College Football Rankings 2011: Power Ranking the BCS Conferences

The first BCS rankings are set to be released next Sunday.  With the rankings release, there is always a discussion as to which conference is flexing the most powerful muscle.

The march to the national title has been full of parity and surprises the past few years, and this season doesn’t appear to be changing the trend.

One great change for the game has been the big-ticket out-of-conference games that have really begun to take hold nationwide. Seeing big showdowns between BCS conference teams is great for the game and for the fans.

What these matchups also do is show which conference may have an edge in the current season. There is less separating these conferences than in years past, but there is an apparent power structure in college football.

With only one week away from the BCS standings, let’s take a look at which conference leads the way in the national title hunt.

6: Big East

The Big East is the most obvious choice for the sixth spot in the conference power rankings. The Big East found its way into the BCS equation, but has yet to produce a major contender since the inception of the rankings system.

This season is no different.

West Virginia was the major banner carrier for the conference this season, until they were destroyed at home at the hands of LSU. South Florida also looked the part with an early season win against Notre Dame, but both teams have shown that they aren’t nearly as good as most had expected this season.

The Big East will undoubtedly land its champion in a BCS game, but there is no way it will be the title game. The Big East is the only BCS conference that does not have a possible contender left in the title hunt.

5: ACC

The ACC has been one of the most disappointing conferences in years past.

Since the expansion to 12 teams, the conference has not been able to produce a consistent contender. Virginia Tech has been in the mix along with Florida State and Miami, but for the majority the ACC has been out of the conversation.

This year may be different.

Clemson and Georgia Tech are the remaining undefeated teams in conference, and both have shown they have the opportunity to be special. Clemson appears to be one of the most dangerous offenses in the country, but they have to prove to the country that they are here to stay. Often times, in years past, the Tigers have found ways to eliminate themselves.

Georgia Tech has another one of the ACC’s powerful offenses with the option run game that they employ. These two teams do face each other on October 29^th, and there isn’t a doubt that the nation will tune in. The winner has a great shot to finish undefeated.

But until the ACC can provide consistent contenders, the conference will forever be underachievers.

4: Big Ten

The Big Ten has one of the most explosive players in the game this season, as Russell Wilson chose to make Madison, Wisconsin his new home this past offseason. Wisconsin is leading the pack for the Big Ten, as they are extremely talented and found the missing cog in Wilson.

Around the conference, there has been some disappointment with the apparent fall from grace at Ohio State and the lack of offense that is coming out of Penn State. Both teams had high hopes to start the season.

One major surprise for the Big Ten has been Michigan. The Wolverines have risen to the challenge all season and have earned a 5-0 record and No. 12 ranking.

The two major players for the Big Ten are Wisconsin and Michigan, but unfortunately, Wisconsin has the only true shot at the national title this season.

3: Pac-12

Two teams that have battled this season to stay among the nation’s elite are Stanford and Oregon.

Oregon had a tough loss to start the season to LSU, but the Ducks are holding on to national favor and are now No. 9 in the country. It may be the uniforms—or maybe the talent—but either way, the Ducks took a huge hit with the loss of LaMichael James.

Stanford has returned to previous form despite the loss of Jim Harbaugh. Andrew Luck is looking every bit the part of Heisman contender and stud quarterback, as he has led the Cardinal to a 5-0 start.

Stanford only has two more big tests left—with Oregon and Notre Dame—so there is a great chance for this to be a special season for the Cardinal.

The remainder of the conference is still on the fringe, with USC still being affected by scholarship limitations. The assumption will be that the Pac-12 may rise further in the future, but today, they are just not quite in the top two.

2: Big 12

The Big 12 has the one of the biggest players in the game right now in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has been consistently ranked in the top spot, and started the season there. The Sooners have an explosive and efficient offense that can churn out yards and make plays. These guys win games.

Texas has come on strong this season, despite starting a little shakily. The Longhorns have a good squad of players and always have the talent to compete at the highest level. This season isn’t likely to be a title winner for Texas, however.

Another major contender in the title race for the Big 12 has been Oklahoma State.

State has found its way into the No. 6 position in the AP Top 25. The Cowboys have an extremely explosive offense, and one of the most dangerous outside threats in the game with Justin Blackmon. Add an improved defense, and the Cowboys are no longer a pretender.

Two other teams who have plowed into good seasons are Baylor and Kansas State. State knocked off the Baylor Bears last week to stay undefeated, but both teams have started the season extremely well.

As a whole, the Big 12 is no doubt the second strongest conference in the country.

1: SEC

The two most dangerous teams in the country are in the SEC.

Not only are they in the same conference, but they also play in the same division. Alabama and LSU are undoubtedly the cream of the crop when it comes to college football this season.

LSU has recently jumped Alabama in the rankings, but when it gets to the top two teams in the country it is virtually interchangeable. The Tigers want to play fast and dangerous defense and control the ball and clock on offense.

Alabama plays the same way. Tough defense and a ball-control offense is the route that the Crimson Tide takes to victory.

When you add in the power left in the conference in teams like Arkansas, Florida, Auburn and South Carolina, it is easy to see how the SEC takes top player in the conference power rankings.

Add in the five straight national titles and an overall record of 7-0 in the title game, and there is no denying that the SEC has been—and continues to be—the nation’s elite conference.

Well, at least as we close on the season's midpoint.