BCS Rankings 2011 : LSU vs Alabama, Who Deserves the Higher Ranking?
It is splitting hairs when determining if LSU or Alabama deserve a higher ranking. However, I intend to split those hairs and arrive at an answer.
LSU's Claim to No. 1
LSU has played a tough schedule and have made it through undefeated. Their closest game is a 13-point victory. This has happened twice. Both came against teams ranked in the top 25 at the time.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
The first was a 40-27 victory over an Oregon Ducks team that was ranked No. 3 at the time. That is the Ducks only loss of the season, and they are now ranked No. 9.
The other was a 19-6 victory over a Mississippi State team that was ranked No. 25 at the time. That win does not look as good now, as the Bulldogs are just 3-4 and not in the top 25.
LSU is 20th in the nation in points scored per game and seventh in points allowed per game.
Alabama's Claim to No. 1
Alabama's schedule has not been as tough as LSU's. However, they are also undefeated and have three wins over teams that were ranked at the time of the game.
Alabama's closest game was a 27-11 win over a Penn State team that was ranked No. 23 at the time.
Their most impressive win of the season was a 38-14 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks that were ranked No. 14. That is Arkansas only loss of the season, and they are now ranked No. 10.
While Alabama has not played as tough a schedule, they have been more impressive in their wins. They are steamrolling opponents and are currently 14th in points scored per game and first in points allowed per game at an amazing seven.
The Winner Is...
LSU
Alabama has done everything they can to prove they are the nation's No. 1 team. Their defense is amazing and looks completely impenetrable at times.
However, I just can't overlook the strength of LSU's schedule.
Their win over Oregon is so far the signature win of the college season, and their demolition of West Virginia and Florida give them the edge.
Check out the full BCS rankings:
| 1 | LSU | .9522 |
| 2 | Alabama | .9519 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | .930 |
| 4 | Oklahoma State | .857 |
| 5 | Boise State | .803 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | .771 |
| 7 | Clemson | .758 |
| 8 | Stanford | .748 |
| 9 | Arkansas | .626 |
| 10 | Oregon | .619 |
| 11 | Kansas State | .569 |
| 12 | Virginia Tech | .505 |
| 13 | Nebraska | .497 |
| 14 | South Carolina | .491 |
| 15 | West Virginia | .373 |
| 16 | Michigan State | .329 |
| 17 | Texas A&M | .308 |
| 18 | Michigan | .300 |
| 19 | Houston | .286 |
| 20 | Auburn | .265 |
| 21 | Penn State | .231 |
| 22 | Georgia Tech | .197 |
| 23 | Illinois | .152 |
| 24 | Texas | .135 |
| 25 | Washington | .087 |
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
