BCS Rankings 2010: 10 Teams Who Could Rise Most With a Strong Week 7 Win
Only a week away from the first BCS standings and all of the sudden, the scenery changes. After surprising losses by Arizona and Alabama, rumor has it that Boise State will top the rankings.
So which teams can improve their status the most this weekend? Will the major six conference teams knock each other off, and if so, can TCU or Boise stake their claim to a national title?
After another week of conference play, the BCS picture is starting to emerge. Let's examine which teams are on the rise, and which are on the fall.
10. Syracuse (vs. Pittsburgh)
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Coming into the season, experts thought the Orange were in for yet another long and unsuccessful season while Pittsburgh would contend for the Big East title. After six weeks, the tables have turned as ‘Cuse finds themselves at 4-1 while Pittsburgh has been shaky at 2-3.
Despite home field advantage and a better record, Syracuse finds themselves at 2 ½ point underdogs. Led by star running back Delone Carter and his 105 yards per game, ‘Cuse has been impressive -- albeit against weak competition.
If the Orange can beat the Panthers and advance to 5-1, they may just win earn their first bowl bid since 2004.
9. Maryland (at Clemson)
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Similar to the Syracuse game, this match-up pits an overachieving Maryland team against an underperforming Clemson team.
At 4-1, Maryland has been one of the ACC’s most surprising teams while Clemson has gotten a bit unlucky in their road to a 2-3 record. Clemson is the far more talented team as evidenced by the 14 ½ point spread.
If the Terps hope to pull this road upset, they’ll need much improved quarterback play. Danny O’Brien and Jamarr Robinson have combined for 807 yards in five games while completing only 50 percent of their passes.
I’d be shocked to see UMD leave with a win, but if they do, they’ll have a relatively easy road to winning the ACC Atlantic (minus a home game against Florida State and a road game versus Miami).
8. Missouri (at Texas A&M)
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After beating Colorado 26-0, Missouri finds themselves atop the Big 12 standings with a 5-0 record and a number 21 ranking. Saturday’s game at Texas A&M will be the Tigers toughest game of the season to date, and looks to be quite winnable.
Aggies quarterback Jerrod Johnson has struggled with turnover problems and a low completion percentage in conference play. Mizzou quarterback Blaine Gabbert is completing two thirds of his passes and averaging 246 yards per game.
A win over A&M Saturday and win over Nebraska on October 30, and the Tigers could be playing for the Big 12 championship
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7. Oklahoma St. (at Texas Tech)
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Oklahoma State is off to a 5-0 record, but have yet to beat a quality contender. Saturday’s match-up in a hostile environment against a potent Red Raiders offense should show whether the Cowboys are contenders or pretenders, and could seal a bowl bid early in the season.
Quarterback Brandon Weedon has been a relation behind center, as has running back Kendall Hunter. Combined, the duo averages 462 yards per game. Vegas has Texas Tech as a 3 ½ point favorite, so the Cowboys could disprove a lot of doubters come Saturday.
6. South Carolina (at Kentucky)
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Despite an unbelievable 35-21 upset over Alabama last weekend, South Carolina is still struggling to garner respect. The Gamecocks jumped to No. 10 in the latest rankings, behind the very Alabama team they defeated.
Add to that a 6 ½ point line against a Kentucky team that is 0-3 in the conference and Steve Spurrier has reason to repeat my favorite Rodney Dangerfield routine. No respect. No regard either.
A win against Kentucky and a loss by Auburn completely opens up the SEC, but all that hinges on first beating a struggling Wildcat team.
The ‘Cocks are led by freshman running back Marcus Lattimore, who could explode against a Kentucky defense that allows 190 rushing yards per game.
In the SEC you have to take care of business against inferior teams. Let’s see if South Carolina comes out with a hangover after last weeks season defining win.
5. Iowa (at Michigan)
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This game has a lot at stake for Michigan after their disappointing loss to rival Michigan State, but may mean even more for the Hawkeyes.
With a 4-1 record and an impressive win over Penn State, Iowa is looking like one of the nations tougher teams. Their stout defense allows only 242 yards against per game and through five games, have surrendered only four touchdowns.
Will they be able to stop Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense? Tune in Saturday to find out.
4. Nebraska (vs. Texas)
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With a 5-0 record and No. 5 ranking, the Cornhuskers have put themselves into the BCS title mix. They will put those championship aspirations on the line Saturday when they take on the Texas Longhorns.
While Texas has struggled this season losing to UCLA and Oklahoma, they are still a tremendously talented team. They have speed, size and playmakers, even if their offense is less potent than in past years. The question is, can anybody stop QB Taylor Martinez?
T-Mart has thrown for only 660 yards this season, but his 737 rushing yards rank first in the Big 12. If Nebraska can get through Texas, only a match-up with Oklahoma stands between them and a BCS bowl birth.
3. Michigan St. (vs. Illinois)
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Last weekend’s match-up with Michigan was a sight to behold. With Mark Dantonio sitting in the booth only weeks removed from suffering a heart attack, the Spartans had all the inspiration they needed to take down rival Michigan.
This week MSU will look to improve upon their 6-0 record with a win over a solid Illinois team whose two losses came at the hands of ranked teams (at Missouri, Ohio State).
Kirk Cousins has looked deadly accurate and running back Edwin Baker is averaging seven yards per carry, making the Michigan State offense one of the more well-rounded attacks in college football.
Factor in a solid defense that intercepted Denard Robinson three times last week and it’s understandable why folks are so excited in East Lansing.
2. Wisconsin (vs. Ohio State)
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A week after beating Minnesota for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, the Badgers will look to pull the upset over top ranked Ohio State.
This is a game with monumental ramifications for both teams. For the Buckeyes, a loss destroys their perfect season, takes them out of the championship race, and drops them behind Michigan State for the Big Ten title. For Wisconsin, a loss drops them to 1-2 in the conference while a win makes them a potential Rose Bowl team.
So far this season, Wisconsin has been solid defensively, but have thrived due to their rushing attack. Sconnie is averaging 241 rushing yards per game including 346 yards against Austin Peay. John Clay and James White have split the load for the Badgers with both backs averaging better than 80 yards per game and six yards per carry.
For Wisconsin to delight its home crowd win an upset, it’ll need to stay effective on the ground against a tough Ohio State defense that allows under 80 rushing yards per game.
1. Auburn (vs. Arkansas)
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No. 7 Auburn will take the field Saturday against a very well matched Arkansas team. While Arkansas was only minutes away from an upset win over Alabama and undefeated record, Auburn puts an unblemished record on the line for this weekend’s game.
The Tigers defense has allowed the most passing yards against in the SEC, and will be tasked with stopping Ryan Mallet, the possible top pick in next year’s NFL draft.
Not that Auburn’s quarterback is a slouch either. 6’6” 250 pound junior Cameron Newton has been an absolute beast for the Tigers averaging 190 yards passing and another 112 yards rushing. In fact, Newton’s 21 total touchdowns rank amongst the Division 1 leaders.
After Alabama lost last week, the SEC crown is up for grabs. Can Auburn take it down for keeps?
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