BCS Rankings: Preview and Impact for Week 8's Biggest Games

The initial BCS rankings were released on Sunday with little surprises. Alabama was—of course—No. 1, and the SEC dominated with four teams in the top seven.

However, that all could easily change after Week 8’s slate of games, as there are three marquee matchups between these recently anointed Top 25 programs.

Let’s take a look at the contests and predict how the outcome will alter the BCS rankings.

No. 6 LSU Tigers at No. 18 Texas A&M Aggies – Saturday, Oct. 20 at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN3

LSU picked up some ground with a solid victory against then-No. 3 South Carolina this past Saturday. The Tigers had been defeated by Florida the week prior and direly needed that win to recover.

Now they can get back on track and once again ascend the BCS standings with a win over the Aggies in Week 8.

TAMU will provide a tough challenge, but this team isn’t ready to hang with the heavy hitters in the SEC quite yet.

 

No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks at No. 2 Florida Gators – Saturday, Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS

This is the marquee matchup of the week, as the 'Cocks head into the Swamp to take on the No. 2-ranked Gators.

South Carolina may still be reeling from its narrow defeat by LSU, but it will need to have a short memory in order to pick up the pieces and pull off an upset.

UF has been playing some great football this year, notably on the defensive end, and should cement its status in the top two of the BCS polls with a victory on Saturday.

 

No. 4 Kansas State Wildcats at No. 13 West Virginia Mountaineers – Saturday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET on FOX

K-State has been impressive this season but has the toughest test its defense will face all season coming up.

If they can halt WVU, a newcomer to the Big 12, and keep QB Geno Smith and his electric offense contained, the Wildcats would be making a valid argument to play in the BCS Championship.

There are still a lot of games left, but a win here is crucial for both teams. 

2012 BCS STANDINGS
1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Oregon
4. Kansas State
5. Notre Dame
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Oregon State
9. Oklahoma
10. USC
11. Georgia
12. Mississippi State
13. West Virginia
14. Florida State
15. Rutgers
16. Louisville
17. Texas Tech
18. Texas A&M
19. Clemson
20. Stanford
21. Cincinnati
22. Boise State
23. TCU
24. Iowa State
25. Texas