Oklahoma Sooners: BCS Title Game Still Within Reach for the Team

Luke McConnell wrote an excellent article on how Oklahoma's season is on the brink, and that the season is far from over.  As we have seen many times over the past few years, this is definitely the case, and OU can still possibly play for the BCS Title.  Many things will have to happen, most importantly Oklahoma winning the rest of their games, but ranked No. 9 with five games left is a good spot to be in.  Let's take a look at what needs to be done in order for this to happen:

An Undefeated Missouri Team Needs To Play In The Big XII Championship Game

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Ima

Who Oklahoma plays in the Big XII championship is crucial.  The best case scenario for OU is for Missouri to run the table on their way to the championship, ensuring the highest possible ranked opponent for OU in the game.  Many OU fans would love to see a final conference showdown against Nebraska, but that's not in the best interests of the ultimate goal of being BCS champs.

Auburn Needs To Win The Iron Bowl...

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers throws a practice pass before the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

Few see any major roadblocks for Auburn or Alabama leading up to this game, and OU should put their full support behind the Auburn Tigers if they are undefeated going into the Iron Bowl.  While it might not sound like it makes much sense that OU would want the No. 1 team to win, a loss to currently No. 7 ranked Alabama would likely keep Auburn ahead of OU in the standings.  Conversely, an Alabama loss would surely drop them below the Sooners.

...then Lose the SEC Championship Game.

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 25: Marcus Lattimore #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is probably the outcome that has the least possible odds of occurring.  South Carolina seems to be the team that could match up with Auburn the best in a rematch of their game earlier this year.  Florida just doesn't look to have what it takes to beat a high-powered team this year. 

Then again, losing a conference championship game doesn't guarantee exclusion from the BCS title game...

Michigan State Trips Up

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans returned to the sidelines for a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27.

Michigan State has been a feel-good story this year with the health issues of Mark Dantonio, but they just seem to be playing over their heads.  Iowa could very well send them to their first loss this weekend, but even if MSU pulls it out, they will need to stay totally focused for their remaining games.  Whether or not they can do that is debatable.

This year's MSU team reminds me a lot of the Sooners' 2000 team that also started unranked and with low expectations.

Ducks Need Their Wings Clipped

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EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Nate Costa #7 of the Oregon Ducks evades the tackle of Tony Dye #6 of the UCLA Bruins on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Oregon 2010 reminds me of OU 2008—a high powered offense that never faced a really good defensive team during their season.  Everyone loves the Ducks this year, much the same way that OU was the favorite in 2008.  USC and Oregon State have the best chances to stop them, but it's going to be a tough job to do it.

Keep Getting Computer Love

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos passes against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

The loser of TCU versus Utah will open up a spot for OU in the polls, but it could be the computers' ranking for OU that will ultimately propel them ahead of the MWC champ.  Fair or not, the computers don't have much love for TCU or Boise State, and their remaining schedules will only draw their numbers down further.  Personally, I think both of these teams are legit, and if undefeated, should deserve a shot at playing for the BCS title.  The pollsters and computers will feel differently, which in the end will boost the Sooners above them.

Possible, Probable or No Chance?

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: The BCS National Championship trophy which was won by the Alabama Crimson Tide after winning the Citi BCS National Championship game over the Texas Longhorns at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. The Crim

There's a lot of football left to be played, and a lot of scenarios would have to play themselves out for OU to have another chance at the crystal football. 

The chances of everything happening perfectly are slim, but that's part of the reason we love college football.  During the BCS era, the seasons have been predictably unpredictable, and just when we think we know what is going to happen, something occurs to flip everything around.

Unfortunately, I think OU comes up a bit short this year, but not by any fault of their own going forward.  Too many variables are in play that are out of their control, but won't a rematch with Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl be fun?