BCS Rankings Week 10: Dissecting the Remaining Schedules for the Top Teams

As we near the end of the College Football season, the amount of teams still in contention shrinks week by week. Each game becomes more important for these top teams as each upset means the end of a national championship hope.

For now, let's look at the top contenders and their remaining schedules to see where these upsets could happen and who will get through unscathed.

TCU and Utah

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FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 14: Eddie Wide #36 of the Utah Utes is tackled by Jerry Hughes #98 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the second half of the game at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 14, 2009 in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won the game 55-28. (Photo by

Utah's remaining games: TCU, @ Notre Dame, @ San Diego State, BYU

TCU's remaining games: @ Utah, San Diego State, @ New Mexico

These two teams ranked in the BCS Top Five face off this week in a game that will essentially eliminate the loser from national title contention. Utah still has one high profile game left against Notre Dame but they are in the midst of another down year.

Other than that, all these teams have left are in-conference matchups that should not be much of a challenge.

I expect the winner of this game to go undefeated but they will need a lot of help making the title game.

Alabama

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KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 23: Mark Ingram #22 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)

Alabama's remaining games: @ No. 10 LSU, No. 20 Mississippi State, Georgia State, No. 2 Auburn

The defending national champions are not undefeated but still remain in contention at No. 6 in the BCS rankings. However, Alabama still has three games remaining against ranked opponents, including a contest against current No. 2 Auburn. In addition, Alabama would have to play a quality team in the SEC Championship game.

If Alabama is able to win out, they will likely be able to jump an undefeated team such as Boise State, TCU or Utah, and any one-loss teams from a BCS conference.

I think the challenge ahead of them may be too much, although I can't think of a coach I'd rather have in this scenario than Nick Saban.

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)

Boise State's remaining games: Hawaii, @ Idaho, Fresno State, @ No. 23 Nevada, Utah State

Boise has been impressive so far in racking up an undefeated record this season. Despite this, they have actually fallen in the rankings in recent weeks to the No. 4 slot.

The Broncos have only one game left against a ranked foe and they better hope Nevada keeps winning and improving that ranking before their game. Outside of that game, the Broncos just have matchups against decent to terrible conference foes.

I think Boise will run the table easily, but they will fall short of reaching the national title game yet again.

Auburn

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AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with the crowd after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 65-43. (Photo

Auburn's remaining games: Chattanooga, Georgia, @ No. 6 Alabama

The Tigers are undefeated so far this season behind Heisman front runner Cam Newton. They are certainly in a great position to make the national title game at this point.

Although Georgia is a decent team, this Auburn team should have too much firepower to lose to the Bulldogs at home. The big test remaining of course lies with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Auburn, like Alabama, will need to win that game and then win the SEC Championship game to earn their way into the title game. I think it will be tough, but this could very well be Auburn's year to make it all the way.

Oregon

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates his touchdown with Mark Asper #79 and Ramsen Golpashin #70 for a 43-32 lead over the USC Trojans during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 30, 20

Oregon's remaining games: Washington, @ California, No. 15 Arizona, @ Oregon State

An undefeated season and a definite Heisman candidate in LaMichael James has Oregon first in the BCS and in a great position to play for the national title.

They certainly have four tough games against quality opponents left, but none of them jump out as serious threats to the high-powered Ducks. Getting a ranked team like Arizona at home is a good break and injuries to key players for Washington and Oregon State will also help their cause.

I think we are looking at an Oregon-Auburn title game, but Alabama is the one team that can really come in and crash the party.