BCS Rankings 2011: Winners and Losers from Initial BCS Standings

The initial 2011 BCS rankings were released just a few days ago and like times of the past there's plenty to debate. Teams on the list know that crunch time is here, and it's time to put up or shut up. The winners and losers of the Week 8 rankings shouldn't be phased by the first BCS ranking of the season too much, but they should keep in mind that losing is not an option down the stretch.

College football has five weeks remaining in the season, and things couldn't be more interesting. With two SEC teams sitting atop the BCS rankings, many are wondering if the SEC will win the national championship for the sixth consecutive season. Other things to think about are the teams on the outside of the BCS rankings looking in. Whom in the top 10 will falter, and which teams will sneak in?

These questions will be answered over the next handful of weeks as this season promises to end in suspense, debate and amazement.

Clear your Saturday schedules—the party is just about to begin.  

Losers: Teams That Are Falling Fast

These teams have work to do.

No. 23 Illinois

 The Fighting Illini were sitting pretty until last week when they were upset by Ohio State at home. Illinois dropped from No. 16 to No. 23 in the AP Top 25 and BCS rankings. The loss burst their bubble indeed.

No. 22 Georgia Tech

 The Yellow Jackets' credibility took a massive blow last week with a loss at Virginia. The Yellow Jackets fell down early and couldn't complete the comeback. Once sleepers for a BCS birth, they now appear to be dreamers.

No. 18 Michigan

The Wolverines slipped last week against Michigan State and felt it in the BCS rankings. Michigan was No. 11 last week in the AP Top 25 and ended up No. 18 in the BCS standings this week. Look for Michigan to work out its kinks during its upcoming bye week.

Winners: The Surprising Guests

These teams seemingly came out of nowhere.

No. 25 Washington

The 5-1 Huskies just barely made the BCS Top 25 this week—welcome to the big top. They have their work cut out for them if they're to remain ranked because this week is a critical road game at No. 8 Stanford. Their rise to prominence may be short-lived.

No. 21 Penn State

Penn State is 6-1 and winning with defense. Fans that have seen the Nittany Lions play may find it hard to believe that they're ranked, but it's true. The team is still flip-flopping between quarterbacks Robert Bolden and Matt McGloin but winning nonetheless. They aren't pretty to watch, but they're getting the job done.

Losers: The Upper Echelon of the Pac-12

Despite being in the top 10, these teams in the Pac-12 are getting no love.

No. 10 Oregon

The Ducks are 5-1 and coming off a win against then-No. 18 Arizona State at home. Their only loss was to No. 1 LSU the opening week of the season, and the team is putting up 48.7 points per game on average. The Ducks will have to continue to win big if they're to receive a BCS birth.

No. 8 Stanford

The Cardinal haven't missed a beat without former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Too bad for them the BCS rankings don't favor them at the moment. A win over No. 25 Washington could boost them a bit in the standings this weekend. Right now they have plenty of people and computers to impress for a chance at a national championship.

Winners: Teams Living on a Prayer

These teams can't afford to lose.

No. 17 Texas A&M

The 4-2 Aggies are the highest ranked two-loss team right now. Good thing for them, their losses came against then-No. 7 Oklahoma State and No. 18 Arkansas. The Aggies must win all of their remaining games. Another loss would bring them to mediocrity.

No. 14 South Carolina

This year has been a roller-coaster ride for the 6-1 Gamecocks. After the dismissal of quarterback Stephen Garcia and the season-ending knee injury to stud running back Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina's season lies in the balance. The fate of the Gamecocks now rests on the arm of sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw.

No. 13 Nebraska

The Cornhuskers are fighting an uphill battle the rest of the season. Their margin of victory isn't too good right now, and they barely got past Ohio State in their last game. The Cornhuskers need to win out to make it to a BCS game. They can improve their BCS ranking this weekend on the road in Minnesota.

No. 12 Virginia Tech

The Hokies may have the easiest schedule remaining of any ranked team this season. They must beat Georgia Tech on the road Nov. 10 for a chance at a BCS birth through the ACC Championship game. Don't put it past head coach Frank Beamer and his boys—they're plenty familiar with BCS games.

No. 11 Kansas State

The Wildcats are 6-0 to start the season and are knocking on the door of the top 10. While they have impressed to this point, they must face No. 3 Oklahoma, No. 4 Oklahoma State on the road, No. 17 Texas A&M and No. 24 Texas on the road in four straight games beginning next week. Don't expect them to make it through this gauntlet unscathed.

Losers: The Disrespected

These teams can't buy a bucket.

No. 6 Wisconsin

Despite being 6-0 and averaging 50.2 points per game while only allowing 9.7, the Badgers are No. 6 in the initial BCS rankings. What gives? The Badgers can boost their ranking with a win on the road against No. 16 Michigan State this week. A big win could propel them up a couple of spots.

No. 5 Boise State

Once again the Broncos look stellar, and once again the BCS loves to hate them. The team is 6-0 right now and could go undefeated. Even with an undefeated season one doubts they would have a shot at the national championship game. Boise State fans have to be sick of being left out in the cold. Playoffs anyone?

Winners: The Party Crashers

These teams are having fun.

No. 19 Houston

Led by senior quarterback Case Keenum, the Cougars are 6-0. Things are looking pretty good for them to finish undefeated. Look for the Cougars to throw a wrench in the BCS system.

No. 9 Arkansas

The Razorbacks are 5-1 with there only loss coming from then-No. 3 Alabama. Coming off of a bye week and two straight wins against ranked opponents, Arkansas should be rested and focused for its stretch run. While no opponent is to be overlooked, the Razorbacks have to be looking forward to a showdown with No. 1 LSU in the final week of the season.

No. 7 Clemson

The Tigers may just be the biggest surprise in college football this year. At 7-0, they've defeated three ranked opponents in as many weeks this season. This team is feeling it. Watch out for the Tigers.

Loser: On the Outside Looking in

The Oklahoma Sooners are No. 3 in the BCS rankings at the moment. It's a tough call with No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Alabama and Oklahoma all worthy of the No. 1 spot right now.

This will soon be fixed as No. 1 LSU heads to No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 5. Albeit on the outside right now, the Sooners are actually a winner by default because one of those teams has to lose that game.

Their game of the year will be against No. 4 Oklahoma State on Dec. 3. If Oklahoma continues to win, there's no doubt they'll play for the national championship.

Winner: It's Good to Be King...for Now

LSU is No. 1 after this year's initial BCS ranking. There's still plenty of football to be played, but they look quite spectacular thus far.

It'll be suspenseful to see if LSU can hold its current ranking the rest of the season.

Their game against No. 2 Alabama will be a national championship game in itself on Nov. 5.