BCS Rankings 2011: The 10 Remaining Games That Will Determine the BCS

The first initial BCS rankings are out and I felt like it was Christmas morning. I received all the gifts I asked for and Santa Claus was nice!

He respected the Boise State Broncos and gave a bit of coal to teams like Wisconsin and Stanford. I love to say it, the computers got it correct, again!

LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State were ranked No. 1 through No. 4 and deservedly so. I have felt like LSU and Oklahoma State have had impossible schedules, yet they remain unbeaten.

Alabama and Oklahoma may be the most talented teams according to some, and they will soon have their chance to prove that with upcoming games.

Both teams have a few crucial games that are among my top 10 most important games that will determine who makes the BCS National Championship.

No. 6 Wisconsin at No. 16 Michigan State: 10/22

Why Watch

 This game could be a preview of the Big Ten Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 3rd. The Spartans have the second rated total defense and the Badgers are eighth in total offense. Something has to give, and whoever wins the battle up front might just come away with the victory.

Which Wisconsin Player Will Go Off

 Russell Wilson is the easy choice as are any of their running backs, however, I really have been impressed with the play of Nick Toon this season. Toon will see some single coverage since the Spartans will load up the box to stuff the run. Wilson to Toon has been a nice connection and it might be too much for Sparty to handle. 

Which Michigan State Player Will Go Off

 Kirk Cousins will torch the Badgers secondary and though they rank fourth in the nation, I look for the Spartans receivers to have a ton of success. BJ Cunningham, Keshawn Martin, Keith Nichol and tight end Brian Linthicum all have legit talent and could become difference makers for Cousins in this game. 

National Radar

 7-of-10

Final Verdict

 If Wisconsin wins this game they will be moving up those BCS rankings, however if they were to lose, then the Big Ten conference would be up for grabs a bit. The Badgers would still have an edge in their own division, but right now Michigan State, Michigan and Nebraska are all within five spots in the current BCS rankings. If the Spartans were to become the first team in the Legends to make a move, then we may be looking at a rematch down the road between Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

 MICHIGAN STATE 30, WISCONSIN 27

TCU at No. 5 Boise State: 11/12

Why Watch

 The Broncos should be taking on a 7-2 ranked TCU team. If the Broncos can flex their muscles, who knows, they may crack the top three sooner rather than later. If they can remain at No. 3 (102 SEC/Big 12) all they would need is for one of the top two teams to get upset or lose a game other than their heavyweight games (LSU vs. Bama, OU vs. OKST).

Which TCU Player Will Go Off

 Casey Pachall has done a solid job this season throwing 15 touchdowns with only four INTs. If he can buy some time with his legs, he might just be able to torch this loaded Broncos defense.  

Which Boise State Player Will Go Off

 If you remember Robert Griffin III going bonkers against the Horned Frogs in the opener wait until you see what Kellen Moore can do. He has a bevy of receivers who can stretch the field and I am looking for a 300 yard, five TD performance in this pivotal matchup. 

National Radar

 6-of-10

Final Verdict

 People just assume this game is not important, but every single Boise State game is crucial this season. They need to continue to blow teams out and if TCU is ranked at 7-2, this game could go a long way in terms of helping the Broncos reach the BCS National Championship. 

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

 BOISE STATE 45, TCU 24

No. 7 Clemson at No. 14 South Carolina: 11/26

Why Watch

 The Clemson Tigers have a ton of upside since their schedule is favorable down the road. However, they will clearly have to go undefeated to have any chance for playing in the BCS National Championship Game.

Which Clemson Player Will Go Off

 Sammy Watkins has not only been the best freshman in America, but arguably the best overall receiver. South Carolina's pressure is tough for most quarterbacks, but Tajh Boyd will look for Watkins early and often against the aggressive Gamecocks defense. 

Which SC Player Will Go Off

 Without Marcus Lattimore it will be up to Connor Shaw to light up the secondary of Clemson. Alshon Jeffery is still among the top players in the nation at his position and he might need to carry this team on his back.

National Radar

 7-of-10

Final Verdict

 If Clemson were to come into this game at 11-0 it would be a high impact game. Clemson needs the Big 12 winner to have one loss most likely for any chance to even dream of playing for all the marbles. Plus, teams like Stanford and Boise State may both be ahead of them still. Obviously, I am not counting the ACC Championship or other championships in these top 10 games left in the BCS race.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

CLEMSON 27, SOUTH CAROLINA 24

Notre Dame at No. 8 Stanford: 11/26

Why Watch

 The Fighting Irish are catching fire and there is a great chance they will run the table from now to this game. Stanford could be undefeated overall and if they are 11-0 in Andrew Luck's final collegiate home game, I guarantee you the hype machine will be out the window with a possible Heisman and BCS National Championship on the line. 

Which Notre Dame Player Will Go Off

 Michael Floyd is a superstar and might be the best wide receiver in America. Who can stop him? Delano Howell and Michael Thomas are two stud safeties, but they will need some help from their corners to slow this freak down. 

Which Stanford Player Will Go Off

 Andrew Luck is the best in the nation, but I would look for his backfield mate Stepfan Taylor to be the biggest reason for victory if Stanford is successful. 

National Radar

 8-of-10 

Final Verdict

Stanford needs a ton of help since they are not even in the top five of the BCS yet, but the Cardinal have all the tools to make a push atop the standings. Andrew Luck is their superstar quarterback that can lead them all the way, but with games against the Irish, USC and Oregon (Also Pac-12 Title perhaps), their fates will likely be determined with the play of their defense.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

NOTRE DAME 31, STANFORD 28

No. 10 Arkansas at No. 1 LSU: 11/25

Why Watch

 Don't just assume Arkansas is out of the BCS picture because Alabama and LSU are first and second. Stranger things have happened, but if Arkansas were to knock off LSU then I would bank on the Razorbacks reaching a BCS Bowl over LSU. If LSU knocks off Alabama then this game would be technically one game away from a BCS National Championship berth with the SEC Championship a week after.

Which Arkansas Player Will Go Off

 Can anybody stop Tyler Wilson? The kid has been filthy and only Alabama slowed him down. Auburn and A&M were both carved apart by the Razorbacks devastating high octane offense.  

Which LSU Player Will Go Off

 Arkansas at times has struggled to stop the run. That is not a good formula to beat LSU and Spencer Ware has been the bell cow runner all season long for the Tigers.

National Radar

 8-of-10

Final Verdict

 Tyler Wilson has been the best signal caller in the SEC, and by the numbers LSU has been the best defense in the SEC alongside Alabama. Wilson has found several of his receivers for huge plays including All-SEC candidate Jarius Wright. If LSU is undefeated, this game after Thanksgiving would go a long way for a BCS National Championship berth if the Bayou Bengals can hang on.  

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

LSU 27, ARKANSAS 21

No. 3 Oklahoma at No. 11 Kansas State 10/29

Why Watch

 Pardon me, but Kansas State continues to impress me each and every week. They will likely be 7-0 heading into this matchup as will the Sooners. Why watch? Well, the winner will have an edge in the Big 12 title race as well as the BCS National Championship race. If the Wildcats pull off the upset they may have a legit chance of running the table.

Which Kansas State Player Will Go Off

 Collin Klein has 17 total touchdowns and has been unstoppable this season. He has only thrown three picks and he is the entire offense. 

Which Oklahoma Player Will Go Off

 I key on Ryan Broyles to go off in this game. He is one of the greatest receivers in BCS history by the numbers and will need to be targeted a bunch in this one.

National Radar

 8-of-10

Final Verdict

 Call me crazy, but the Sooners will have one loss before their trip to Stillwater. If they manage to escape the Wildcats in Manhattan they might be destined to be the team to beat the SEC. However, Bill Snyder has his current program sky high with an exceptional defense, led by Ty Zimmerman and Arthur Brown. The winner will have a leg up alongside Oklahoma State to represent the Big 12 in the BCS and the winner will likely have BCS title aspirations. 

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

KANSAS STATE 23, OKLAHOMA 21

No. 2 Alabama at No. 20 Auburn: 11/26

Why Watch

 In case you been living under a rock for the past two seasons, Alabama and Auburn are your reigning champions. Alabama and Auburn have played consecutive thrillers that have come down to the wire.

Roy Upchurch caught a game-winning touchdown pass two season ago to give the Tide the 26-21 victory and last season was amazing as well. Cam Newton had a memorable game in their 28-27 victory which was a game where the Tide were up 24-0 in the second quarter. This is the best rivalry in college football at the moment and one of the best in all of sports right now. 

Which Auburn Player Will Go Off

 Michael Dyer was insane in the BCS National Championship and is an NFL caliber back. I did not believe in the Auburn Tigers back in the preseason, but I am starting to become a believer since their two lone losses were to Clemson and Arkansas (both in top 10).

They still need to be no worse than 8-3 when they host Alabama to be considered a true threat, but the way they are playing in close games, Dyer and the Tigers may pull off an upset. 

Which Alabama Player Will Go Off

 This is Trent Richardson's game to lose. It is simple, he will get 25-30 carries and if he can rush for 150 yards then the Tide may be well on their way to another BCS National Championship.  

National Radar

 8.5-of-10

Final Verdict

 Thank God this game is on a Saturday because my head would explode if this game followed the LSU-Arkansas game. The "Iron Bowl" is one of the best rivalries in all of college football, but lately there has been title stakes on the line. I expect nothing less this time around with the Auburn Tigers giving the Alabama Crimson Tide all they can handle.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

 ALABAMA 31, AUBURN 24

No. 10 Oregon at No. 8 Stanford: 11/12

Why Watch

 LaMichael James should surely be back for this game in Palo Alto, and Darron Thomas will have a few games under his belt most likely from his recent injury. Andrew Luck could be in a Heisman run and a possible BCS National Championship. The bigger question is whether or not Stanford is a legit top five team?

Which Oregon Player Will Go Off

 You can bust my chops for picking the easy option, but LaMichael James could go bonkers in this contest. Stanford does not have the elite speed on the defensive side of the ball and I look for James to rush for over 200 yards and two-plus touchdowns.

Which Stanford Player Will Go Off

 Andrew Luck is the best in the nation and he must find a way to put up 40-plus points on the board. This could be the biggest shootout of the entire season. The Ducks secondary has had some issues, and covering the big tight ends of Stanford will be a tough task. I look forward to watching Luck strike a few Heisman plays in this game. Will it be enough? 

National Radar

 8-of-10

Final Verdict

 Oregon may very well only have one loss during the date of this game. Still, they will be fighting for their Pac-12 championship lives in this game. Stanford will not have the conference locked up by any means. Lastly, I like to think Oregon is the better team, but with all the injuries at the moment destiny could be set for the Cardinal.  

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

OREGON 45, STANFORD 42

No. 3 Oklahoma at No. 4 Oklahoma State: 12/3

Why Watch

 The winner of this game has an excellent chance at reaching the title if both are undefeated coming in. Obviously, a one loss Big 12 champion may get passed up by an undefeated Boise State, Big Ten or Pac-12 champion. 

Which Oklahoma Player Will Go Off

 Brandon Weeden is one of the best signal callers in the nation and he could make his case for a Heisman run with a victory at Bedlam. 

Which Oklahoma Player Will Go Off

 Landry Jones went off last year whether it was throwing for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He even threw a pick-six and has struggled on the road in his career. However, he got the job done against Florida State (back when they were good) and has all the viable options to come through in the stretch.

National Radar

 9-of-10

Final Verdict

 Bedlam! This was highly entertaining last season and I cannot wait for this game. Landry Jones, Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon and Ryan Broyles! All four are All-American candidates and hang 50 points a week.

Both defenses are extremely fast and underrated. If the Cowboys are undefeated, they may never get a better opportunity then this game at home. It would be do-or-die time for OKST against the mighty Sooners with title aspirations.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

 OKLAHOMA 38, OKLAHOMA STATE 34

No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama: 11/5

Why Watch

 Bank on this game being the most sought after game in BCS regular season history! We rarely ever have a game between No. 1 and No. 2 teams (see Michigan vs. Ohio State '06), and if you are talking about the SEC, holy smokes. This game will be the most exciting game in a long time perhaps. These are two of the more dominating defense in the BCS era and the winner will be looking great to reach the big game.

Which Alabama Player Will Go Off

 Trent Richardson is on a mission to win the Heisman Trophy and lead his team to a National Championship. If he can do it against LSU's defense we might as well just crown him after the game.

Which LSU Player Will Go Off

 LSU does not lack playmakers, but running back Spencer Ware against the Tide's run defense will be critical. However, the game will come down to the passing ability of Jarrett Lee. If Lee can avoid turning the ball over and can will his team to victory, the city of Baton Rouge might vote for Lee as mayor of the town.

National Radar

 11-of-10

Final Verdict

 Sorry, but 11-of-10 is not possible but it is with these two teams. The best defenses in America are Alabama and LSU and it is not even that close. Both teams' protect their passer well and they can both run on anybody. They have been unstoppable this season, and the way LSU slowed down Oregon and the way Alabama beat down Arkansas says a lot. The winner will clearly be ranked No. 1 and will be the heavy favorite to reach and win the BCS National Championship.

Drama's Way Too Early Prediction

ALABAMA 21, LSU 20