BCS Standings 2011: Why Computers Got Top 5 Teams Correct

There are no real surprises atop the first set of BCS standings for 2011.

LSU and Alabama have been the most dominant teams in the country. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are on a final weekend collision course to decide the Big 12. And Boise State, Wisconsin, Clemson and Stanford continue to impress.

But the top 5 in this year's initial standings are exactly what they should be for a multitude of reasons.

1. LSU Tigers

Only one team (Alabama) has been as dominant as LSU. But while I could make a strong case for the Crimson Tide to be No. 1, the Tigers deserve the spot for the time being thanks to their tough opening schedule.

Alabama actually has a better margin of victory on the year, but having to play Oregon and West Virginia on the road gives them the edge until the two teams meet on November 5 (a.k.a Judgement Day in college football).

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

The Tides's utter dominance speaks for itself. Their defense gives up only seven points per game and have allowed only one team to score two touchdowns on them this year. That one team, Arkansas, averages 39.7 points per game.

Nick Saban's team can make a strong case for why they deserve to be No. 1, but they'll simply wait until Nov. 5 to claim that spot over LSU.

3. Oklahoma Sooners

The computers shed a lot of love for the Big 12 in these opening rankings, but Oklahoma's early schedule has done them no favors. Unlike other Big 12 teams that have already beaten each other up, the Sooners have only beaten an overrated Texas team to show any power in-conference.

Their win over Florida State is virtually meaningless at this point, as the Seminoles are 3-3, and they have to be happy they're ranked as high as they are.

The remaining schedule helps their cause, but hurts their chances of running the gauntlet unbeaten.

This team still has to play Kansas State, Texas A&M, Baylor and Oklahoma State.

4. Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Cowboys earned the most love from the computers and hopped over Boise State, Wisconsin and Stanford (three teams they trail in one or both human polls) to claim this No. 4 spot.

The Pokes have already beaten the Aggies at Kyle Field and Texas in Austin.

They do, however, score 50 points a game and have shown the ability to handle hostile environments on the road.

Games still remain against Baylor, Kansas State and Oklahoma, but all three teams will have to travel to Stillwater.

5. Boise State Broncos

The Kellen Moore-led Broncos have already beaten the only ranked team they'll play all year. This is unfortunate and will likely keep them from climbing any higher in the polls, assuming two or more teams finish the season unbeaten.

However, all four teams in front of them have to play one another, so at least two of them are going to lose.

Boise State is only giving up 14.5 points per game and should remain unbeaten, as their toughest remaining game is at home against TCU.

For now, the top of the rankings are exactly what they should be. It features four teams that control their own destiny, one team that has been consistently dominant and will likely go unbeaten, and a few other unbeaten teams nipping at their heels.

Time will help play most of this situation, but there is the potential for as many as five BCS conference teams and Boise State to go undefeated come season's end. 

The rankings are right for now, but controversy is just around the corner.

2011 Week 8 BCS Rankings
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma
4. Oklahoma State
5. Boise State
6. Wisconsin
7. Clemson
8. Stanford
9. Arkansas
10. Oregon
11. Kansas State
12. Virginia Tech
13. Nebraska
14. South Carolina
15. West Virginia
16. Michigan State
17. Texas A & M
18. Michigan
19. Houston
20. Auburn
21. Penn State
22. Georgia Tech
23. Illinois
24. Texas
25. Washington