BCS Poll 2012: Breaking Down Week 10's Top 25 Teams

The third BCS standings are now out for everyone to devour and comb over.

Some teams shot up the latest standings after a huge upset win, like Georgia moving from No. 10 to No. 6. However, some teams took a big nose dive down after a disappointing loss, like USC down from No. 9 to No. 17. 

Aside from those two teams, there were 23 other schools that fell onto the latest rankings. 

So let's go in and breakdown the Top 25 teams in the latest BCS standings. 

No. 25 Louisiana Tech

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat New Mexico State 28-14

Best Win So Far: Sept. 22, beat Illinois 52-24

Next Game: Nov. 4 vs. UTSA

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 17 vs. Utah State

The Skinny: Louisiana Tech is this year's non-BCS darling that if it played in a BCS conference than they'd be a lot higher in the standings. 

The Bulldogs play a high-tempo style offense like the Houston Cougars did last year, when they made their charge up the BCS standings before falling short in their conference championship game. 

Louisiana Tech doesn't have a big victory over a BCS school—as it has wins over Illinois and Virginia—but it has one close loss to Texas A&M when it fell short, losing 59-57. 

Louisiana Tech has one tough game remaining when it hosts Utah State. It's a shame that Louisiana Tech plays in the WAC and not a BCS conference because it'd be fun to see the Bulldogs in a major bowl game this year. 

No. 24 Oklahoma State

Record: 5-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat TCU 36-14

Best Win So Far: Oct. 20, beat Iowa State 31-10

Next Game: Nov. 3 at No. 2 Kansas State 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 3 at No. 2 Kansas State

The Skinny: Oklahoma State has worked its way back into the BCS standings after being on the outside of them for the last few weeks. This Oklahoma State team has a great offense that has been averaging 44.3 points per game, which is good to rank them sixth in the nation. 

However, this team has a tough road ahead of it as its next four games are against ranked opponents: at No. 2 Kansas, vs. No. 21 West Virginia, vs. No. 18 Texas Tech and at No. 12 Oklahoma. 

No. 23 Texas

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Kansas 21-17

Best Win So Far: Sept. 29, bat Oklahoma State 41-36

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Texas Tech

Biggest Stumbling Block: Dec. 1 at No. 2 Kansas State 

The Skinny: Texas has yet to defeat a ranked opponent this year. The Longhorns have lost in their two chances when they were blown out to Oklahoma, 63-21, and lost a close contest to West Virginia 48-45. 

They stumbled against Kansas last week, but found a way to scratch and claw a victory after a late touchdown from backup quarterback Case McCoy. 

Texas hasn't dominated in any of its Big 12 games, despite owning a 3-2 conference record. This team is so widely unpredictable that it could finish this season with a 10-2 record or 6-6 with conference games against Texas Tech, Iowa State, TCU and Kansas State.

No. 22 Arizona

Record: 5-3

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat No. 9 USC 39-36

Best Win So Far: Oct. 27, beat No. 9 USC 39-36

Next Game: Nov. 9 at UCLA 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 23 vs. Arizona State 

The Skinny: Arizona lands onto the latest BCS standings as the only team with three losses because of the huge upset at home over USC. The Wildcats have had quite the up-and-down season with big wins over USC and Oklahoma State but losses against Oregon, Oregon State and Stanford. 

The Wildcats could very easily fall off of the standings with their next game when they travel to take on UCLA. 

However, if the Wildcats can get past UCLA, they have an easy way to the Pac-12 championship game with no remaining games against ranked opponents. 

No. 21 West Virginia

Record: 5-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 6, beat Texas 48-45

Best Win So Far: Oct. 6, beat Texas 48-45

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. TCU 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 18 vs. No. 15 Oklahoma 

The Skinny: For about five weeks West Virginia looked to be the favorite to win the Big 12 and quarterback Geno Smith looked to be this year's Heisman Trophy winner. 

However, three weeks later and not only has WVU dropped from the Big 12 title hunt, but Smith is now not even in the top five of Heisman favorites. 

The Mountaineers would need a miracle to get back into a BCS bowl game and the conference title. However, if Smith can finish his season with the same way he started his senior year, then he can get back into the Heisman race. 

No. 20 Nebraska

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Michigan 27-9

Best Win So Far: Oct. 27, beat Michigan 27-9

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Michigan State 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 17 vs. Minnesota 

The Skinny: Nebraska vaulted back into the BCS standings after a dominating defensive performance against Michigan. The win not only brought the Cornhuskers back into the Top 25, but it also made them the favorites to win the Big Ten Legends Division.

The Cornhuskers now control their destiny since if they continue to win, they'll be playing for the Big Ten championship. 

However, a tough matchup against Penn State and Minnesota lurk on their schedule, plus a tough trip to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. 

No. 19 Boise State

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Wyoming 45-14

Best Win So Far: Oct 13, beat Fresno State 20-10

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. San Diego State 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Dec. 1 at Nevada

The Skinny: Here we are again with the Boise State Broncos creeping up the BCS standings. However, this year, unlike previous years, the Broncos have one loss but are deep down the standings. 

The Broncos lost their only game against a BCS opponent, when they fell on the road to Michigan State, 17-13. 

Looking ahead, the Broncos' opponents have a combined record of 15-18. They should win out and finish with a great record and a Jan. 1 bowl game against a BCS school. 

No. 18 Texas Tech

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat TCU 56-53 (3OT)

Best Win So Far: Oct. 13, beat WVU 49-14

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 22 Texas 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 17 at Oklahoma State

The Skinny: Texas Tech was the wild card in the Big 12 until it lost last week to No. 2 Kansas State, 55-24. 

If Tech could have won, then it would have sent the Big 12 into a wild tailspin with the chance of two or more teams finishing with two losses and a tie for the conference championship. 

However, now that the Red Raiders lost, they still have a great chance to finish second or third in the division if they can win out. They should be able to have their way against a bad Texas defense next week. 

But a road game against Oklahoma State on Nov. 17 looms as Texas Tech's toughest game left on its schedule. 

No. 17 USC

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Colorado 50-6

Best Win So Far: Oct. 13, beat Washington 24-14

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 4 Oregon 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 3 vs. No. 4 Oregon

The Skinny: Before the season started USC was looked to be a favorite to play and win this year's BCS championship. However, after two upset losses on the road to Stanford and Arizona, the Trojans find themselves out of the race for the BCS and the Pac-12 title. 

They can get back into the hunt for the conference title with a win next week when they host the Oregon Ducks. 

If this game was in Eugene, Ore., then I'd expect Oregon to blow out USC. However, because this game is in So Cal, there's a chance that the Trojans pull off a huge upset. 

No. 16 Texas A&M

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Auburn, 63-21

Best Win So Far: Sept. 29, beat Arkansas 58-10

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Mississippi State

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 10 at No. 1 Alabama 

The Skinny: Texas A&M has been a great story this year. The Aggies have played well over expectations in its first year in the SEC. And they have a must-see quarterback in freshman Johnny Manziel. 

However, for as much good as the Aggies have done this year, they still have yet to have that defining win. 

They played Florida and LSU great at home, but ended up losing. They still have two huge games on the road against Mississippi State and Alabama. If Manziel can get this Aggies team to a win in one of those games, it will be his first signature win in what looks to be a great career at Texas A&M. 

No. 15 Mississippi State

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Middle Tennessee 45-3

Best Win So Far: Oct. 13, beat Tennessee 41-31

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 16 Texas A&M

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 10 at No. 5 LSU

The Skinny: Mississippi State has had a great season through eight games. The Bulldogs hit a bit of a stumbling block when they ran into the buzzsaw that is known as the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

However, this team can rebound and finish with a chance at sneaking into a BCS bowl game, if it can beat Texas A&M next week and LSU in the following week. 

The Bulldogs will need some luck with some of these other teams ahead of them to get back into BCS consideration. But, if they can get victories over the Aggies and Tigers, it will shoot the Bulldogs back into the Top 10 in the BCS standings. 

No. 14 Stanford

Record: 6-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Washington State 24-17

Best Win So Far: Sept. 15, beat USC 21-14

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Colorado 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 17 at No. 4 Oregon

The Skinny: Stanford has been an enigma this season. The Cardinal have had times when they looked great, like when they beat USC at home. However, this Stanford team has looked lost, like when it lost at Washington. 

If the Cardinal can get past two huge games against Oregon State and Oregon, then they could work their way back into the Pac-12 title or a BCS bowl game. 

No. 13 Clemson

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 25, beat Wake Forest 42-13

Best Win So Far: Oct. 20, beat Virginia Tech 38-17

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Duke 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 at South Carolina 

The Skinny: Clemson may end the season as the best one-loss team that has no chance at playing in a BCS and conference title game. Its lone loss at Florida State will more than likely hold this talented team from playing in both of those games. 

Looking ahead at the Tigers schedule and it looks like the they should continue to put pressure on the Seminoles. However, they could stumble in the season finale against in-state rival South Carolina. 

No. 12 Oklahoma

Record: 5-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Kansas, 52-7

Best Win So Far: Oct. 13, beat Texas, 63-21

Next Game: Nov. 3 at Iowa State 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 17 at No. 20 West Virginia 

The Skinny: Last week Oklahoma lost a tough defensive game at home to Notre Dame. The loss dropped the Sooners out of the Top 10, but not out of the race for the Big 12 championship.

They sit there with one loss and a great chance to overtake Kansas State if the Wildcats happen to lose two of their last four games.

If that does happen and Oklahoma can win a tough road game at Morgantown, W. Va., then we'll be seeing the Sooners back in a BCS bowl game.  

No. 11 Oregon State

Record: 6-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Utah 21-7

Best Win So Far: Sept. 22, beat UCLA, 27-20

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. Arizona State 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 10 at No. 14 Stanford

The Skinny: Oregon State suffered a crippling loss last week to Washington. The loss did knock the Beavers out of the Top 10, but it didn't knock them completely out of the BCS and a chance at playing for the Pac-12 championship game.

If Oregon State can get past Arizona State next week and then Stanford in the following week, it then sets up a huge game at home against Oregon. That game could determine who wins the Pac-12 North Division title. 

No. 10 Louisville

Record: 8-0

Latest Victory: Oct. 26, beat Cincinnati, 34-31 OT

Best Win So Far: Oct. 26, beat Cincinnati, 34-31 OT

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. Temple

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 29 at Rutgers

The Skinny: Louisville has done nothing but win this year and the Cardinals have been rewarded with a Top 10 spot in the latest BCS standings. If they win out finishing 12-0, they probably will end up on the outside of the BCS championship game.

However, if they can pull off victories against Rutgers, Syracuse, UConn and Temple, it will cap off a great season and shoot this team into the top five of the final BCS standings. 

No. 9 Florida State

Record: 8-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Duke, 42-7

Best Win So Far: Sept. 22, beat Clemson, 49-37

Next Game: Nov. 8 at Virginia Tech

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 vs. No. 7 Florida

The Skinny: If Florida State would have beaten North Carolina State four weeks ago, then we'd be talking about the Seminoles and their potential for going undefeated and playing for a national title.

However, the Seminoles stumbled on the road, and now that loss could keep this talented team from playing in the BCS national title game. 

This team should win its final ACC game in two weeks, but it may lose its final game of the season when the 'Noles welcome Florida. 

No. 8 South Carolina

Record: 7-2

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Tennessee, 38-35

Best Win So Far: Oct. 6, beat Georgia, 35-7

Next Game: Nov. 10 vs. Arkansas

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 at No. 13 Clemson

The Skinny: South Carolina is the highest-rated two-loss team in the latest standings. However, they could finish the season as the highest in the BCS standings that is left out of a BCS bowl game because of the SEC.

Not only does this team have a long shot at making it back into a BCS bowl game, but the Gamecocks are stuck behind two teams in their division to get into the conference championship game.

South Carolina is a great team, but we may only see the Gamecocks play in a postseason game on New Year's Day. 

No. 7 Florida

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat South Carolina, 44-11

Best Win So Far: Oct. 20, beat South Carolina, 44-11

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. Missouri

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 at No. 9 Florida State

The Skinny: Florida had the BCS championship game in its grasp when the Gators were the No. 2 team for the last two weeks. However, after a crushing loss to Georgia, they dropped down to No. 7. 

They need a little help to get back into the championship game in its conference. But the next time this Gators team will be tested won't be until their final game of the season, when they travel to take on Florida State. 

No. 6 Georgia

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Florida, 17-9

Best Win So Far: Oct. 27, beat Florida, 17-9

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. Ole Miss

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 vs. Georgia Tech

The Skinny: There is nothing standing in between Georgia and the SEC championship game. The Bulldogs were in a must-win situation last week against Florida and the their defense stepped up to deliver an epic performance.

However, there is only one game that could trip the Bulldogs up: a game against in-state rival Georgia Tech. 

It's never easy to defeat a rival, and Georgia Tech may catch Georgia looking ahead to a matchup against the SEC West champion. 

No. 5 LSU

Record: 7-1

Latest Victory: Oct. 20, beat Texas A&M, 24-19

Best Win So Far: Oct. 13, beat South Carolina, 23-21

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 1 Alabama 

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 3 vs. No. 1 Alabama

The Skinny: When LSU lost on the road to Florida it looked like this would be the year that Les Miles wouldn't be able to get this team to a BCS bowl game or the SEC championship game. However, four weeks later, the Tigers have a game upcoming against Alabama that has a ton of SEC and BCS implications. 

If LSU loses, then Tigers fans can kiss any BCS bowl game chances goodbye. However, if LSU can pull off the upset at home, then the Tigers will vault themselves back into BCS title contention. 

No. 4 Oregon

Record: 8-0

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Colorado, 70-14

Best Win So Far: Oct. 6, beat Washington, 52-21

Next Game: Nov. 3 at No. 17 USC

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 at No. 11 Oregon State

The Skinny: Oregon is No. 2 in both the USA Today and Associated Press polls; however the Ducks are No. 4 in the BCS standings. 

If the Ducks can continue winning by blowing teams out, then they should move up in the other polls that make up the BCS. If that happens and the Ducks can move themselves into the second spot in the BCS, then they will make for a great challenger for the BCS title.

No. 3 Notre Dame

Record: 8-0

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Oklahoma, 30-13

Best Win So Far: Oct. 27, beat Oklahoma, 30-13

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. Pittsburgh

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 24 at No. 17 USC

The Skinny: It seems like every week Notre Dame's offense is expected to finally be the reason why this team loses. However, every week the offense does enough to win, while the Fighting Irish defense continues to dominate its opponent. 

Looking ahead and you'll see that Notre Dame has four games remaining with one game against a ranked team: USC. 

It looks like the Fighting Irish will finish the season with at least 11 wins and a trip to a BCS bowl game. 

No. 2 Kansas State

Record: 8-0

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Texas Tech, 55-24

Best Win So Far: Sept. 22, beat Oklahoma, 24-19

Next Game: Nov. 3 vs. No. 24 Oklahoma State

Biggest Stumbling Block: Dec. 1 vs. No. 23 Texas

The Skinny: Kansas State is a team that no one really knows about because the Wildcats are a team that hasn't been in the national spotlight before.

They have a Heisman Trophy candidate at quarterback, Collin Klein, and a defense that has held opponents to only 17.1 points per game. The Wildcats have four games remaining on their schedule, with two of those games coming against ranked opponents. 

If the Wildcats can get past Oklahoma State and Texas, then they should be playing for the 2013 BCS title. 

No. 1 Alabama

Record: 8-0

Latest Victory: Oct. 27, beat Mississippi State, 38-7

Best Win So Far: Oct. 27, beat Mississippi State, 38-7

Next Game: Nov. 3 at No. 5 LSU

Biggest Stumbling Block: Nov. 3 at No. 5 LSU

The Skinny: Alabama is the best team in the country, and if the Crimson Tide win out, then they will be playing for a chance at being the only team in the BCS era to win back-to-back titles. 

In fact, the Tide have separated themselves from the rest of the nation that if they happen to lose in the SEC championship game, they may still get to play for the BCS title. 

However, this team is playing at such a high level that it doesn't look like the Crimson Tide will falter between now and the title game in January. 

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