BCS Rankings 2010: Breaking Down All 25 Teams in the First BCS Standings
With the 2010 BCS Rankings coming out for the first time Sunday, it's time to break down the poll and figure out which teams belong and which don't.
I break down each team and tell you how they got there, what's ahead for each team and if they belong in their slot. If you agree or disagree, leave it in the comments.
No. 25: Virginia Tech
1 of 25
How They Got There
Losses to Boise State and James Madison torpedoed the Hokies' season and put Virginia Tech in an 0-2 hole. Since then, the Hokies are 5-0 and beat NC State when the Wolfpack were ranked 23rd in the nation. Virginia Tech just beat Wake Forest 52-21.
Key Games Ahead
Virginia Tech still has big road clashes with North Carolina and Miami before finishing the year against struggling rival Virginia. Those two games will determine the Hokies' fate.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
It's hard to say they're ranked too low when they lost to James Madison. Virginia Tech has done a nice job of rebounding and the Hokies will take anything they can get at this point of the season. We'll see if t
No. 24: Mississippi State
2 of 25
How They Got There
A big win over Florida on Saturday shot Mississippi State up into the BCS. The Bulldogs hadn't beaten much of anyone all year until Saturday but played Auburn close and lost to LSU by a good margin. Mississippi State is 5-2 on the year and fourth in the SEC West.
Key Games Ahead
In November, Mississippi State will take on Alabama on the road a week before playing host to Arkansas. Those are two huge games and upsets there would do wonders for the Bulldogs and their resume.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
Considering that Mississippi is 1-2 against top 25 teams and that one win is against a struggling Florida team, the Bulldogs should be happy just to be mentioned.
No. 23: Arkansas
3 of 25
How They Got There
After losing a close one to Alabama, the Razorbacks lost a total shootout against Auburn and are now 4-2, good enough for fifth in the SEC West.
Key Games Ahead
The Razorbacks have match-ups against South Carolina, LSU and Mississippi State, all three are ranked in the top 25 and could send Arkansas back up the rankings to where it was earlier in the season.
Are They Ranked Too High Low?
Arkansas hasn't beaten a ranked opponent all season so the Razorbacks seems to be right where they should be, especially after how their defense performed this week. That was a horrid performance and something has to change there and quickly.
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No. 22: Kansas State
4 of 25
How They Got There
The Wildcats are 5-1 and just throttled rival Kansas 59-7 and sit at 5-1 on the season, good enough for second in the Big 12 North and are in the thick of it for a spot in the Big 12 title game.
Key Games Ahead
Kansas State's next three games are against teams currently ranked in the top 25. The Wildcats will host Oklahoma State and Texas before traveling to take on Missouri. It's a brutal stretch and if Kansas State can be successful in those games, it's going to be in a great position for a BCS bowl.
Are They Ranked Too High?
The record is impressive, but Kansas State has beaten no one and the only ranked team the Wildcats played, Nebraska, beat Kansas State into the ground. I think the Wildcats have had beaten who they've faced, but I'm not sure after this stretch, we'll see the Wildcats in the poll.
No. 21: South Carolina
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How They Got There
A big win against Alabama has helped keep the Gamecocks in the polls despite losses to Auburn and Kentucky. The loss to the Wildcats was crushing as South Carolina was in prime position in the national picture prior to that loss.
Key Games Ahead
The Gamecocks have match-ups against Arkansas and Florida down the stretch, both of which are winnable games and I think when it's all said and done, South Carolina will be regretting having a letdown game against Kentucky.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
While a win over the defending national champions is a big thing, those two losses are hard to ignore and especially losing to Kentucky. That one stings and put the Gamecocks right where they belong.
No. 20: West Virginia
6 of 25
How They Got There
The Mountaineers are 5-1 and a six point loss against LSU is the only blemish on West Virginia's record. The Mountaineers are the top team in the Big East and are undefeated in the conference and in great position to get the automatic bid to a BCS game.
Key Games Ahead
The Mountaineers are getting into their Big East schedule and have matchups against Pitt, Rutgers and UConn, and winning those will pretty much lock up the Big East.
Are They Ranked Too High?
West Virginia hasn't beaten anyone this year and lost to the only tough team it faced. However, being the best team in a BCS conference means something and the Mountaineers are right where they belong. I wouldn't put them any higher though.
No. 19: Texas
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How They Got There
After tough losses against UCLA and Oklahoma, the Longhorns rebounded by beating Nebraska in a rematch of last year's Big 12 championship game. It's been an up-and-down year, but things are up right now for Texas.
Key Games Ahead
Texas has games against Kansas State and Oklahoma State and those games can improve the Longhorns' resume and keep them in prime position for a big time bowl bid by the end of the season.
Are They Ranked Too High?
With the way the year has gone, the Longhorns deserve to be right where they are in the polls. Their losses were bad and this past week's win was impressive. The Longhorns are somewhere in the middle and the ranking reflects that.
No. 18: Arizona
8 of 25
How They Got There
Two points separate the Wildcats from an undefeated season. Arizona fell 29-27 to Oregon State and that loss is the only blemish for the Wildcats this season as Arizona beat Iowa this year for its most impressive win of the season.
Key Games Ahead
Games against Stanford and Oregon are going to tell us exactly who this team is and if they're for real or not. It's going to be tough, but a win or two in that stretch could have Arizona talking Rose Bowl if things shake out down the stretch.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
Arizona beat Iowa and lost by two points to a good Oregon State team. Maybe you could make the case that the Wildcats should be higher, but I have no issue with their current ranking.
No. 17: Florida State
9 of 25
How They Got There
After a brutal loss to Oklahoma, the Seminoles reboundedand beat up on Miami before struggling against Boston College last week. Florida State is 6-1 and first in the ACC Atlantic Division and set up for a spot in the ACC Championship Game.
Key Games Ahead
Florida State doesn't face a ranked team for the rest of the season but the Seminoles do play in-state rival Florida to end the season and the Gators are more than capable of ruining Florida State's season.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
While some may argue that Florida State should be higher based on its record, you need to remember that against the team currently ranked tops in the nation, Oklahoma, the Seminoles were embarrassed from start to finish and that is why Florida State is where they are.
No. 16: Nebraska
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How They Got Here
Nebraska was ranked high coming into the season and then didn't really beat anyone of consequence to start the season. The Cornhuskers haven't played anyone in the top 25 at the time of their matchup and once they played Texas, a game Nebraska had circled at the start of the year, the Cornhuskers were beaten down.
Key Games Ahead
Nebraska has games against Oklahoma State and Missouri and those games will decide the Cornhuskers' season. It's the difference a big time bowl and a middle of the road game. They need this game.
Are They Ranked Too High?
It's hard to say that Nebraska has had a strong season. No win against ranked teams and a bad loss to Texas. I think Nebraska should be further down the polls than it is at this moment.
No. 15: Iowa
11 of 25
How They Got Here
A win over Michigan in the Big House is the signature win of the season for the Hawkeyes but a loss against Arizona sent Iowa tumbling down the polls earlier in the season. The Hawkeyes have clawed their way back into contention and are tied for first in the Big Ten.
Key Games Ahead
Iowa plays host to Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State down the stretch and those are all must wins if Iowa wants to make a play for the Rose Bowl at the end of the season. It's a brutal stretch and the Hawkeyes have to be ready.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
The Hawkeyes lost to what proved to be a good Arizona team and have beaten everyone else so it's hard to knock them. Beating Michigan on the road isn't an easy thing to do but I can see the hesitation to boost Iowa in the polls. This stretch will tell us all we need to know about the Hawkeyes.
No. 14: Oklahoma State
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How They Got Here
To be honest, on record alone. Oklahoma State hasn't beaten anyone of consequence and have most of its toughest games ahead. But for now, the Cowboys have done what you're supposed to do, beat who is in front of you.
Key Games Ahead
The Cowboys have to play Nebraska, Kansas State and Texas down the stretch and those three games could make or break Oklahoma State. Three wins and we're talking about a possible Big 12 champion. If now, it's just another at large bid in a middle of the road bowl game.
Are They Ranked Too High?
Seeing as Oklahoma State hasn't beaten anyone major yet, it's hard to say a team should be ranked higher, even if they're undefeated. However, you could make a case that some of the teams below the Cowboys have a better resume.
No. 13: Wisconsin
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How They Got Here
A big win against top-ranked Ohio State has put Wisconsin right in the thick of things in the Big Ten race. The Badgers' only loss is against Michigan State but other than that, Wisconsin has gone through its schedule untouched.
Key Games Ahead
The Badgers still have to play Iowa and travel to Michigan and if they get through that, we may be talking about a one-loss Wisconsin team at the end of the year, at that point, that could qualify the Badgers for the Rose Bowl or an at-large bid for a BCS bowl game.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
Wisconsin's only loss came against Michigan State and the Spartans are no slouch. It was a tough 10 point loss and I think it hurt the Badgers too much. I think that Wisconsin should be ranked higher than it is and hopefully if the success continues, it will change.
No. 12: Stanford
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How They Got Here
Stanford got here with four impressive wins to start the season, including pounding Notre Dame on national television. However, the Cardinal were obliterated by Oregon on the same stage and Stanford is coming off of a last-second win against USC.
Key Games Ahead
Stanford has Arizona and Oregon State left on its schedule in terms of tough opponents and those wins should keep the Cardinal in the thick of things for a good bowl bid at the end of the season.
Are They Ranked Too High?
Based on what I've seen, I'd have to say yes. The Cardinal were beaten down by Oregon and then struggled against a weak USC team. Anytime you have to kick a last second field goal to beat USC with the state of that program, you're in trouble. I'm not sold on Stanford in the least.
No. 11: Missouri
15 of 25
How They Got Here
Missouri is 6-0 on the season and is lined up for a spot in the Big 12 title game but those wins have come before the meat of the Tigers' schedule. However, the Tigers have been impressive this season with a small hiccup against San Diego State being the only worrisome part of their resume.
Key Games Ahead
Missouri plays Oklahoma and Nebraska in back-to-back weeks before taking on Kansas State later in the year. Those are the games the Tigers have to win if they want to be in the discussion for a BCS bowl later in the year.
Are They Ranked Too High?
With a three point win over San Diego State and no wins over ranked opponents as of yet, it's hard to say that Missouri really deserves this spot but it's also hard to argue with a 6-0 record. We'll find out who the Tigers really are after this stretch.
No. 10: Ohio State
16 of 25
How They Got Here
Ohio State had a big win against Miami earlier in the year but this loss to Wisconsin sent the Buckeyes from the top of the polls to 10th in the BCS. It was a bad loss for the Buckeyes and another poor showing on the national stage for Jim Tressel's team.
Key Games Ahead
The Buckeyes face Iowa and Michigan to finish the season and those are two big games for Ohio State and wins there should keep Ohio State in spot for a New Year's Day bowl game and a match-up against a marquee team.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
It's hard to say that about Ohio State. Tenth just feels right for the Buckeyes. You can't really make a case to put them higher and you can't make a case for them to really go lower than they are. We'll see how Ohio State responds and how it affects its ranking.
No. 9: Utah
17 of 25
How They Got Here
An opening week win over Pittsburgh in overtime has propelled the Utes as they've gone through their schedule. It's not a strong schedule, but the Utes are undefeated and that mark is getting some love from the pollsters.
Key Games Ahead
Utah has TCU and Notre Dame on the schedule and if the Utes can upset the Horned Frogs and beat the Fighting Irish on national TV, we could be talking about the Utes getting an at-large bid for a BCS bowl game.
Are They Ranked Too High?
You can certainly make a case for it. Pittsburgh isn't that good and Utah hasn't beaten anyone else this season. If the Utes can beat TCU, then we'll know they're for real, but for now I wouldn't be opposed to lower ranking for Utah. However, it's hard to argue with an undefeated team.
No. 8: Alabama
18 of 25
How They Got Here
The defending national champions lost to South Carolina but do have wins over Arkansas and Florida to its record. The loss to the Gamecocks hurt but by no means are the Crimson Tide done in terms of an SEC Championship.
Key Games Ahead
The Crimson Tide still have LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn on the schedule and wins in those three games will have Alabama right in the thick of things and possibly in the national title hunt depending what happens ahead of them in the pols.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
I would have to say no because losing to South Carolina didn't seem so bad until this week when the Gamecocks fell against Kentucky. That loss hurt the Crimson Tide and I'm fine with Alabama being where it is in the BCS.
No. 7: Michigan State
19 of 25
How They Got Here
Wins against Notre Dame, Wisconsin and Michigan have boosted the Spartans' resume and Michigan State is currently undefeated and in line to win the Big 10. Michigan State has been rolling as of late leading into the last half of the season.
Key Games Ahead
Michigan State is only scheduled to play one team ranked in the top 25 and that's Iowa. The Spartans finish the year at Penn State, which is a tough place to play, but it looks like things are lining up well for Michigan State down the stretch.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
Yes, but not by much. I'd put Michigan State over the team that you'll see is ranked ahead of them on the next slide. I just have more confidence in the Spartans than I do in this next team.
No. 6: LSU
20 of 25
How They Got Here
The Tigers have beaten three teams that have been ranked in the top 25 at the time of the match-up. North Carolina, West Virginia and Florida have all fallen to LSU this year. The Tigers won those three matchups by a combined 16 points as Les Miles and company have a flair for the dramatic.
Key Games Ahead
The next two games on the schedule are Auburn and Alabama and the only other match-up against a ranked team is the season finale against Arkansas. Those are three huge games and we'll see if the way the Tigers have been living on the edge can hold up to those tests.
Are They Ranked Too High?
The Tigers are ranked high but not too much. Like I said in the last slide, I'd put Michigan State over LSU and leave it at that. I don't have faith in Les Miles and I think he's going to be exposed in the next few weeks.
No. 5: TCU
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How They Got Here
TCU beat Oregon State in the opener and has rolled since then. The Horned Frogs are undefeated and hoping for a spot in the BCS when it is all said and done.
Key Games Ahead
The Horned Frogs take on Air Force and then there's the big showdown with Utah. If the Horned Frogs can beat the Utes, it could send TCU moving up slightly in the BCS with some losses ahead of them.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
I'd have to say now. You can't really make a case to put TCU over any of the teams that are above them and you certainly can't make a case to bump anyone above them. The Horned Frogs are perfect at fifth.
No. 4: Auburn
22 of 25
How They Got Here
Auburn has gotten here by the hairs on its chinny-chin-chin. The Tigers have won three of its games by a combined nine points and another by eight points. Auburn wins close games but blew out Arkansas in a shootout last weekend.
Key Games Ahead
The Tigers take on LSU next week before ending the year against Alabama in what should be a huge match-up to end the regular season. We'll see if Auburn's luck can last that long. Cam Newton is in the Heisman discussion and those two wins would give him a stronger resume.
Are They Ranked Too High?
It'd be hard to say that. Auburn is in the strongest conference in the nation and has beaten good teams this year like South Carolina and Arkansas. Cam Newton is having a great year and the Tigers are in the thick of the national title hunt.
No. 3: Boise State
23 of 25
How They Got Here
Wins against Virginia Tech and Oregon State have Boise State right on the cusp of a trip to the national title game. Kellen Moore is having a big year and is on the skirts of the Heisman race. The Broncos need some help to get into the big game and if they don't, it's going to cause a stir.
Key Games Ahead
Boise State doesn't really have any tough tests left but just need to keep winning impressively to avoid slipping further down the BCS polls. Any close win will hurt the Broncos majorly in the rankings.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
The Broncos should be in line for a national title appearance. Boise State has beaten everyone its plays and its done so impressively. It feels like pollsters are out to keep the Broncos out of the title game. If Boise State runs the table impressively and doesn't get in to the title game, it's going to be hell.
No. 2: Oregon
24 of 25
How They Got Here
Oregon got to this point by blowing teams out of the water with an explosive offense that has just dominated its opponents. The Ducks are rolling right now and it doesn't look like anyone can stop all of their weapons.
Key Games Ahead
The Ducks have matchups against Arizona and Oregon State near the end of the season and the schedule looks like Oregon is set up to run the table. USC could be a sleeper team but I think the Ducks and their offense are going to be hard to keep out of the national title game.
Are They Ranked Too Low?
I think the Ducks should be the top team in the nation. Oregon has looked impressive from the opening kickoff of the season until this point and look like the best team in the country.
No. 1: Oklahoma
25 of 25
How They Got Here
The season didn't start impressively for the Sooners but a big win against Florida State and a win against Texas have Oklahoma in the top spot in the BCS. I'm not sold on Oklahoma, but the computers love the Sooners and they're in the top spot.
Key Games Ahead
The Sooners' biggest tests are Missouri this week and the season finale against Oklahoma State. If the Sooners win out, the BCS will put Oklahoma into the national title game. We'll see how Oklahoma handles the pressure of being the top team in the country.
Are They Ranked Too High?
I would have put Oklahoma third in my poll behind Oregon and Boise State. The Sooners didn't look great in a lot of their games and I think we can see the Sooners fall before the year's end.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
