Why Stanford, Oregon, Oklahoma State & Wisconsin Have Tough Road Back to BCS

As the bowl season draws to a close the premier BCS bowls are among the few that remain to be played. Two of the games that are on the largest of stages that stand out this bowl season are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and the Rose Bowl.

The Fiesta Bowl is hosting the (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12) No. 4 Stanford Cardinal and the (11-1, 8-1 Big 12) No. 3 Oklahoma State Cowboys. Both teams are led by talented senior quarterbacks that have been the cornerstone of success for their teams for the past two seasons.

The (11-2, 6-2 Big Ten) No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers take on the (11-2, 8-1 Pac 12) No. 5 Oregon Ducks in this year’s Rose Bowl. The Badgers have relied on the explosive consistency that Russell Wilson has brought to the table while the Ducks have been led to victory by their lighting fast backfield and leadership at quarterback.

All four of these teams have made it to the highest of stages in college football as they make final preparations for their respective games, but making a return trip to the BCS next year will likely be a longshot for all four. With the departure of key players and increased difficulty in conference play here is a look into what 2012 may hold for these big four. 

Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal have made it to their second consecutive BCS bowl this season. The Cardinal is led offensively by senior quarterback Andrew Luck, who has been an explosive leader for the Cardinal in his time.

Luck has been a playmaker that has elevated the expectations and performance of the Cardinal team.

The Cardinal are facing a tough schedule next season and will be losing not only its starting quarterback but its three leading receivers and two of its top three leading tacklers.

The Cardinal will also lose 23 seniors this year to graduation. It is a tough sell to think that Stanford will continue to play at the elite level that they have for the past two seasons.

With the Pac-12 taking position as one of the most powerful conferences in football, Stanford will find it more and more difficult to stay at the top. USC returning to unsanctioned status will be a big thorn in the side of the Cardinal.

Key Losses: QB Andrew Luck; WR Griff Whalen; WR Chris Owusu; TE Coby Fleener; DB Michael Thomas; LB Chase Thomas

Departing Seniors: 23

2012 Record Prediction: 7-5

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State has been one of the most prolific offenses in college football the past few seasons. The Cowboys have been able to find consistency from the quarterback position and senior QB Brandon Weeden has had one of the best seasons in school history.

WR Justin Blackmon has been one of the biggest impact players in college football and has had a very impressive season, going for 1,336 yards and 15 touchdowns. Recently it was reported that Blackmon may be involved in some NCAA infractions.

With the assumed departure of Blackmon, loss of Weeden to graduation and pending possible infractions, the Cowboys may be at the end of their success rope for a while.

Oklahoma and Texas will be back in the fold next season and the Cowboys will have to find a wealth of new playmakers.

Key Losses: QB Brandon Weeden; WR Justin Blackmon*; WR Josh Cooper; DL Jamie Blatnick; LB James Thomas

(* indicates Junior making assumed jump to NFL Draft)

Departing Seniors: 18

2012 Record Prediction: 8-4

Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers were on the receiving end of one of the biggest recruiting successes of the 2011 season. Russell Wilson made the move to transfer from North Carolina State and chose Wisconsin to host his services for his final year of eligibility.

What Wilson has done for the Wisconsin offense is nothing short of amazing. He had one of the best single seasons of any quarterback in college history.

Montee Ball was extremely successful for Wisconsin this season as well, but most of that is due to the success of his quarterback.

The Badgers had a great shot at making it to the national title game this season but two fluke Hail Mary passes to end consecutive games ended their title hopes.

The Badgers lose 21 seniors after this season including big time receiver Nick Toon. The Badgers will face another tough schedule next season but will have a lot of holes to fill if they want to repeat the success of the past two seasons.

Key Losses: QB Russell Wilson; WR Nick Toon; DB Aaron Henry; LB Kevin Claxton; DL Louis Nzegwu

Departing Seniors: 21

2012 Record Prediction: 8-4

Oregon Ducks

Oregon has been a very consistent performer in the past decade in the Pac-12. As of late, the Ducks have found themselves consistently in the national title conversation. This season was no different, with Darron Thomas and LaMichael James leading the Ducks offense.

Both are juniors and are likely to stay, along with the host of impact offensive playmakers the Ducks have on roster.

Their biggest losses offensively will be receiver Lavasier Tuinei and tight end David Paulson. Defensively the losses of Dewitt Stucky and Eddie Pleasant will hurt.

The Ducks only lose 14 seniors, but they do play in one of the toughest conferences in college football. With the return of USC to the title talk in the Pac-12, Oregon will have a tough time making it to the BCS again next season.

Of all four, the Ducks have the best chance at a third trip to the BCS, but it is not the most likely of scenarios.

Key Losses: WR Lavasier Tuinei; TE David Paulson; LB Dewitt Stuckey; LB Eddie Pleasant; LB Josh Kaddu

Departing Seniors: 14

2012 Record Prediction: 9-3