BCS Rankings: What It Will Take for Florida To Crack the Top 25

The Florida Gators' 2011 campaign started out great with four straight wins.

Unfortunately, they play in the SEC and then LSU, Alabama and Auburn happened.

So what will it take for the Gators to get back into the BCS Top 25?

Well, finishing with a record of at least 9-3 will be needed because the only ranked opponent they have left are the No. 12 South Carolina Gamecocks (who are now without RB Marcus Lattimore).

In addition, in-state rival Florida State is having a disappointing season, so the remaining strength of schedule is not in their favor.

Obviously the Gators are going to also need some help in the form of those ranked No. 20 through No. 25 to lose, however, one more loss will significantly decrease their own odds until after bowl season.

What is in their favor, however, is the fact that all three of their losses were to ranked opponents, with two of them coming on the road.

Now yes, losing games doesn't help with your ranking, but what it does show are the games in which they lost were to legitimate opponents.

Right now Florida needs a lot of help to win the SEC East, but there's still a solid chance to finish second and get a respectable bowl game.

If Will Muschamp's crew can finish the regular season 9-3, they will definitely be ranked heading into bowl season.

However, with all their injuries, miscues and mental lapses, finishing 7-5 appears to be the more realistic finish.

That being said, if Florida can then win their bowl game and once again be 8-5, they could very well end the 2011 season ranked.

But until then, don't anticipate The Swamp cracking the Top 25 as they have yet to really prove themselves against a formidable opponent.

With that in mind, if the Gators can defeat either Georgia, South Carolina and/or Florida State by season's end, they may have an outside shot at being ranked prior to bowl season kicking off.

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