BCS Bowl Projections 2012: Who's Set to Stick Atop BCS Standings?

LSU may top the first BCS standings in 2011, but everyone knows it's more important to be in first at the end of the season.

Les Miles understands this all too well. So does Nick Saban, Bob Stoops and all of the other coaches whose teams are still in the running for a BCS Bowl.

Not everyone can finish first and second, and earn a spot in the title game.

However, there are about 10-12 teams that believe they can play their way into a BCS bowl game.

With the second half of the season under way, which teams are most likely to stay high enough in the rankings to earn a spot in a BCS bowl?

Keep reading for a power ranking of these teams...

8. Stanford

No. 8 Stanford still has some serious challenges to remain among the best in the BCS.

The biggest reason to believe in the Cardinal is quarterback Andrew Luck, who is arguably the most consistent performer week in and week out.

If Stanford can get past Oregon and Notre Dame, then the Cardinal should be 12-0 going into the Pac-12 Championship.

Of course, that game adds another possibility for Stanford to get beat and fall out of this group.

What could be extremely frustrating for Stanford is it could go 13-0 and not get much consideration for the BCS Championship.

7. West Virginia

The Mountaineers aren't in the BCS' top 10 today (they are actually No. 15), but as Dana Holgorsen's team keeps winning and claims the Big East championship they will move up into the elite field.

West Virginia has almost no chance of playing in the BCS Championship Game, but an 11-1 season and a high ranking will help the Big East as it reshapes itself during this realignment nightmare.

The Mountaineers have carried the conference banner in the past, and if WVU can't find a home outside of the Big East it will likely have to do it again.

WVU will probably face the ACC champ in the Orange Bowl.

6. Oklahoma State

Following a big win over Texas this past weekend, No. 4 Oklahoma State is steamrolling toward an epic season-finale with rival No. 3 Oklahoma.

Win or lose, the Cowboys should remain in the upper echelon of the BCS Rankings and earn an at-large bid into the Fiesta or Sugar Bowl.

What will be interesting to see is if Mike Gundy's team can jump into the championship game if they go 12-0, or if a Wisconsin or one-loss SEC team stays ahead or jumps them in the standings.

My guess is probably not.

5. Wisconsin

The Russell Wilson show in Madison is exactly what the No. 6 Badgers needed this season.

The exciting Wisconsin offense should roll through the Big Ten and win the inaugural conference championship game.

But it is the Big Ten, so there are a few landmines out there.

So Wisconsin looks like a lock to return to the Rose Bowl, but the Badgers will need some help to get a place at the BCS Championship table.

4. Alabama

Why is Alabama fourth on this list?

Well, either the Tide or LSU has to lose when they play on Nov. 5 in Tuscaloosa.

Both are so close and each team has a great defense.

No. 2 Alabama has the home-field advantage, but LSU has handled every challenge thrown at it so far in 2011.

Win or lose, Alabama is going to be in the BCS mix.

3. LSU

No. 1 LSU is in a similar position as Alabama—the biggest test is a showdown with No. 2 Alabama.

Of course, there is a potential SEC Championship Game matchup with Georgia or South Carolina, but the Tigers should handle that opponent if they get there.

LSU's strength of schedule is a huge bonus, and win or lose against the Tide shouldn't end any hope of playing in a BCS Bowl. Now lose two games and it's probably over.

What the Nov. 5 game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., will probably decide is which one plays in the title game.

2. Oklahoma

With an explosive offense led by Landry Jones and one of the nation's top defenses, No. 3 Oklahoma looks to good to not make it to a BCS Bowl Game.

I even like the Sooners' chances of playing for a BCS Championship against either LSU or Alabama.

Bob Stoops' squad has answered every call so far this season, and the the Sooners still have some big-time opponents to get past—Texas Tech (Oct. 22), at Kansas State (Oct. 29), Texas A&M (Nov. 5) and at Baylor (Nov. 19).

However, nothing is bigger than a season-finale at Oklahoma State on Dec. 3.

Both teams could be 11-0 and playing for a shot in the BCS Championship.

1. Boise State

Boise State has been in this position before and the Broncos have actually earned the No. 5 spot in the initial BCS rankings.

If you take a quick glance at Boise's remaining schedule, it's easy to see how the Broncos should finish 12-0.

However, that same schedule will likely cost them any legitimate shot at reaching the BCS Championship.

But you can pencil the Broncos in for a date in the Sugar, Fiesta or Orange. So Boise will be in the mix all season.