BCS Rankings: Projecting the Best BCS National Championship Games
The BCS Rankings are out and while we still have two weeks of football left until the National Championship game is determined, it's always fun to do a little projecting in the meantime.
Given that there are still four unbeatens, the luck of the LSU Tigers, Stanford and Wisconsin currently playing some of the best football in the country, and that Ohio State and Oklahoma State are also one-loss teams from major conferences; There are any number of combinations of great teams playing for the BCS National Championship that would satisfy college football fans.
NOT Oregon-Boise State (because its what everyone wants) or Boise State-TCU (because it won't happen), but some great matchups.
Here's 20 we'd like to see.
20. Stanford vs. Wisconsin
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The photo above was taken in November of 1995. For anyone who is roughly my age (24), we consider the 1990s old-school.
And what these two schools represent today, old-school is the type of football they like to play.
The fans that want a flashy offensive dominated game, with a scoreboard that's lit on fire from so many points, this would be the exact opposite.
They're like mirror images of each other; Same colors, hard-nosed coaches, game managing QB's, play stellar defense and pound the rock to win.
I would love to see this game because I love defensive battles, and by the looks of it, both may represent their conferences in the Rose Bowl.
19. Oregon vs. Wisconsin
2 of 21With all the history that exists between these two BCS schools, you would think they have competed more than four times on the gridiron.
But they haven't; With the most recent being an Oregon victory back in 2001.
However, the four-game series favors the Badgers 3-1 over the Ducks.
Fast-forward to present day, and you'll see both schools haven't changed philosophies.
Wisconsin like I mentioned earlier is a fan of using their Brahma Bulls to pound the rock, Oregon, on the other hand, wants to burn out the light bulbs in the scoreboard.
Don't be fooled by the Badgers though, because they still average 40 points per game, but it's done more methodically. Oregon on both sides of the ball, loves the big plays.
If there was a chess-match football game, this would be it.
-Side Note- Video is from the most recent match between both schools.
18. Auburn vs. Oklahoma State
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For starters, Oklahoma State still has a live shot at the National Title. However, the margin is so slim, scientists have a better chance at creating a human teleport than figuring out the margin.
It also helps the Cowboys that they get an extra game; That extra game being the Big XII conference championship game, which can also help their strength of schedule.
Auburn, as we all know controls their own destiny. If they win out, obviously a lock for the National Championship.
If this game were to occur, its magnitude would arguably be record setting.
Why? Because Oklahoma State has NEVER played for a National Championship, and Auburn only has claimed one title in school history (1957).
Not to mention Auburn still has the bad taste leftover from their undefeated 2004 season where they were hung out to dry by the BCS.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
17. Boise State vs. Ohio State
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Both schools with preseason Heisman hopefuls in Kellen Moore and Terrell Pryor; And both players also play with a major chip on their shoulder.
Moore knows he is always going to have something to prove since he's playing for a non-BCS conference school.
Pryor must consistently live up to the hype of not only being highly recruited but the amount of criticism he has been under since he became the full-time starter.
This game would be a battle for 2011 NFL draft status; And as an added incentive, you would have to expect both defenses would be playing to ruin the other QB's reputation.
Also both schools have a lot of CONSISTENCY to prove on the national level.
Ohio State won the 2002 National Championship but was upset in 2007 and 2008.
Boise State has two BCS Bowl wins but still has not gained nearly enough respect in being a non-BCS conference school. Not to mention one of their BCS wins was against TCU (non-BCS conference).
16. LSU vs. Oklahoma State
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Les Miles better hope his risk/tricks work for his defense in this game.
Oklahoma State averages 45 points and 363 passing yards per game. Both stats of which are ranked second and third respectively.
The Tigers best chance is to beat the Cowboys at their own game.
And not only should LSU try to burn the secondary every play; But I could see going for a two-point conversion after every TD being feasible (in the mind of Les Miles).
Some people may ask why, but you know that Les Miles has asked "Why not?", more often than not.
15. Boise State vs. Stanford
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2008: Boise State defeats Oregon
2009: Boise State defeats Oregon
2010: Boise State defeats Oregon State
With three consecutive victories over the Pac-10, Boise should look to joining there instead of the Mountain West.
Then put yourself in Stanford's shoes, and you most likely are feeling disrespected.
Not only is Boise not scheduling the Cardinal, but they are beating their rivals.
If this game were to happen, I could see a lot of extra-curricular activities going on due to Boise's recognition in comparison to Stanford's.
14. Ohio State vs. LSU
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I know a rematch of the 2007 National Championship game is highly unlikely, but this would be interesting.
Plus with the Big Ten having three schools ranked in the Top 10, and the SEC with two in the Top 5, college football fans would be getting a great game.
And not only would it intensify the argument for the which is the best college football conference, but just between the two schools there would be a "bowl-game rivalry."
I guess you could say if this game were to happen, it should be dubbed, "The Alpha-Conference Status" Bowl, as opposed to just having an alpha-male status.
13. Ohio State vs. Auburn
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Much like Stanford and Wisconsin being mirror images of each other, these two schools take it to another level.
Both score an average of roughly 40 points per game and favor the rushing attack.
Ohio State statistically has a better D, but we all know Auburn has competed against more difficult teams.
Regardless, both QB's can run or throw the ball, and oddly enough, share the No. "2".
Also both can be discussed in the Heisman race, which only enhances the magnitude if these two schools were to face-off.
12. Wisconsin vs. Auburn
9 of 21This would be one of the more interesting matchups.
Both teams favor the ground game, but their styles are polar opposites.
And since both schools rely more so on the run, they obviously are more prepared to defend it.
Therefore, the catch of this game will be just that (literally and figuratively speaking).
The aerial assault game plan will be crucial, and in a run-oriented game, maintaining that two-dimensionality is beyond important.
-Side Note- Video is from 2005 Capital One Bowl between the schools.
11. Oklahoma State vs. Boise State
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If this matchup occurs, and Boise State wins, I would recommend that the Big 12 sends an invitation to the Broncos.
My reasoning? Two of their BCS Bowl wins coming against that year's Big 12 conference champion.
Had the Cowboys not competed in the Big 12/Big Eight since 1960, they may have some national championships.
But because the powerhouses of Oklahoma, Texas and Nebraska, the Cowboys have had limited opportunities.
Well this year is a chance for both schools to get over the proverbial hump and make even more noise.
Oklahoma State has never qualified for the Big 12 championship game, let alone a national championship. And although Boise State has more BCS wins, the Broncos are looking to prove just as much.
10. Stanford vs. TCU
11 of 21At its core this game is meant to be a defensive battle.
If it were not for Oregon, Stanford would have a much lower "points against per game" statistic. Same goes for TCU when they gave up 35 to San Diego State.
In both of those games, you could easily see how well each defense was exploited. Offensively both teams are equally balanced.
The tipping point in this game will be who hits the "risk" button first.
I'm not saying both would play to NOT lose, but because of how well they were exposed in each of the games previously mentioned, that first risk could determine the outcome.
Whether it's a 4th-and-1 on their own 45 yard-line with 12:00 minutes left in the first-half, or a devious special teams decision, a play like this may show how truly focused each team is—especially late in the game.
-Side Note- Video is from the first game between the schools.
9. Wisconsin vs. LSU
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The way this season has gone, if these two teams were to match up, it would be a rather oddly predictable game.
Wisconsin racks up 40 points and 240 yards on the ground per game. LSU has a better defense but ranks 108th in passing yards per game.
The Badgers give up about 20 points per game while LSU averages around 30. Problem is, LSU sometimes has been a roller coaster, and Wisconsin has showed signs of slowing down in the second-half.
This game would have something for everybody—trick plays and old school smash mouth football.
And if there was a game that special teams really needed to be scouted, this would be it.
8. Ohio State vs. Oregon
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A grudge-match from last season? Then it would arguably be the most hyped game is BCS history.
Oregon would not only be trying to avenge their Rose Bowl loss from 2009 but contending for their first national title in school history (might be the biggest double whammy ever).
Ohio State would be looking to begin the first multi-bowl game win streak for the Big Ten against the Pac-10 since late 1990s.
In recent history, we know more about Ohio State as opposed to Oregon in big games. 2010 was only the second time the Ducks have appeared in the BCS since its inception in 1998.
Therefore, a game of this magnitude I feel, would bring out Oregon's true colors as opposed to Ohio State.
Nonetheless, a BCS rematch would be a rare piece of college football history.
7. Oregon vs. Oklahoma State
14 of 21For the fans that want a "football play" to TD ratio of 1-to-1, these teams could possibly do that.
Now obviously I am exaggerating that ratio, but it would still be rather high nonetheless.
Oregon is first in points per game while Oklahoma State is third. And if I was at this game, I wouldn't leave my seat regardless of how hungry I was.
If you want to get serious, temporarily have your eyelids removed so you don't have to worry about blinking if these teams play.
This would be the only game that I think the scoreboard might catch fire. You were warned here first.
6. TCU vs. Auburn
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Auburn offense points per game: 42.8; Rank: fifth
TCU defense points against per game: 10.9; Rank first
Auburn rush yards per game: 307.9; Rank: third
TCU rush yards per game: 258.3; Rank: ninth
Four stat categories all within the Top 10. This game would have its own battle off the field between those who want a burnt scoreboard (Auburn offense) and those who want a couple of cracked skulls (TCU defense).
As much as I love two stellar defenses battling to a 3-0, 7-3, 6-3, final score; An O with a Heisman Trophy hopeful, versus the No. 1 ranked D is always exhilarating to watch.
5. LSU vs. TCU
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For all the hype that has occurred with the LSU Tigers and Les Miles, TCU and their No. 1 ranked defense would be an intriguing matchup.
The Horned Frogs only give up 10.9 points per game, and LSU averages 29.3 per game.
The only other stat/question worth keeping track of would be; "How much grass will Les Miles eat in proportion to the drama/intensity of the game?"
Almost 30 points per game is definitely not an easy task (especially in the SEC), and something would have to give.
Nonetheless a non-BCS conference school, versus Les Miles, equals college football chaos.
4. Oregon vs. LSU
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Too bad for LSU that this isn't a matchup of mascots. Tiger vs Ducks would be a massacre; Unless it's the Mighty Ducks (BOOM! Old school movie reference and props to those who got it).
LSU, to this point, were the only ones to truly isolate Cam Newton and the Auburn offense (I know Mississippi State did a nice job as well, but the game did not have as much at stake).
The LSU D versus the Oregon O would be a great matchup to see.
And it would be the biggest test for the Ducks and LaMichael James since no defenses in the Pac-10 come close to that of LSU.
3. Oregon vs. TCU
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Oregon points per game: 50.7; Rank: first
TCU points against per game: 10.9; Rank: first
The nations best offense facing the nations best defense.
Something MUST give...And only one question remains; "Who's going to make a play?"
2. Auburn vs. Boise State
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Based on how prolific each offense has been this season, I would be disappointed if the score of this game wasn't 35-35 going into the half.
But with that being said, there is one aspect that would really slow the game down: The Boise State defense versus Cam Newton and the Auburn ground game.
Boise only gives up 11.5 points per game, and Auburn averages 307.9 rush yards per game.
Expect Boise to blitz more than usual; Which could cause a lot of third-down situations.
So even if Auburn is able to move the ball, don't expect too many big plays. Expect longer than average drives for the Tigers.
1. Oregon vs. Auburn
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Currently ranked No. 1 and 2 in the BCS standings respectively.
Now most people are picking against Auburn this week versus Alabama.
Mainly because of the off-the-field distractions and the fact that the Iron Bowl is in Tuscaloosa this year.
No one is picking against the Ducks (which is expected), since they have shown they can win in more ways than one.
But in all honesty, as much as I would love to see Boise State or TCU crash the party, Auburn deserves the chance. Especially after being left out in 2004.
And a big reason that I see, if this holds up, is that it will be the first-ever meeting between both schools.
That my friends, is college football national title drama at its finest.
Summary
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20. Stanford vs. Wisconsin
19. Oregon vs. Wisconsin
18. Auburn vs. Oklahoma State
17. Boise State vs. Ohio State
16. LSU vs. Oklahoma State
15. Boise State vs. Stanford
14. Ohio State vs. LSU
13. Ohio State vs. Auburn
12. Wisconsin vs. Auburn
11. Oklahoma State vs. Boise State
10.Stanford vs. TCU
9. Wisconsin vs. LSU
8. Ohio State vs. Oregon
7. Oregon vs. Oklahoma State
6. TCU vs. Auburn
5. LSU vs. TCU
4. Oregon vs. LSU
3. Oregon vs. TCU
2. Auburn vs. Boise State
1. Oregon vs. Auburn
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
