to win the SEC and play for the National Championship