BCS Rankings: 5 Surprise Teams in Mix for BCS Title

One of the constants in college football is uncertainty. Each week in college football is filled with upsets and surprise results.

That would be exciting enough on its own, but the BCS rankings add another layer to it. The historical powers in college football often dominate the top of the BCS rankings, but "BCS busters" has become a household term.

The following are five teams that will surprise many by being among the teams towards the top of the BCS rankings.

Oklahoma State

Being that the Cowboys are part of a major conference, they don't fit the profile of a BCS buster, but they are not among the teams that you would suspect to be in the hunt for the national championship. The Cowboys have the talent to win out and go into the Bedlam Game against Oklahoma with a chance to lock down the Big 12 title.

Oregon

The Ducks were in the national title game last year, but many will write them off after the season-opening loss they suffered at the hands of LSU. To do so would be a mistake. The Ducks have the talent to run the table and with a win over Stanford on November 12, they might just find themselves back in the thick of things.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies have represented the ACC in BCS games a lot as of late, but they still find themselves overlooked. The role of the underdog suits them just fine. They will simply keep winning and at the end of the season, they will again be in the mix at the top of the rankings.

Central Florida

The Golden Knights are a team in the more traditional BCS buster role. They play in Conference USA and they will have to go undefeated to get any consideration for a spot in a BCS game. Quarterback Jeff Godfrey is the real deal and there are enough tough games on their schedule that they might have an outside shot to make some noise on a national level.

USC

USC is probably the preeminent historical college football power, but they have fallen from grace thanks to NCAA sanctions. They will have to appeal to the NCAA to be a part of any bowl game, BCS or not, but if they are allowed to take part in one, they have the talent and the schedule to make it happen.

Joseph Healy's Projected First BCS Rankings

1. Oklahoma

2. Alabama

3. LSU

4. Boise State

5. Wisconsin

6. Stanford

7. Oklahoma State

8. South Carolina

9. Oregon

10. Florida State