BCS Rankings Week 13: Predicting How the Top 25 Will Change by Next Week

BCS Rankings Week 13 are heating up. 

We are down to the final push for these teams here. For some of these teams without a conference championship game, this week is their final chance to make some noise before the Bowl season starts in December. 

Here I take a stab at prognosticating. I will take my crystal ball out of storage and tell you how the final round in college football will go down. Then I will give you a safe bet ranking these teams will fall into this same time next week. 

25. Mississippi State

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Tyler Russell #17 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs sets to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Last Week: 21

This Week: 25

Previous Game: 38-31 loss to #13 Arkansas 

Next Game: @ Ole Miss 

The Bulldogs have had a rough couple of weeks lately. They have lost two straight against ranked opponents. Mississippi State's troubles are not over, though. They face a tough Ole Miss program that took LSU to the limit this week.

I smell upset. It could be time for laundry too, no that's an upset I smell. 

Predicted Ranking: Unranked

24. Iowa

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Ricky Stanzi #12 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes signals a call at the line during second half action against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Ohio State won 2

Last Week: 20

This Week: 24

Previous Game: 20-17 loss to #9 OSU 

Next Game: @ Minnesota 

The Hawkeyes looked good against the supposedly better Ohio State Buckeyes. They showed a stout defense that could stop anyone in the nation when working.

Iowa should have no trouble getting an away win in Minnesota. I just don't think such a win gives them a huge bump in the rankings. 

Predicted Ranking: 23

23. North Carolina State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: James Washington #24 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack against the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Carter-Finley Stadium on October 28, 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last Week: Unranked 

This Week: 23

Previous Game: 29-25 win at North Carolina 

Next Game: @ Maryland  

North Carolina State got quite a nudge into the top 25 this week. It is too bad that it will be short-lived.

The Wolfpack face a very dangerous opponent in Maryland on the road this week. Maryland loves these type of high-stress games. I don't see NC State surviving unscathed. 

Predicted Ranking: Unranked 

22. Florida State

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RALEIGH, NC - OCTOBER 28: Christian Ponder #7 of the Florida State Seminoles 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/Getty Images)

Last Week: 25 

This Week: 22

Previous Game: 30-16 win at Maryland  

Next Game: vs. Florida 

The Seminoles hope to wrap up an ACC berth with a win on Saturday. It won't be easy with the rival Gators coming to town. They will hold their own, though.

Christian Ponder showed his mettle against Maryland and will do the same this Saturday. 

Predicted Ranking: 21

21. Arizona

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Wide receiver Juron Criner #82 of the Arizona Wildcats runs with the ball during the college football game against the Washington Huskies at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Husk

Last Week: 22

This Week: 21

Previous Game: 24-21 loss to USC 

Next Game: @ #1 Oregon 

This will not be pretty. No matter how good a team is, they underachieve in the wild atmosphere of Autzen Stadium.

The Wildcats will not come back from Oregon in the top 25. Their defeat is assured. 

Predicted Ranking: Unranked 

20. Utah

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 20: The Utah Utes get ready to take the field for the game with the San Diego State Aztecs at Qualcomm Stadium on November 20, 2010 in San Diego, California. Utah won 38-34. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Last Week: 23

This Week: 20

Previous Game: 38-34 win at San Diego State 

Next Game: vs. BYU 

The pollsters were kind to this team that got fat on weaker teams. It was clear that the Utes had no business in the top ten. Then they get a tight win against San Diego State and they move up three spots.

They should again get the win against a weaker BYU team. I just don't see why they should be even ranked at this point. 

Predicted Ranking: 20

19. Nevada

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LAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #10 of the Nevada Reno Wolf Pack looks to pass against the UNLV Rebels in the third quarter of their game at Sam Boyd Stadium October 2, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada Reno won 44-26. (Photo by Et

Last Week: 18

This Week: 19

Previous Game: 52-6 win against New Mexico State 

Next Game: vs. No. 4 Boise State 

Nevada should lose this weekend. But their loss to the No. 4 team in the nation is no reason to hang their heads. On the contrary, this should be a great game pitting two volatile offenses.

Nevada and their pistol offense will be something to behold at home against the Broncos. Sadly, Nevada is destined to drop this one. 

Predicted Ranking: 25

18. South Carolina

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GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 13: South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier greets his players after winning a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Gainesville, Florida. The Gamecocks beat the Gators 3

Last Week: 17

This Week: 18

Previous Game: 69-24 rout of Troy 

Next Game: @ Clemson 

The Gamecocks have been up and down all year. I am confident though that they will be a ranked team when they take on their toughest task of the year in Auburn.

The Gamecocks must first not overlook Clemson. A decisive win here could push the Gamecocks on to the top 15. 

Predicted Ranking: 15

17. Texas A&M

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COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Jerrod Johnson #1 of the Texas A&M Aggies scrambles for a gain against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Kyle Field on November 26, 2009 in College Station, Texas. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 49

Last Week: 19

This Week: 17

Previous Game: 9-6 win over #6 Nebraska 

Next Game: @ Texas 

The Aggies just proved they can stifle a top nationally ranked offense. Texas should be no problem for them then. The Longhorns have suffered on the field and between the ears this season.

Trust me when I say the players just want this one to be over quickly. Aggies will win and get somewhat of a boost.  

Predicted Ranking: 14

16. Virginia Tech

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MIAMI - NOVEMBER 20: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies leads the huddle during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Sun Life Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Last Week: 16

This Week: 16

Previous Game: 31-17 win @ #24 Miami (FL)

Next Game: vs. Virginia

The Hokies made quick work of the Hurricanes last week. It is a shame that the BCS did not think too highly of their win as they stood pat at the #16 team this week.

With a very mediocre team in Virginia looming, I don't see the BCS taking too kindly to them even if they win. 

Predicted Ranking: 13

15. Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 13: Rex Burkhead #22 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers looks to avoid Chris Harris #16 of the Kansas Jayhawks during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska Defeated Kansas 20-3. (Photo by Eric F

Last Week: 8

This Week: 15

Previous Game: 9-6 loss to #19 Texas A&M

Next Game: vs. Colorado 

Nebraska had just made people forget about their loss to Texas and then they go and drop another to a Texas team. Nebraska has a bit of an easier time this week against the Buffaloes.

But as Colorado moves to the Pac-12, this may be one of the last times these rivals face each other. They are playing for ultimate bragging rights.  

Predicted Ranking: 12

14. Missouri

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COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #11 of the Missouri Tigers passes during the game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 13, 2010 at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Last Week: 15

This Week: 14

Previous Game: 14-0 win at Iowa State 

Next Game: vs. Kansas 

Blaine Gabbert and Missouri looked as if they were destined for greatness this year after they knocked off then-No. 1 Oklahoma. Then they sort of fell apart.

They look to be back on track and should make short work of Kansas to end the regular season. That should have them knocking at the top ten's door yet again. 

Predicted Ranking: 10

13. 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: 14

This Week: 13

Previous Game: 53-24 win at Baylor 

Next Game: @ #9 Oklahoma State 

The Sooners did what most teams were unable to do this year, and that was to stifle the Baylor offense. Next up may is the biggest game of the year.

A win gets the glory, and defeat moves them back a few rungs. The Cowboys may be too tall an order at home for these shaky Sooners. 

Predicted Ranking: 18

12. Arkansas

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COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 06: Terrell Williams #25 of the Arkansas Razorbacks against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Last Week: 13

This Week: 12

Previous Game: 38-31 overtime win at #21 Mississippi State

Next Game: vs. #5 LSU

The Razorbacks proved this Saturday that they could go into hostile surroundings and get a win under enormous pressure. This week is another matter altogether.

They will have trouble getting points on the board at home against a stingy LSU defense. I see a loss for them this week. 

Predicted Ranking: 17

11. Alabama

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback A. J. McCarron #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide sets for play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Last Week: 11

This Week: 11

Previous Game: 63-7 win over Georgia State 

Next Game: vs. No. 2 Auburn 

I hope Alabama got all that scoring out of their system on Saturday. They will not be putting up 63 points on Auburn no matter what scandal that school may have going on.

Alabama has had quite the season. It all comes to a screeching halt against No. 2 Auburn this week. 

Predicted Ranking: 16

10. Michigan State

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30- Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans looks down field for a receiver during play against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 37-6 over Michig

Last Week: 12

This Week: 10

Previous Game: 35-31 win over Purdue  

Next Game: @ Penn State 

I welcome the Spartans back to the top ten with open arms. Had they side stepped their one loss to Iowa, we would be talking about them in the national title scenario.

As it is, they will stay in the top ten for the foreseeable future with an easy win at Penn State. 

Predicted Ranking: 10

9. Oklahoma State

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LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Ugo Chinasa #91 and Darius Hart #92 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys celebrate after the Cowboys stopped the Kansas Jayhawks from scoring at the goal line during the game on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kans

Last Week: 10

This Week: 9

Previous Game: 48-14 win at Kansas 

Next Game: vs. #13 Oklahoma 

The season comes down to this, a rivalry game to end all rivalry games.  The Cowboys come in a much hotter team that flourishes at home.

It will be a fun watch, but in the end the Cowboys will get the best of the Sooners and force themselves higher in the BCS standings.

Predicted Ranking: 9

8. Ohio State

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Running back Brandon Saine #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs with the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the 96th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Last Week: 9

This Week: 8

Previous Game: 20-17 win over #20 Iowa  

Next Game: vs. Michigan 

I wish I could say that Michigan will give OSU fits, but they won't. The Wolverines are too shaky of a team to be a formidable opponent for the seasoned Buckeyes. 

Predicted Ranking: 8

7. Wisconsin

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23- Quarterback Scott Tolzien #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles under pressure from the University of Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa. Wisconsin won 31-30 o

Last Week: 7

This Week: 7

Previous Game: 48-28 win at Michigan 

Next Game: vs. Northwestern 

The Badgers are a powerful team. They play extremely tough defense and ram the ball down your throats on offense.

They will finish the season with a commanding win against Northwestern. Unfortunately, it will not be enough to crack the top five. They will stand pat. 

Predicted Ranking: 7

6. Stanford

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Richard Sherman #9 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after beating the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Last Week: 6

This Week: 6

Previous Game: 48-14 win at Cal 

Next Game: vs. Oregon State 

The Pac-10 touts tough opponents at every turn. Oregon State is no different.

But the Cardinal showed that they are up to any task last week as they destroyed Cal at the Big Game. Stanford gets the win but stays put in the locked in top ten. 

Predicted Ranking: 6

5. LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Stevan Ridley #34 of the Louisiana State University Tigers reacts after scoring the go-ahead toucdown in the final minutes of the fourth quarter against the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rou

Last Week: 5

This Week: 5

Previous Game: 43-36 win over Ole Miss 

Next Game: @ #12 Arkansas 

The top ten could be spurred by two potential upsets this week. LSU at Arkansas is one of them.

I just think the LSU defense is much to consistent to be thwarted this late in the season.

Predicted Ranking: 5

4. Boise State

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BOISE, ID - NOVEMBER 19: Winston Venable #17 leads the Boise State Broncos onto the field before their game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Bronco Stadium on November 19, 2010 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images)

Last Week: 4

This Week: 4

Previous Game: 51-0 win over Fresno State 

Next Game: @ #19 Nevada 

Boise State will show once and for all that they have a tougher schedule than TCU and are a better team. The Broncos will get rid of Nevada and in so doing will take control of the coveted three spot. 

Predicted Ranking: 3

3. TCU

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs throws a pass against the Utah Utes during the second half of an NCAA Football game November 6, 2010 at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. TCU Beat Utah 47-7.

Last Week: 3

This Week: 3

Previous Game: 40-35 win over San Diego State 

Next Game: @ New Mexico

It is fitting that two teams that have soft schedules struggled against the same team recently. Both Utah and TCU were taken to the limit by the Aztecs.

TCU will have no such trouble against New Mexico, but their soft schedule will catch up with them as Boise State over takes their position. 

Predicted Ranking: 4

2. Auburn

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AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 06: Quarterback Cam Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers leaves the field after play against the Chattanooga Mocs November 6, 2010 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Last Week: 2

This Week: 2

Previous Game: 49-31 win over Georgia 

Next Game: @ #11 Alabama 

If Auburn is to crumble, now would be the time. Amidst scandal and a tough opponent, the program could falter and lose all that they worked for.

I, however, think the team will come together this weekend. I think Cam Newton will again prove his worth by having a Heisman candidate type of game. The prestige of Alabama will push Auburn into the No. 1 spot next week.  

Predicted Ranking: 1

1. Oregon

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks in action during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Last Week: 1

This Week: 1

Previous Game: 15-13 win at Cal  

Next Game: vs. #21 Arizona 

Oregon will get their win at home against the tough Arizona Wildcats. In the end, the Alabama game has too much pull for the computers to ignore.

Auburn should hop Oregon this week. It won't matter as both these teams are set for a match in January. 

Predicted Ranking: 2