Alabama-Boise State: The Inevitable BCS National Championship Matchup

Like sugar plums, visions of a Nebraska-Ohio State or TCU-Oregon BCS National Championship Game dance in college football fans' heads.

Those visions, sadly, are really delusions—Alabama and Boise State will meet in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 10.

Of course, many fans will disagree. Indeed, arguments for the aforementioned clubs do merit consideration. By grace of God, for example, Ohio State could finish undefeated and push Boise State into another bowl.

Unfortunately, such a thought is but a mere pipe dream. Here are seven reasons why the Alabama-Boise State title matchup is inevitable.

Alabama's Three-Headed Monster

Running backs Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson receive all the press, and deservedly so; they are, arguably, the nation's two best backs. Lost in the fold is Greg McElroy. No longer just a game manager, McElroy, the nation's sixth-rated passer, is a difference maker. If teams stack the line to stop Ingram and Richardson, McElroy can, and will, beat them with his arm.

Alabama's Toughest Games Are in Tuscaloosa

The Tide's two most difficult remaining games, Florida and Auburn, are at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It's tough to beat Alabama anywhere, let alone on the elephant's own campus.

Boise State Has Only One Worry: Nevada

No. 25 Nevada is on the rise and could present quite a roadblock when the teams meet on Nov. 26 in Reno. However, history dictates that the Broncos will prevail; Boise State beat Nevada 44-33 in 2009. If BSU wins that game, they will be in Glendale in January.

Ohio State Will Lose

The Big Ten is stacked. Currently, six teams sit in the Top 25. The Buckeyes have four remaining games against ranked squads, including road tests at Wisconsin and Iowa. The Ohio State University is very good, but the Bucks won't survive the Big Ten gauntlet.

TCU Won't Jump to No. 2

The improved Mountain West might prove too much for TCU. With No. 12 Utah, San Diego State, and Air Force in the coming weeks, the Horned Frogs will be lucky to finish the season unscathed. Even if they do, TCU won't leapfrog Boise State.

Oregon Will Lose

The Ducks might be a one-loss team after Stanford comes to town in two days. If not, USC, Arizona, and Oregon State wait in the wings.

Nebraska Won't Rise That High in the Polls

The Huskers have impressed through four weeks and could very well finish the season without a loss. If they do, however, it won't be enough to jump from No. 6 to No. 2, leaving them on the outside looking in.