BCS Rankings 2011: Kansas State and 3 Teams That Will Damage Their BCS Chances

While it's pretty well established that the top three teams when the BCS rankings are released next week will be some combination of LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma, it is an absolute crap shoot otherwise.

Undefeated squads like Wisconsin, Boise State and Oklahoma State would seem to have the upper hand, but there are tons of teams that have great opportunities to make their mark ahead of the revealing of the initial standings.

Here are three such teams that will squander their opportunities with losses in Week 7. 

Arizona State Sun Devils

Since losing to No. 16 Illinois in Week 3, the No. 18 Arizona State Sun Devils have been on a mission. The Sun Devils haven't lost a game since and have demolished teams like USC and Utah. Arizona State has a great opportunity to make noise in the BCS standings this week when it takes on No. 9 Oregon.

Arizona State catches a break since Oregon's star running back LaMichael James is likely out with an elbow dislocation, but it won't be an easy game by any means. The Arizona State defense has been excellent thus far, but it has yet to face an offense as explosive as Oregon's.

I expect Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas to step up in a big way should James be unable to play. A loss would give the Sun Devils two on the season and would certainly move them down in the rankings, and perhaps outside them altogether. A win would put Arizona State in Top 10 territory, but I don't see it happening.

Illinois Fighting Illini

It's difficult for a 6-0 team out of the Big Ten to go unnoticed, but the No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini seem to have done just that so far this season. Not every win has been dominant, as Illinois owns three three-point victories, but a win is a win.

Illinois has used a solid defense to go undefeated to this point in the season, but it doesn't seem as though the Illini have the same level of talent as other unblemished teams. Quarterback Nate Scheelhaase has done it all for Illinois both through the air and on the ground, and will be key against the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend.

The Buckeyes have been very disappointing with a 3-3 record, but they have been much improved since Braxton Miller took over at quarterback. Ohio State has lost by a combined 10 points to Michigan State and Nebraska over its past two games and seems poised for an upset win over what may be an overrated Illinois team.

Kansas State Wildcats

Not much was expected of the No. 17 Kansas State Wildcats prior to the season, but thanks to a strong defense and rushing offense, the Wildcats are 5-0. Kansas State hasn't overwhelmed its opponents, with three consecutive wins by a touchdown or less, but there is no denying that the Wildcats are currently a player in the BCS rankings.

Kansas State will take on a very underrated Texas Tech Red Raiders team on Saturday in what should be a tightly-contested game. The Red Raiders were undefeated prior to a narrow 45-40 loss to Texas A&M last week and sport a deadly passing offense as always.

While the rankings may not show it, I believe Texas A&M is a more talented team than Kansas State, so I think Texas Tech will give the Wildcats fits. The fact that the Red Raiders are at home only strengthens the possibility of an upset in my mind. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, I believe a loss this week will send them back to obscurity.