BCS Rankings: 5 Scenarios That'll Lead to Another BCS System Failure

It has become as common an occurrence in December as Christmas.

It's bound to happen yet again. 

What is it? 

The imminent failure of the BCS to create a fair championship scenario for more than one team. The winner of LSU/Alabama in a couple weeks will not have to worry this annual occurrence. Chances are, the winner of Oklahoma/Oklahoma State in early December will likely be exempt as well. 

Here are a handful of teams who have to worry about whether their incredible undefeated seasons will end with a meaningless exhibition. 

Stanford Goes Undefeated, Gets Left out of BCS Title Game

Stanford still has to play USC on the road this season, but the Cardinal get Washington, Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame at home to finish out the year. 

There is more than a decent chance Stanford goes undefeated this season. The only problem is there are six teams between them and the No. 2 spot in the BCS rankings. 

A lot of times these things have a way of working out, but this year, with so many undefeated teams, things might not shake out exactly the way it needs to. 

Stanford would have a hard time being "disappointed" with a Rose Bowl berth, but that's a precise possibility.

Wisconsin Goes Undefeated, Gets Left out of BCS Title Game

Teams from the Big Ten should not have to worry about being left out of the BCS title game picture. That's just not right. But, as it turns out, that's also a precise possibility. 

Wisconsin only debuted at No. 6 in the initial BCS poll behind Boise State, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, LSU and Alabama despite crushing the No. 8 team in the country, Nebraska, just a few weeks ago.

Eventually, Wisconsin should leapfrog Boise State, but the Badgers could need three of the other four teams in front of them to lose to have a shot at playing for all the marbles in January. Only two of those four are guaranteed to lose. 

Wisconsin fans shouldn't have to pull for another team to lose to be considered worthy of playing for a national championship if they go undefeated. 

Clemson Goes Undefeated, Gets Left out of BCS Title Game

I know it's a preposterous thought. Clemson actually going undefeated, that is. 

But based on their remaining schedule it appears that is a distinct possibility. What is also a possibility is the Tigers being passed over for a shot at the title despite going undefeated as a member of the ACC conference. 

Due to their low preseason ranking and the ACC's lack of upper-echelon competition, Clemson, as it sits right now, would never be able to pass Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU or Alabama. 

Boise State Gets Left out Yet Again

Let's be honest here, when teams like Wisconsin and Stanford are getting left out of the title picture, not many college football fans are going to give a rip about the Broncos being left out again. 

But what happens if all heck breaks loose and teams like Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, LSU and/or 'Bama suffer a loss and still get taken ahead of an undefeated Boise State team? 

For instance, Alabama beats LSU and the East champion somehow figures out a way to beat the Tide in Atlanta. At the same time, Oklahoma loses to a one-loss Oklahoma State.

Meanwhile, Boise State is going through its schedule with relative ease.

Unless the SEC East champion pulling off the improbable victory over 'Bama is Georgia, whom Boise State beat in Week 1, the Broncos will have to settle for the Fiesta Bowl while a one-loss SEC and/or Big 12 team play for the title.

Boise State Gets to the Title Game over a One-Loss SEC Team

The opposite of the last scenario works just as well. Can you imagine the uproar from SEC country if a one-loss SEC team gets passed by Boise State for a shot at the title? 

The only way this is even feasible is if the team that gives Alabama or LSU their first loss is Georgia, which Boise State beat in Week 1. And even then, it's not a given. 

But the possibility, however slight, still remains.