Breaking Down the Best BCS Championship Games at Week 2

Alabama cruised to a 35-10 Week 1 victory over Virginia Tech, but the two-time defending BCS national champions weren't as dominant as expected. Still, the Crimson Tide remain the favorites to earn a trip to the Rose Bowl for the BCS title game.

Fellow national title favorite Ohio State wasn't overly impressive in its win over Buffalo, but with a favorable schedule, the Buckeyes still have an excellent shot at making it to the promised land.

Oregon once again showed why it is considered one of the best teams in the land with a dominant effort on both offense and defense.

Meanwhile, two ACC programs played well enough to enter the national title picture.

But do any of these teams have what it takes to challenge the dominance of Alabama the SEC?

10. Florida State vs. Alabama

On Sept. 1, the thought of Florida State in the national title game was almost absurd.

Then Jameis Winston showed up Sept. 2 and took college football by storm.

The redshirt freshman was phenomenal in a 41-13 drubbing of Pitt, as he completed a ridiculous 25-of-27 passes for 356 yards and five total touchdowns.

Now, all of a sudden, FSU looks strong enough to seriously challenge Clemson for the ACC title and potentially earn a national championship berth.

It would be incredible if Winston's trial by fire culminated with a matchup against the nasty Alabama defense in the BCS title game at the historic Rose Bowl.

9. Texas A&M vs. Ohio State

One win could turn Texas A&M from a national title contender into a national title favorite.

The Aggies take on Alabama Sept. 14 at home in College Station, and if they come out on top, they will be in position to carry on the SEC's BCS title game dominance.

On the other side of this matchup, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has an excellent chance at usurping Johnny Manziel for the Heisman Trophy.

Once the 2013 voting was all said and done, an on-field showcase in the national title game featuring Miller and Manziel would be a great end to the season.

8. Texas A&M vs. Oregon

Don't adjust your television set, that white or neon yellow blur (depending on the day) is just the Oregon offense.

And that Maroon blur on the other side of the field is just Kevin Sumlin's high-flying Aggie offense.

What a matchup that would be.

Two of the most exciting offenses in college football going head-to-head to decide the national championship.

Manziel vs. Mariota.

Passing vs. rushing.

Adidas vs. Nike.

Texas A&M vs. Oregon.

7. Stanford vs. Alabama

On the complete opposite side of the spectrum is the potential Stanford and Alabama matchup: two old-school power teams lining up and grinding out the 2014 national champion.

It wouldn't be nearly as flashy as the A&M-UO battle, but there might not be two more fundamentally strong teams than the Cardinal and the Crimson Tide.

Something would have to give when the two staunch defenses and gritty running attacks squared off.

For purveyors of the traditional style of football, there might not be a better matchup than Stanford and Alabama.

6. Clemson vs. Ohio State

If the SEC knocks itself out of the title game, which is a definite possibility, undefeated Clemson and Ohio State teams could certainly be slated together for the BCS title.

Perhaps two of the best overall quarterbacks college football, Tajh Boyd and Braxton Miller, would also be matched up in the process.

The two similar foes have balanced offensive attacks, strong quarterback play and talented playmakers. Both squads can play solid defense as well.

As far as evenly matched contests go, there might not be a better one that Clemson vs. OSU.

5. Clemson vs. Alabama

Could the ACC end the SEC's BCS title game reign?

After Clemson's Week 1 triumph over Georgia, that scenario became much more possible.

The Tigers would face a much different challenge in Alabama, but they also looked as good as any other team in the nation over the opening weekend.

With plenty of time to game-plan for Boyd, the Crimson Tide might prevail as they often have.

However, Clemson might also be the most highly motivated and confident team in college football this season.

4. Clemson vs. Oregon

Two of the best one-two punches in college football would square off in a Clemson-Oregon matchup.

Marcus Mariota and DeAnthony Thomas of Oregon against Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins of Clemson would undoubtedly equate to a pulse-pumping show.

While both programs boast improved defenses from the past, this contest would be all about offense.

For some, this might be a welcome change from the bruising SEC style that has dominated the past few BCS title games.

3. Oregon vs. Ohio State

For those looking for new blood and an SEC-free BCS title game, the ultimate matchup would be Ohio State and Oregon.

Both teams are led by fantastic play at quarterback and running back.

Meanwhile both squads also have talented playmakers on defense.

If the SEC falls victim to self-destruction, Ohio State and Oregon would make for an incredible battle for the championship.

2. Oregon vs. Alabama

We've been here before.

Oregon had a shot at the national title in 2010 but fell to Cam Newton and Auburn.

If the Ducks are to earn the crystal football, it would only be right to see them face their demons and take down Alabama.

On the other hand, if the Crimson Tide are to carry on the SEC's reign, it would be fitting to see them do so against their polar opposite in Oregon.

1. Ohio State vs. Alabama

Through the ebb and flow of life, things often seem to come around full circle.

That is why it seems like destiny that Urban Meyer, the coach who started the SEC's BCS title streak at Florida in 2006, would have a shot at ending it eight years later.

Now at Ohio State, Meyer has the talent to do it and so does Nick Saban at Alabama.

Considered to be two of college football's best coaches, a Meyer-Saban matchup would be nothing less than epic.

And if the Buckeyes are to fulfill their destiny and end the SEC's reign, it would only be right if they had to go through the two-time defending champions in the process.