BCS Rankings Week 3: Breaking Down All 25 Teams in the Third BCS Standings

BCS Rankings Week 3 is upon us.

The third BCS standings are out and I am breaking it all down. From the schedules to the previous week's rankings, you will get it here. 

This Saturday had us all on the edges of our seats. Me more so because I was inhaling pizza and I didn't want it to get all over my nice sofa. Regardless there were some great games and, as always, some great upsets.

So, let's delve deep into the BCS rankings and all that it entails. 

25: North Carolina State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Darrell Davis #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack celebrates with fans after deafeating the Florida State Seminoles 28-24 at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Ge

Last week's ranking: Unranked

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Clemson, Nov. 6th; @ Maryland, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: NC State just side-stepped its biggest hurdle toward claiming the ACC title. The Wolf Pack need to remain focused and finish out the year strong.

They Could Fall if:  Maryland faces its last true test. If the Terrapins get past them, it will truly be a magical season.

24: Florida State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts to a play against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/G

Last week's ranking: 16

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Maryland, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: BCS hopes are dashed if they existed at all. Now all that remains is taking the ACC title.

They Could Fall if:  They need to finish the season without any more losses. The Maryland game could give them just that.

23: Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs looks to hand the ball off during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TCU won 48-6. (Photo by Ethan

Last week's ranking: 24

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 4 Boise State, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: Playing poor teams will not get you much in a rankings boost. Beating the Broncos in a month will.

They Could Fall if: They will play one of the best teams in the nation on November 26th. That kind of game makes or breaks a season.

22: Virginia Tech

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Keith Payne #22 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week ranking: 23

Upcoming Games of Note: Georgia Tech, Nov. 4th; @ Miami, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: Despite some early-season troubles, Virginia Tech can still make some waves. This Thursday will be a test to see if they are ready for Miami.

They Could Fall if: Georgia Tech’s run game could prove to be very problematic. They will have their hands full this week.

21: Baylor

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WACO, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Nick Florence #11 of the Baylor Bears leads his team in the huddle against the Texas Longhorns in the second half on November 14, 2009 at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 25

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 17 Oklahoma State, Nov. 6th; No. 8 Oklahoma, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: Baylor has come out of nowhere and I really hope they stay. It is good for the sport to see a burgeoning program get some recognition.

They Could Fall if: Baylor has put together a couple of great weeks. It will not last though. They play too many great teams to keep it going. I hope they prove me wrong against the Oklahoma schools.

20: Mississippi State

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GAINESVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 16: Coach Dan Mullen of the Mississippi State Bulldogs directs play against the Florida Gators October 16, 2010 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 21

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 6 Alabama, Nov. 13th; No. 18 Arkansas, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: Mississippi State has a chance to do what no other fringe top 25 team has done. They could really spoil the national landscape. Their first shot will be in a couple of weeks against Alabama.

They Could Fall if: Although they have proved to be a formidable opponent to the elite as they were against Auburn, their schedule is just too difficult. I do not see Mississippi State leaving this season with anything less than three losses.

19: South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 30: The South Carolina Gamecocks run on to the field against the Tennessee Volunteers at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 20

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 18 Arkansas, Nov. 6th; Florida, Nov 13th

They Could Move Up if: They need to keep doing what they are doing: winning. The loss to Kentucky derailed their season. They are doing the best they can to salvage whatever they can.

They Could Fall if: As you can see, it is difficult to make giant leaps this late in the season. They will get their best shot to jump a few rungs this week against Arkansas.

18: Arkansas

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Tyler Wilson #8 of the Arkansas Razorbacks rolls out and looks downfield for a receiver during the game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Raz

Last week's ranking: 19

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 19 South Carolina, Nov. 6th; @ No. 20 Mississippi State, Nov. 20th; No. 10 LSU, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: They have the games to make some noise. Ryan Mallett and his shoulder looked absolutely fine against Vanderbilt.

They Could Fall if: If issues arise in Mallett’s shoulder. He is the machine that keeps Arkansas moving.

17: Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 31: Fans of the Oklahoma State Cowboys cheer on their team in the game against the Texas Longhorns at Boone Pickens Stadium on October 31, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 17

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 21 Baylor, Nov. 6th; No. 8 Oklahoma, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: Their whole season is about Nov. 27th. Just as it is every season: a game against Oklahoma.

They Could Fall if: They should not take Baylor for granted. Too many programs have done just that this season.

16: Iowa

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Wide reciver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos #15 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball past defensive end Colin Neely #89 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010

Last week's ranking: 18

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 11 Ohio State, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: One week they are goats, the next they are lauded by their fans—such is life with a tough schedule. Ohio State will be the last game to make a statement.

They Could Fall if: The Buckeyes are determined to get back into title contention. They will get the very best OSU has to offer on the 20th.

15: Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Head coach Mike Stoops of the Arizona Wildcats watches from the sidelines during the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Ge

Last week's ranking: 15

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 13 Stanford, Nov. 6th; @ No. 1 Oregon, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: Quarterback Nick Foles needs to return healthy. If he does, then I smell upset this weekend.

They Could Fall if: Foles was believed to be ready for the game against UCLA. Perhaps coach Mike Stoops wanted to ensure he had his ace for this Saturday.

14: Michigan State

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio talks with quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 on the sidelines during the first half of play against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Io

Last week's ranking: 5

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Penn State, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: Any move closer to the top of the rankings will be minuscule. The Spartans' loss to Iowa came at the wrong time.

They Could Fall if: The Spartans lack any strong opponents to boost them in the rankings. They should not hang their heads. That is how you take a good season and make it a bad one with even more late-season losses.

13: Stanford

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SEATTLE - OCTOBER 30: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal rushes against Hau'oli Jamora #52 of the Washington Huskies on October 30, 2010 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. Stanford defeated Washington 41-0. (Photo by Otto Greule J

Last week's ranking: 13

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 15 Arizona, Nov. 6th; @ Cal, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: It is hard to maintain offensive production weekly in the tight Pac-10. Stanford and its quarterback, Andrew Luck, have showed no signs of slowing down.

They Could Fall if: Arizona is the last trial for a team hoping to get into the top 10. After that they need to get past an emotional big game against Cal. The latter should be fairly easy work.

12: Missouri

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Coach Gary Pinkel of the Missouri Tigers (with headset) stands with his staff during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Missouri 31-17. (Photo by Eric

Last week's ranking: 6

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Texas Tech, Nov. 6th

They Could Move Up if: Missouri lost to Nebraska. It hurts. I know. But you only dropped to the 12th spot. With not much left in the schedule posing a threat. I see Missouri making at top 10 appearance again very soon.

They Could Fall if: If they continue the uninspired play they gave against Nebraska, they will be hurting in November.

11: Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes calls signals against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 11

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 16 Iowa, Nov. 20th

They Could Move Up if: It’s getting late in the year. But there i still time to get a huge win. Iowa on the 20th would be the last vestige of hope.

They Could Fall if: Iowa is the type of team that gets up for big games. They will have the friendly confines of their own stadium when they welcome OSU later this month.

10: LSU

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 23: Rueben Randle #2 of the LSU Tigers pulls in this touchdown reception against Josh Bynes #17 of the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 12

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 6 Alabama, Nov. 6th; @ No. 18 Arkansas, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: They need to maintain their stingy defense for the rest of the season. It is the only thing that separates them from Alabama.

They Could Fall if: LSU will need the few weeks off before their bowl game because they will be exhausted. This month they have to prepare to play a top 10 team, then they must do the same against a very good Arkansas team.

9: Wisconsin

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MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 16: John Clay #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for a first down against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 10

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Purdue, Nov. 6th

They Could Move Up if: Their running game is going to have to be enough to sway the computers. They have little in strong opponents to make a late push to contend.

They Could Fall if: Purdue could be a trap game. The Boilermakers may not have the record to show it, but they have played inspired football at times.

8: Oklahoma

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Landry Jones #12 of the Oklahoma Sooners 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 Imag

Last week's ranking: 9

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 21 Baylor, Nov. 20th, @ No. 17 Oklahoma State, Nov. 27th

They Could Move Up if: Their loss to Missouri hurts. They will need huge wins against a couple of top 25 teams and that still will not be enough. They need one or more of the top five to lose in the next couple of week.

They Could Fall if: If they sleep on Baylor, it is all over.

7: Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Fans of the Missouri Tigers sit quietly in a sea of red during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Missouri 31-17. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 14

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Iowa State Nov. 6th, Colorado Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: Beating Missouri was a great win. Now the Cornhuskers can sit back rack up a few wins and hope someone at the top loses. 

They Could Fall if: It will not be a cake walk though. Iowa State and Colorado are formidable teams that could very well pull an upset. 

6: Alabama

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Marquis Maze #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball during the SEC game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 7

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 10 LSU, Nov. 6th; No. 20 Mississippi State, Nov. 13th; No. 2 Auburn, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: Alabama is in the rare position of holding the keys to their own destiny. They have the games to win that will get them to the top. Defeating LSU and Mississippi State will have them in the top five. A win at the end of the year against Auburn will put them in the title game.

They Could Fall if: Did I mention how insanely difficult all that would be?

5: Utah

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 14: David Reed #16 of the Utah Utes celebrates with Jereme Brooks #85 after making a touchdown pass reception in the second quarter of the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Fort

Last week's ranking: 8

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 3 TCU, Nov. 6th

They Could Move Up if: Utah should not have a chance to play for the national title. Not until they prove they can beat a good team. This weekend will prove that to me.

They Could Fall if:  If TCU is for real, then Utah will drop from its perch.

4: Boise State

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LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 06: Boise State Broncos fans cheer from the stands against the Virginia Tech Hokies at FedExField on September 6, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 3

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 23 Nevada, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: Sadly, Boise State will need help. It seems like every year they need the top two teams to falter around this time. Even then they could be skipped by a team like Alabama if they get hot.

They Could Fall if: If Alabama wins out, Boise State leaves the season angry yet again.

3: TCU

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 30: Waymon James #32 of the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs runs for yardage against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium October 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. TCU won 48-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 4

Upcoming Games of Note: @ No. 5 Utah, Nov. 6th

They Could Move Up if: A win this weekend may push them into the top two as Auburn has a relatively easy game.

They Could Fall if: Once this weekend is over however, we and the computers of the BCS will forget the difficult Utah game in favor of the more immediate tough games TCU’s colleagues have to play. Their weak schedule will push them out of contention.

2: Auburn

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AUBURN - OCTOBER 16: Auburn University mascot Aubie the Tiger cheers on the field before the game between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 1

Upcoming Games of Note: No. 6 Alabama, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: They need to stay unbeaten. It is as easy as not losing.

They Could Fall if: Oh, yes...Alabama. Thank you for remembering.

1: Oregon

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EUGENE,OR - DECEMBER 03: Oregon Ducks mascot Puddles cheers after his team's 33-37 victory over the Oregon State Beavers after the game at Autzen Stadium on December 3, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)

Last week's ranking: 2

Upcoming Games of Note: @ Cal, Nov. 13th; No. 15 Arizona, Nov. 26th

They Could Move Up if: If Oregon sidesteps the landmines of the Pac-10 they will be playing for the national title.

They Could Fall if: They must defeat a very tough Arizona team. They should have a healthy and well-rested Nick Foles by that time.