BCS Rankings 2010: How Will Final BCS Differ from the First BCS Poll?

With the first BCS Rankings 2010 poll being released, there will be no shortage of opinions and debates around the water cooler come Monday morning.

We won't agree on just about every team in the poll and where they stand. But the bigger debate will take place on just where these teams will be when the season starts to wrap up.

That's what we're going to talk about right now. We'll go through all 25 teams that are in the BCS poll and we'll talk about what might trip them up and the players that are key for them to stay where they are or move up in the rankings.

So, without further ado, let's get to it.

No. 25: Virginia Tech

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 25: Darren Evans #32 of the Virginia Tech Hokies carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles on September 25, 2010 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Virginia Tech defeated Boston

Showcase game: Nov 20th at (25) Miami

Trap game: Nov 13th at North Carolina

Crucial player: Tyrod Taylor

Where they'll end up: Are the Hokies the team that have reeled off five straight since losing their first two games of the season against Boise State and James Madison?

Maybe, but they won't get higher than possibly 15th by season's end.

No. 24: Mississippi State

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Chris Relf #14 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs hands off to running back Vick Ballard #28 against the Florida Gators October 16, 2010 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschm

Showcase game: Nov 13th at Alabama

Trap game: Oct. 30th vs Kentucky

Crucial player: Vick Ballard

Analysis: Mississippi State still has a tough schedule to face but picking up wins in their next few games leading up to Alabama will be a big confidence boost for them.

Where they'll end up: Out of the rankings

No. 23: Arkansas

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FAYETTEVILLE - SEPTEMBER 25: Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks passes the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Alabama won 24-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Get

Showcase game: Nov. 6th at South Carolina

Trap game: Oct. 23rd vs Ole Miss

Crucial player: Ryan Mallett

Analysis: Arkansas has been just one play or a few breaks away from being one of the unbeaten teams. They could easily be a top 10 team if a few things had gone their way. But, that's why they play the game.

Where they'll end up: 11th

No. 22: Kansas State

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LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Receiver Daymond Patterson #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks is tackled by Tysyn Hartman #2 and Jarell Childs #26 of the Kansas State Wildcats during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jam

Showcase game: Oct. 30 vs Oklahoma State

Trap game: Oct. 23rd at Baylor

Crucial player: Daniel Thomas

Analysis: Bill Snyder is impressing once more with this ball club but they still have a long ways to go. Let's see how they do over the next few weeks before we say they're for real.

Where they'll end up: Out of the rankings

No. 21: South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 9: Quarterback Stephen Garcia #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks tosses the football out of the end zone to avoid a sack after a botched snap against the Alabama Crimson Tide October 9, 2010 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, So

Showcase game: Nov. 6th vs Arkansas

Trap game: Oct. 30th vs Tennessee

Crucial player: Stephen Garcia

Analysis: South Carolina upset the No.1 team in the land a week ago Saturday, then goes to Kentucky and loses? They haven't won on the road yet so I'm not sure what to think of them just yet.

Where they'll end up: 17th

No. 20: West Virginia

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BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Geno Smith #12 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in action against the Louisiana State University Tigers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 26th at Pitt

Trap game: Oct. 29th at UConn

Crucial player: Geno Smith

Analysis: They did show something with just a six point loss to LSU but the rest of their schedule isn't the best I've seen. Three of the next five games will be on the road which could be a turning point to a good or mediocre season.

Where they'll end up: Out of the rankings

No. 19: Texas

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #7 of the Texas Longhorns runs toward his teammates ofter the final of their game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Texas Defeated Nebraska

Showcase game: Nov. 13th vs Oklahoma State

Trap game: Nov. 6th at Kansas State

Crucial player: Garrett Gilbert

Analysis: The Texas Longhorns redeemed themselves with a big win on the road against Nebraska, a win that a lot of people didn't think they'd get. There's still work to be done.

Where they'll end up: 15th

No. 18: Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 09: Quarterback Nick Foles #8 of the Arizona Wildcats during the college football game against the Oregon State Beavers at Arizona Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Beavers defeated the Wildcats 29-27. (Photo by C

Showcase game: Nov. 6th at (14) Stanford

Trap game: Oct. 23rd vs Washington

Crucial player: Matt Scott

Analysis: With Nick Foles out two to three weeks with a sprained knee, it's up to junior quarterback Mark Scott  to keep them rolling until Foles can make it back.

Where they'll end up: 12th

No. 17: Florida State

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MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 9: Jermaine Thomas #38 pats Christian Ponder #7 on the head as he is held by Andrew Datko #67 of the Florida State Seminoles after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes on October 9, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florid

Showcase game: Nov. 27th vs (22) Florida

Trap game: Oct. 28th at NC State

Crucial player: Christian Ponder

Analysis: Florida State had an impressive win over in-state rival Miami and look better than they did when they were blown out by Oklahoma earlier in the season.

Where they'll end up: Eighth

No. 16: Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 16: Running back Rex Burkhead #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers just misses a reception during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Texas Defeated Nebraska 20-13. (Photo by Eric

Showcase game: Oct. 23rd at (17) Oklahoma State

Trap game: Oct. 30th vs (21) Missouri

Crucial player: Taylor Martinez

Analysis: That picture says it all after the Cornhuskers "fell on their face" against Texas this past weekend especially at home. Tough loss but one they need to bounce back from.

Where they'll end up: 17th

No. 15: Iowa

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TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the Iowa Hawkeyes prepares to snap the ball during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the H

Showcase game: Nov. 20th at (10) Ohio State

Trap game: Nov. 6th at Indiana

Crucial player: Ricky Stanzi

Analysis: It's Iowa's defense that they've been known for and it's been the one thing the Hawkeyes can count on against big opponents.

Where they'll end up: Ninth

No. 14: Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 5: Running back Kendall Hunter #24 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys rushes for a nine yards during the third quarter of the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (

Showcase game: Oct. 23rd vs Nebraska

Trap game: Oct. 30th at Kansas State

Crucial players: Kendall Hunter

Analysis: Oklahoma State is good, but can they really prove how good they are when they face Nebraska next weekend?

Where they'll end up: 18th

No. 13: Wisconsin

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MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 16: Wisconsin Badger players and fans celebrate a win over the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Ohio State 31-18. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Oct. 23rd at (13) Iowa

Trap game: Nov. 20th at Michigan

Crucial player: John Clay

Analysis: Wisconsin was impressive at home against the top team in the country, Ohio State. If they can get past Iowa, they're well on their way to a big season.

Where they'll end up: Sixth

No. 12: Stanford

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PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal drops back to pass the ball against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 6th vs (15) Arizona

Trap game: Oct. 30th at Washington

Crucial player: Jake Locker

Analysis: Next to their loss on the road to Oregon, Stanford has looked like a team that could make some waves toward the end of the season. They can win on the road and they're solid at home.

Where they'll end up: 13th

No. 11: Missouri

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 4: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the University of Missouri Tigers looks to pass against the University of Illinois Fighting Illini during the State Farm Arch Rivalry game on September 4, 2010 at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri.

Showcase game: Oct. 23rd vs (1) Oklahoma

Trap game: Nov. 6th at Texas Tech

Crucial player: Blaine Gabbert

Analysis: The Missouri Tigers were a team that almost got beaten by San Diego State. I'm not sure they're going to be hanging around the rankings long.

Where they'll end up: Out of the rankings

No. 10: Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 9: Andrew Norwell #78 of the Ohio State Buckeyes blocks against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 20th at (13) Iowa

Trap game: Nov. 13th vs Penn State

Crucial player: Terrelle Pryor

Analysis: After a loss to Wisconsin on Saturday, we'll watch as the Buckeyes will show why they were once ranked as the top team in the nation.

Where they'll end up: Fourth

No. 9: Utah

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Shaky Smithson #1 of the Utah Utes celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Phot

Showcase game: Nov. 6th vs (4) TCU

Trap game: Oct. 30th at Air Force

Crucial player: Jordan Wynn

Analysis: The Utah Utes have an offense that can go head-to-head with just about any team they come across. Though you could say that they haven't faced a worthy foe as of yet.

Where they'll end up: Eighth

No. 8: Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Greg McElroy #12 of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks to pass against the Ole Miss Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 6th at (5) LSU

Trap game: Nov. 13th vs Mississippi State

Crucial player: Mark Ingram

Analysis: Despite Alabama's loss to South Carolina, they are still one of the best teams in the country with some of the best talent in the country. They'll be back.

Where they'll end up: Third

No. 7: Michigan State

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ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Steve Nichol #7 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a 42 yard pass compleation from Kirk Cousins #8 during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor

Showcase game: Oct. 30th at (13) Iowa

Trap game: Nov. 27th at Penn State

Crucial player: Kirk Cousins

Analysis: Is Michigan State as good as we think they are after wins over Michigan and Wisconsin? Maybe, but there's still more to see before this season comes to a close.

Where they'll end up: Sixth

No. 6: LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - OCTOBER 16: Russell Shepard #10 of the Louisiana State University Tigers is tackled by London Durham #10 of the McNeese State Cowboys at Tiger Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the Cowboys 32-10

Showcase game: Oct. 23rd at (3) Auburn

Trap game: Nov. 20th vs Ole Miss

Crucial player: Les Miles

Analysis: LSU continues to sneak away with wins but that streak could come to an end quickly.

Where they'll end up: 20th

No. 5: TCU

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FORT WORTH, TX - OCTOBER 16: The TCU Horned Frogs take to the field against the BYU Cougars at Amon G. Carter Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU beat BYU 31-3. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 6th at (9) Utah

Trap game: Oct. 23rd vs Air Force

Crucial player: TCU defense

Analysis: TCU's defense has stepped up to the plate and has been the one thing that has the Horned Frogs where they are at this moment. Not that they can't put up points with the best of them, but they can shut out the best of them as well.

Where they'll end up: Fifth

No. 4: Auburn

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Wide receiver Kodi Burns #18 of the Auburn Tigers rolls out and looks downfield for a passing target during the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarri

Showcase game: Nov. 26th at (8) Alabama

Trap game: Nov. 13th vs Georgia

Crucial player: Cam Newton

Analysis: Auburn has every reason to believe they can win out and sit at the top of the college football mountain. Cam Newton and the Tigers are playing that well right now.

Where they'll end up: Second

No. 3: Boise State

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BOISE, ID - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 and the Boise State Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Oregon Stage Beavers at Bronco Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 26th at Nevada

Trap game: Nov. 6th vs Hawaii

Crucial player: Kellen Moore

Analysis: Boise State is arguably one of the most hated teams in college football but they seem to be okay with that.

Where they'll end up: Eighth

No. 2: Oregon

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 2: Quarterback Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 52-31.

Showcase game: Oct. 30th at USC

Trap game: Nov. 13th at Cal

Crucial: LaMichael James

Analysis: The Oregon Ducks have one of the best offenses in college football and have been proving it all season long. If it wasn't for the BCS polls, they would be called the best team in college football.

Where they'll end up: First

No. 1: Oklahoma

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners drops back to pass against the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter at the Cotton Bowl on October 2, 2010 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Showcase game: Nov. 13th vs Texas tech

Trap game: Nov. 20th at Baylor

Crucial player: DeMarco Murray

Analysis: The Oklahoma Sooners have looked like the best team but, at times, haven't looked like a top 10 team. Where they end up will be up to them.

Where they'll end up: Fourth