BCS Debate Shaping Up to Go Critical: Coaches' Poll Breakdown

Top eight teams according to the Coaches' Poll and why they will and why they won’t play for the national championship:

1. Alabama

Why Alabama will be in the big game...

They are the defending national champions and have many of the pieces still in place.

They have two of the best running backs in college football.

Defense allows an average of only nine points per game.

Strength of schedule is solid.

They won’t make it because...

USC, LSU, and Auburn are waiting.

Arkansas exposed the weakness in the team.

Arkansas played Alabama tough, and they should have won the game. Don’t think for a minute that USC, LSU, and Auburn will do anything but study that game until the replay equipment melts.

With a passing game that has yet to be fully tested, we don’t know if they can come back through the air. That may not be an issue. Alabama may never see themselves behind by more than seven with the defense they place on the field. Alabama is one team that could lose a game and still be considered for the title.

2. Ohio State

OSU will be in it because...

Defense keeps them in any game.

Running game is solid.

Ability to score points in bunches.

OSU will not be in it because...

Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan.

OU?

Oregon is getting noticed and is within range of passing OSU in the polls. OSU must play well week in and week out because Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan are all dangerous with special attention on Iowa. I am predicting a victory for Iowa in their game, effectively ending OSU’s run at a title this year.

However, if OSU runs the table and continues to brutalize the competition, OSU will likely see another chance at the title.

3. Oregon

Oregon will be in it because...

Offense is well balanced and can score almost at will. The offense is leading the nation in points scored in addition to a number of other stats. Defense is just good enough, maybe. Giving up 31 points in the last two games is pathetic. The D needs to improve and quickly.

USC, UCLA, and Arizona look forward to taking their shots at Oregon. These teams can score in bunches, so Oregon needs to get some work done. They need to hold serve; if they do, you will probably see Oregon landing in the championship game.

4. Boise State University

BSU will be in the championship game because...

Good balance of offense and defense.

Playing with a chip on their shoulder and the attitude that they have something to prove every game.

Strength of schedule—highly favored in all the remaining games.

Why BSU will not have a chance at the national championship...

Nevada.

Strength of schedule.

Boise took the battle on the road to Virginia Tech and lost style points on the 33-30 win when VT laid an egg and lost to James Madison  To help the strength of their schedule, they enlisted the services of Oregon State. OSU won their first Pac-10 game against Arizona State. Will they win another? The more they win the better it is for Boise State.

Boise State needs to play three to four BCS automatic qualifiers every year. This year they played two, and by the luck of the draw those teams are not having good years. Boise State must hope for losses by Ohio State, Oregon, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and TCU because these teams are poised to be ahead of them in the final polls.

5. TCU

TCU will be in the national championship game because...

They win and win big.

They have a strong offense and defense.

They should not lose to anyone down the stretch.

TCU will not be in the national championship because of their strength of schedule.

TCU is not the sexy pick like BSU, but if they go undefeated they will probably pass BSU in the polls. If this happens, the debate on the BCS will go critical. I almost hope that happens so the BCS can be adjusted into something that produces a true national champion.

6. Nebraska

They will be in the national championship game because...

Defense.

Heisman Trophy candidate freshman QB.

They will not be in the national championship game because...

Texas, Oklahoma State, and Oklahoma.

Nebraska gave notice on Thursday night when they dismantled undefeated KSU. Featuring their freshman QB leading a prolific running game and a defense that features the best corners in the country, Nebraska should be undefeated going into the final Big 12 Championship.

Beat an undefeated Oklahoma there and you will see Nebraska pass undefeated BSU and TCU in the polls. BCS debate goes critical. I love it.

Waiting for their shot...

7. Oklahoma

Big 12 South probable undefeated champion. Should play Nebraska for final Big 12 Championship and will be in the BCS Championship picture if they win that game.

8. Auburn

Nobody wants to play Auburn right now. Impressive team that could spoil Alabama’s party. Presently needs help making it to the big game.

It is shaping up to be an interesting and controversial BCS season. Enjoy.