BCS Rankings 2011: Why the LSU Tigers Will Be the Runaway No. 1 over Alabama

The first BCS standings of 2011 are set to be released next week, and we will then have a better feel for who is poised to meet for the title game next January.

Thus far, the LSU Tigers (6-0) and Alabama Crimson Tide (6-0) have held control of the top two spots, while the Big 12's Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) have fallen two spots from their preseason no. 1 spot.

Wisconsin, Boise State, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Clemson round out the undefeated top eight.

All 13 undefeated programs are represented in the AP Top 25, but where will they land in the season's first BCS rankings?

SEC powerhouses LSU and Alabama are sure to be no. 1 and 2, but in what order?

Both have flawless records and brutal wins over the Florida Gators, but LSU has non-conference victories over Oregon and West Virginia, who are both currently ranked in the top 13, while Alabama gave the Gators their first loss of the year in the Swamp, with a 28-point blowout.

However, LSU's rout of National Championship runner-up Oregon to open the season, and 30-point win over Florida last week gives them the edge.

Neither team has a very explosive offense, with the exception of the Tide's Trent Richardson, who runs with a different attitude than any other back in college football, but their stingy defenses keep opponents out of the end zone and off the scoreboard.

Arguably, the game of the year will take place on November 5, when the Tigers visit the Tide in Tuscaloosa to determine to who's the SEC West's best.

The winner will likely go on to an undefeated season, an SEC title and a berth in the BCS National Championship Game next year.

Right now, the edge goes to Alabama, playing at home in front of a hostile home crowd and playing with the nation's best defense, ranked first in the country, allowing just seven points per game.

However, LSU has the advantage in the short term, having beaten the Ducks and Mountaineers away from Baton Rouge, and having done it convincingly, the Tigers are no. 1 as of now, and it will stay that way when the first BCS rankings are released early next week.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke