BCS Rankings 2011: Winners and Losers from Initial BCS Poll

Finally it's here. The first BCS standings have been released.

Let the debating begin because it's going to continue through the end of the season and beyond.

To that end, this is where the real season begins, as we're also getting into the thick of some big in-conference games.

Here are some winners and losers from 2011's initial BCS rankings.

Winner: LSU

The Bayou Bengals are ranked No. 1 and rightfully so.

They defeated No. 10 Oregon at a neutral site, then-ranked No. 25 Mississippi State on the road, No. 15 West Virginia on the road, then-No. 17 Florida at home and demolished Tennessee at Neyland Stadium.

It's no secret that the Tigers have had the toughest schedule thus far as they have four wins over ranked teams, with three of them being on the road.

It'll be interesting to see if they can maintain the momentum, as LSU still has yet to play No. 20 Auburn, at No. 2 Alabama and No. 9 Arkansas.

Loser: Oklahoma

With Oklahoma at No. 3, that looks like the right spot, especially with the body of work that Alabama and LSU have compiled.

However, lurking right behind Oklahoma is little brother Oklahoma State at No. 4.

And although the Sooners will undoubtedly move up after the LSU-Alabama game, not only will that put a target on their back, but it only adds motivation for Oklahoma State to upset them.

Oklahoma is fine with the No. 3 ranking right now, but after their 6-0 start, you could very well make a case for them to be ranked No. 2. 

Winner: Oklahoma State

Defeating two ranked teams on the road in Texas A&M and Texas was huge for the No. 4 Oklahoma State Cowboys.

Left on the schedule are No. 11 Kansas State and No. 3 Oklahoma; however, both are home games.

But history has shown the Cowboys have fallen to and prior to the Oklahoma game more often than not.

That being said, this Oklahoma State team has a different feel than previous teams.

Expect Oklahoma State to be undefeated going into the Oklahoma game, which could not only determine the Big 12 champ, but also who gets a national title bid.

Loser: Wisconsin

Although Wisconsin is a loser in terms of the current BCS rankings, that will change as the season progresses.

The question, though, is how does it change?

The Badgers have only played one ranked team in Nebraska thus far, but thanks to a resurgence, Michigan State and Penn State are ranked again, and Illinois is still ranked despite losing.

In the long run Wisky can benefit off a little more more strength of schedule as opposed to Boise State.

In addition, with a conference title game this year, Wisconsin could very well leapfrog over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

However, since the Badgers have yet to be truly tested, playing road games at Michigan State and Ohio State these next two weeks will be key.

A loss in either one significantly hurts the Badgers, which is why their current BCS ranking hurts them in addition to their rather weak first six games.

Winner: Boise State

Right now, the Georgia Bulldogs' biggest fans are the Boise State Broncos.

Although Georgia, which lost to Boise in its season opener, is currently unranked, they're still quite alive for the SEC East title and, who knows, what if they win the SEC?

It's college football and you just never know.

With that in mind, Boise State must also continue to thwack their opponents, because the Mountain West is much weaker this season as opposed to last.

QB Kellen Moore may be a Heisman candidate, but that won't help their BCS ranking.

Winning with dominance is needed, and Georgia continuing to win is just as important.

At this point, it's more about strength of schedule than anything, at least until a playoff system is conceived.

Loser: Stanford

Stanford has been affected by their extreme weak strength of schedule.

The good thing, however, is the fact that it has trounced its opponents by an average score of 45-11.

Luckily for the Cardinal, the Washington Huskies are ranked this week and USC is 5-1 (despite their ineligibility).

It also helps that Oregon is No. 10 and that Notre Dame keeps winning.

So although Stanford has been hurt by a weak first-half schedule, four of the remaining six games will be very beneficial, not to mention a Pac-12 title game.

Winner: Oregon

The Week 1 loss to LSU dropped the Ducks quite a bit in the polls, and the injury to RB LaMichael James doesn't help.

Yet, the Ducks have battled back and have won five straight including a 41-27 win over then-No. 18 Arizona State.

Three of their six remaining games are against solid opponents (Stanford, Washington, USC) and the hopes of a second consecutive Pac-12 title are still alive.

The question however, is whether head coach Chip Kelly and company are able to keep up the pace, especially with eight schools currently undefeated.

Loser: Alabama

You would think being ranked No. 2 is good, and although you can make a very good case for the Tide to be ahead of LSU, the reality of the situation is otherwise noted.

What hurts here is that, if the Crimson Tide fall at home to LSU on Nov. 5, it will then be for certain that Oklahoma and possibly Oklahoma State jump over Nick Saban's squad.

In addition, Alabama still has to play at Mississippi State (not an cake-walk by any means) and No. 20 Auburn in Auburn.

So, the LSU game is really the deal-breaker for the Crimson Tide.

Had they been No. 1, then a loss to LSU may only drop them to No. 3 at the worst.

But, being in that ever-so-coveted No. 2 BCS spot this early is tough, especially when your opponents know you need to win to stay alive.

Not saying that Alabama is going to lose, but they are in a more vulnerable position than say LSU, Oklahoma, or Oklahoma State.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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