College Football Predictions: Games That Will Decide the National Championship

There are five intriguing games left to watch in 2011 that very well could determine the BCS Championship.

2011 has not seen as many shake-ups in college rankings as years passed.  In my opinion, this sets the stage nicely for some mid-late season fireworks.

Keep in mind that some of these important games are important directly because of the other games ahead of them.  Alabama plays LSU, therefore one of those teams will have to lose.  This opens the pack a little and allows Oklahoma to move up.

If Oklahoma loses one of its two biggest games then Wisconsin and Stanford may have their window.

With 13 teams still undefeated in the AP Top 25 poll though, anything can and likely will happen to close out 2011.

Without further ado, here are the top five remaining games this season.

5. Oregon vs. Stanford, Nov. 12

The PAC-12 North will be decided by the winner of this game.  If Stanford can ride Andrew Luck and topple Oregon, still reeling from the loss of half their starters in 2010, they may be able to sneak into the BCS Championship Game.  

The odds are against it, but one of these two teams very well may be college football champions by the end of year.

A couple of things would have to happen in order for either to break into the top 2 slots.

Oklahoma needs to lose to Texas A&M or another conference team and then defeat Oklahoma State at the end of the season.  If both teams continue winning, that final game on Dec. 3 will more than likely determine which one get into the big dance.

4. Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 5

Texas A&M may have dropped two games already in 2011, but Oklahoma does not forget what happened last year.  Oklahoma of 2011, though, looks like a new team.

The 33-19 loss last season at A&M's hands came when the Sooners were ranked 8th in the BCS and still had an outside shot at the BCS Championship Game.

This may not be the highest profile match-up of the season, but for Oklahoma and other teams on the outside looking in, it just may be.

3. Big Ten Championship Game, Dec. 3

Let's face it, right now Wisconsin is a juggernaut rolling through the Big 10 competition this season. With Ohio State recovering from suspensions and the loss of Jim Tressel, the window is there for Wisconsin to run seemingly unopposed to the BCS Championship Game.

Illinois looks to pose a challenge and could threaten Wisconsin's run, however the true threat lies in the Big 10 Championship and the potential for meeting Michigan.

If Michigan can win out, and they look like they are going to if they can overcome rivals Michigan State and Ohio State, then the stage is set for a dramatic inaugural championship game.

2. Oklahoma vs Oklahoma St., Dec. 3

The first Bedlam Series Rivalry game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State goes back to 1904.  Oklahoma trounced the Cowboys 72-0 and holds the all-time series lead at 82-16-1.

This year both teams look unstoppable and on the verge of an amazing finish to the 2011 season.

Oklahoma sits at number one in the USA Today Top 25 poll but only third in the AP Top 25 poll.  Oklahoma State is currently in sixth in the USA Today Poll and seventh in the AP Top 25.  

A win against rival Oklahoma, mixed with other teams movement in the top 5, could possibly vault the Cowboys into the National Championship game.

1. LSU vs. Alabama, Nov. 5

The winner of LSU versus Alabama will more than probably be in the BCS National Championship game.  The SEC has not missed a championship game since 2005 and doesn't look to show any signs of weakening.

As it seems, the only team that can beat one of these SEC juggernauts this season, is another SEC team.

For the football fan, the stage is set in just three short weeks.  The winner will ensure themselves their chance to play for the National Championship.

Follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski