BCS Standings: How Many Teams That Debut at No. 1 Go on to Win It All?

The 2011 BCS Rankings were released for the first time on Sunday, but does this first set of rankings really matter?

The event received a lot of press and discussion. Analysts argued over the merit of the computer polls while many fans were outraged that their undefeated teams were so far down the list.

Still, the biggest question of all went unanswered. How many teams who start in the same position as LSU, debuting at No. 1 in the BCS, go on to win the BCS National Championship that season?

In the 13 seasons that the BCS has existed, only two teams have ever raised the BCS trophy after being picked as the top team in the first rankings. One of those wins was later vacated.

In fact, only six of those schools had ever reached the title game. This further proves that too many people make a big deal about nothing.

Here is the history of each team who debuted first in the BCS rankings.

1998 UCLA

In the first ever installment of the BCS, UCLA made its mark as the first ever team to be ranked No. 1 in the BCS standings.

The Bruins held that spot through almost the entire regular season. Unfortunately, a makeup game against the University of Miami derailed the team's hopes for a national championship.

That game actually saved the creators of the BCS, as it prevented three teams from finishing the season undefeated and causing massive controversy. 

1999 Florida State

In 1999, Florida State became one of the most dominant teams in the last decade.

Not only did the team lead the BCS standings the entire way, but it also remained the top-ranked team from Week 1 all the way through the championship game.

The Seminoles were led by quarterback Chris Weinke, who won the Heisman Trophy the next season.

The 1999 BCS Champions remain the only team to debut as the top team in the rankings and go on to win a championship (that is still with the school).

2000 Nebraska

In 2000, Nebraska only held the top spot in the BCS rankings for one week.

The Cornhuskers traveled to Oklahoma in Week 9 and got demolished 31-14. The Sooners proved to be quite a team, as it eventually finished the season undefeated with a national championship.

Nebraska went on to lose another road game at Kansas State before winning in the Alamo Bowl. The Huskers came closer a year later with Eric Crouch but could not get over the top.

2001 Oklahoma

A year after Oklahoma dashed No. 1 Nebraska's title dreams, the Cornhuskers decided to return the favor a year later.

In the last game in October, Nebraska won a low-scoring battle thanks to a receiving touchdown by quarterback Eric Crouch.

The season ended in a complete mess as Nebraska, Florida and Tennessee all lost games that would have put each team in the BCS National Championship.

However, this would not be the last time Oklahoma found itself on top of the polls.

2002 Oklahoma

Just like the Sooners did a year before, they lost a road game mid-season to ruin its chances at another championship.

The 2002 version fell to Texas A&M as freshman quarterback Reggie McNeal out-played highly-touted Oklahoma quarterback Nate Hybl.

At least this team lasted a few more weeks atop of the BCS poll than it did in 2001.

2003 Oklahoma

For the third season in a row, Oklahoma started the BCS season as the No. 1 team in the rankings. For the third season in a row, the team failed to bring home a championship.

The season was a little different, as the team remained undefeated throughout the regular season. It was not until the Big 12 Championship Game that the Sooners had its first stumble, losing 35-7 to Kansas State.

The voters thought enough of the team's body of work to allow it to compete in the BCS Championship. Unfortunately, Bob Stoop's team could not pull out the victory over LSU.

2004 USC

At the time, USC seemed like they could be one of the greatest teams in college football history.

The offense was unbelievably talented with two eventual Heisman Trophy winners in Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, as well as future NFL running back LenDale White.

After winning the 2004 AP Championship but not the official BCS Championship, the Trojans wanted both this time. The team proved their worth by going undefeated and never falling below No. 1 in any rankings.

Unfortunately, scandal showed the true colors of this team, as Reggie Bush was declared ineligible due to illegal recruiting practices. USC was forced to vacate a number of victories including the Orange Bowl victory.

2005 USC

After winning the championship the previous season, Pete Carroll's team was ready to defend its title. 

Returning most of its star players, many thought USC would be a lock to repeat as national champions. Vince Young, however, had a different plan.

Both USC and Texas finished the season undefeated, setting up one of the best college football games in history. The game did not disappoint as the Longhorns topped the Trojans 41-38.

Vince Young, not Reggie Bush or Matt Leinart, cemented his place in college football immortality.

2006 Ohio State

Throughout the 2006 regular season, there was little doubt as to who was the best team in the country.

As the preseason No. 1 team, Ohio State won every game and remained on top of every poll including the BCS standings. The only challenge was rival Michigan, but the Buckeyes squeaked out a 42-39 victory.

Many critics were calling for a rematch of the two teams, since they were apparently the two best teams in the country.

Unfortunately, it seemed that the Big Ten was a tad overrated, as Michigan lost big to USC, and Ohio State got demolished 41-14 in the championship game by Florida. 

2007 Ohio State

After an embarrassing defeat in the championship game the previous season, less was expected out of Ohio State in 2007.

Still, the team was able to continue its winning ways to become the No. 1 ranked BCS team when the polls were released. Unlike the year before, the Buckeyes suffered a defeat during the regular season to knock them out of the top spot.

When other teams lost around them, Ohio State was once again invited to participate in the BCS National Championship.

Once again, the team suffered a defeat at the hands of an SEC team.

2008 Texas

2008 saw one of the most dramatic battles for positioning within a conference. Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech each had a solid team that deserved to play for the national championship.

Texas sealed its fate after a road loss at Texas Tech in a memorable 39-33 showdown, in which Michael Crabtree had the game-winning touchdown catch with one second remaining on the clock.

An earlier win over Oklahoma was not enough to keep the Longhorns above the Sooners in the BCS rankings, and Oklahoma went on to play in and lose the championship game.

2009 Florida

Florida won two national championships with Tim Tebow at the helm, but not in his senior season.

In 2009, Florida started the season as the top-ranked team in the AP Poll and remained as the top team when the BCS rankings started.

Unfortunately, the team ran into fellow undefeated, second-ranked Alabama in the SEC Championship. This game was billed as a "semifinal game," as the winner was due to play in the BCS Championship the next month.

Alabama won handily by a score of 32-13, with quarterback Greg McElroy taking the MVP of the game.

2010 Oklahoma

In 2010, Oklahoma once again was on top of the BCS rankings when it made its mid-season debut.

Unfortunately the team struggled in its road games throughout the season. The Sooners narrowly escaped a game in Cincinnati by a score of 31-29.

Oklahoma was not as fortunate once conference play started, as it took defeats in road games at Missouri and Texas A&M.

This paved the way for Cam Newton and Auburn to finish off an undefeated season with a BCS National Championship a year ago.

It seems as more scrutiny is placed on the the opening BCS polls every year, the less successful those No. 1 ranked teams have been.