BCS Rankings: 10 Ways a 1–Loss Team Can Make the BCS Title Game

As we enter week 13 of the college football season, the likely participants in the BCS title game becomes more and more obvious. Auburn and Oregon have shared the top two spots in the BCS standings for the last five weeks.

If both win their remaining two games, they will likely play for the BCS title. But if one were to lose, how likely would it be for the Tigers or Ducks to still make the title game?

And for the fans of those one-loss teams ranked 5 through 10 in the BCS standings who think their team's chances at the BCS title game are tanked, fear not! Let me present to you how your favorite one-loss team can still make it to Glendale, AZ for a chance at glory.

So sit back and relax as this wild ride of crazy scenarios is unveiled.

If Auburn Loses to Alabama...

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

but beats South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. After the Alabama loss, Auburn would probably fall below TCU and maybe even Boise State in the BCS standings. 

With a win over South Carolina in the SEC Championship, Auburn would deservedly jump TCU and Boise State in the BCS standings to face Oregon (assuming they win out) for the BCS title.

How likely would it be that Auburn could jump an undefeated TCU and Boise State? Only the computer's can say, but they would deserve it.

I will never be convinced that an undefeated WAC or MWC team deserves to play for a BCS title over a one-loss, heck even a two-loss SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 team.

If Auburn Loses to South Carolina...

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Gene Chizik of the Auburn Tigers points to his offense during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

in the SEC Championship after defeating rival Alabama the week before, the Tigers can still make it to the BCS title game. However, I wouldn't realistically like the Tigers' chances to make it to Glendale, considering the timing of the loss. Those late season losses really factor more than a loss earlier in the year.

For Auburn to play for the BCS title, without winning the SEC, they're going to need Oregon to lose to either Arizona or Oregon State, and Boise State to lose to Nevada or TCU loss to New Mexico.

Like I said earlier, a one-loss Auburn team would deserve a shot more than undefeated Boise State or TCU.

If Oregon Loses To Arizona...

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

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)

or Oregon State, and Auburn loses to both Alabama and South Carolina in the SEC Championship, while Nevada takes care of Boise State, a one-loss Oregon team would face TCU in the BCS title game.

Oh boy! And we're just getting started on these crazy scenarios. The moral of the story, just win and you're in, as long as you're undefeated right now, except for TCU and Boise State.

LSU Plays For The BCS Title If...

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Les Miles and the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrate after their 43-36 win over the Ole Miss Rebels at Tiger Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

they defeat Arkansas. And now, ladies and gentleman, is where this really gets interesting. LSU is going to need some help to play for a national title.

Oregon must lose to either Arizona or Oregon State, while Auburn must lose to either Alabama or South Carolina. LSU then leaps Oregon, Auburn, and Boise State in the BCS standings to face TCU in the BCS title game.

Let me go ahead and say now that I don't think the BCS would be comfortable with a TCUBoise State BCS title game.

The uproar from a lot of fans of SEC, Big 12, Big Ten, and even Pac 10 teams could be enough to finally put the final nail in the coffin of the mess that is the BCS. I sure hope it would.

Stanford Will Play For The BCS Title If...

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to Andrew Luck #12 during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

the Cardinal can take care of the Oregon State Beavers and get some help against the undefeated teams.

If Oregon were to lose to Arizona and Oregon State, and Auburn loses to Alabama and South Carolina, while Arkansas knocks off the LSU Tigers, Stanford has a shot.

This would also mean Stanford would have to jump either TCU or Boise State in the BCS standings, unless one of those teams were to falter. (but how likely is that with their weak schedule?)

With the disparity currently in the BCS standing points, the undefeated teams on top will really need to lose multiple games to give a one-loss team a shot.

Wisconsin Will Play For The BCS Title If...

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 20: Montee Ball #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs for a second quarter touchdown in front of Ray Vinopal #20 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Get

the Badgers take care of Northwestern. Oregon loses to either Arizona or Oregon State, Auburn loses to both Alabama and Auburn, and LSU loses to Arkansas.

Wisconsin also needs Stanford to fall to Oregon State this week, and a loss by either TCU or Boise State would do nothing but help the Badgers' cause.

Can The Ohio State Buckeyes Play For The BCS Title?

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scrambles for yards under pressure from University of Iowa Hawkeyes defenders during the second half of play at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Yes, there is still a possibility that a one-loss Ohio State team can play for the BCS title, given that they beat Michigan in the annual rivalry game.

For that to happen, Oregon and Auburn will have to lose, preferably their last game. Arkansas has to upset LSU while Oregon State takes care off Standford. The Buckeyes would still need Northwestern to pull of the upset over Wisconsin.

It just keeps getting more unlikely as we go, but hey, crazier things have happened.

What About That Other OSU, Oklahoma State?

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Kendall Hunter #24 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys carries the ball during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 20, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

For the Cowboys to play for the BCS title, they must pull out victories over rival Oklahoma and their opponent in the Big 12 Championship game.

They, like the rest of the one-loss teams, will also need some help. Oregon, Auburn, LSU, Wisconsin and Ohio State all must lose in order for Oklahoma State to play for the BCS title.

What About Michigan State's Chances?

David Purdy/Getty Images

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

The Spartans have the toughest road out of all the one-loss teams in the BCS top 10. Being ranked No.10 means that at least six or seven of the teams ahead of you must falter for you to play for the BCS title.

Basically, the Spartans have to get the same breaks as Oklahoma State, as well as having the Cowboys also fall to Oklahoma.

Man! I'm sure it feels good for Auburn and Oregon to know that they control their own destiny in the race to Glendale for the BCS title.

During the existence of the BCS, we've yet to have a repeat champion and it appears that that trend will continue this year, unless...

Alabama Will Play For The BCS Title If...

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide directs play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs November 13, 2010 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Yep. You guessed it. The Crimson Tide still have a very slim chance to play for the BCS Title. If Alabama pounds Auburn in the Iron Bowl, and the Tigers stumble into Atlanta and are upset by the South Carolina Gamecocks for the SEC Championship, and Oregon loses their remaining games against Arizona and Oregon State, and every one–loss team ahead of Alabama loses, the Tide are in.

Like I said, the chances of this scenario playing out are slim to none. Not only would everyone ahead of Alabama have to lose, they would still need to jump LSU in the BCS standings. That will be tough considering LSU defeated the Crimson Tide three weeks ago.

What's Likely To Happen?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterback Cameron Newton #2 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with fans after their 49-31 win over the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

In the end, all crazy and off-the-wall scenarios aside, the most likely outcome is for both Oregon and Auburn to win out and faceoff for the BCS title in what is sure to be an explosive game between two high–powered offenses.

So, did I miss a scenario? Have one of your own you think is more likely to happen? Leave a comment below.