BCS Rankings 2011: These Teams That Could Play for the Title with a Little Help

If the past has taught us anything about the BCS rankings, it's that a lot can change from the first couple of weeks to the final poll. Big games are left to come, and top teams will be beaten.

As many as eight teams could still be in the race but, let's look at five teams who could play for the title with a little help.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma was certainly disappointed to lose control of its own destiny to get to the national championship game, but they are far from out of the discussion.

The biggest problem initially would be passing the loser of the Alabama vs. LSU game. In time though, with pressure to avoid an SEC West rematch, Oklahoma could pass that team.

In addition to a victory over Oklahoma St., a Stanford loss would also be necessary here. 

Chances

If Oklahoma can win out—including a victory over Oklahoma St.—they have to like their chances. I think they would jump the Alabama vs. LSU winner, which leaves Stanford as the only issue.

Stanford’s schedule is very manageable, aside from Oregon. Even still, the chances are good considering the Sooners are currently ranked No. 6. 

Boise St.

It’s the same story every year for the Broncos. Win every game handily and maybe you’ll get a shot.

In addition to Stanford and Oklahoma St. losses, the Broncos would need as many two loss teams as possible. With only one undefeated, the Broncos might have a chance of getting the No. 2 spot in the polls.

They would need it, because the computers won’t be so kind. 

Chances

The Broncos chances aren’t very good. Most one loss teams are from a major conference, and will pass the Broncos in the end. Its conference schedule is hard enough to overcome, but you can’t hang your hat on a game against an average SEC team. 

Oregon

Has any team been more under the radar than Oregon has since its opening week loss to LSU? Since then, the Ducks have gotten back on track and now sit at 7-1.

Oregon’s main problem would be passing LSU. Even if the Tigers lose to Alabama, voters wouldn’t put Oregon ahead of the Tigers. Two LSU losses would be necessary. The Ducks would also need losses from Oklahoma St. and Oklahoma.

Oregon can take care of Stanford themselves and could easily pass Boise St. That would put Oregon and Arkansas in a fight for the second spot.

Chances

The difficult thing to imagine here is LSU losing twice. That’s the only way Oregon could pass them. The voters would never give Oregon a rematch if LSU was No. 1.

Passing a one loss Oklahoma or Oklahoma St. team would also be difficult. Oregon will most likely have to settle for a BCS Bowl.

Arkansas

This is actually less of a stretch than you might think. Arkansas may have gotten handled by Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but are still very much alive for the SEC West title.

LSU has to beat Alabama in this scenario. If that happens, an Arkansas victory over LSU would make a three way tie for the west and might be enough for them to pass the aforementioned teams.

Add Oklahoma St. and Stanford losses—both of which possible—and Arkansas would be in perfect position for a shot at the title. 

Chances

Arkansas isn’t dead, but the likelihood of this playing out isn’t great either.

Their chances are already hurt by needing LSU to beat Alabama, and then having to beat the Tigers themselves. If they could pull that off, they still wouldn’t necessarily be in.

Complicating the matter is that the two teams they need to lose—Oklahoma State and Stanford—are most likely to lose to teams also in contention—Oklahoma and Oregon. 

Stanford

Stanford just needs a little help. After its wild victory over USC, the Cardinal finds itself ranked No. 4 in the BCS standings.

Either Alabama or LSU will get knocked down in the rankings next week. That means just Oklahoma St. stands between Stanford and one of the two spots in the BCS.

Provided they can beat Oregon and navigate the rest of their schedule, the Cardinal could be in the national championship game. 

Chances

The Cardinal has to be loving its chances at this point.

After a road game at Oregon St., Stanford finishes the season with three games at home. Of those, the only one against a ranked opponent is Oregon. If Stanford wins that game, they would host the Pac-12 championship game against a most likely inferior opponent.

Stanford fans shouldn’t buy the tickets for New Orleans yet, but maybe start pricing them.