Projected BCS Rankings 2011: What the Top 5 Will Look Like After LSU vs. Alabama

Even though it’s still two weeks away, you can already feel the excitement starting to build for the huge showdown between No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5.

Some have already dubbed it the “Game of the Century.”

We’ll have to wait and see if the game actually lives up to the hype, but either way, it’s obviously going to have a huge effect on the BCS rankings and it will be a major domino to fall in the race for this year's national title.

Here’s a look at how I think the Top 5 will look after the dust settles on Nov. 5.

No. 1 LSU Tigers

After the suspensions to Tyrann Mathieu, Spencer Ware and Tharold Simon, some people are questioning whether LSU has the heart and the mindset to win the national championship this season.

I thought the same thing for a few minutes, but then I took one look over LSU’s roster and remembered that this is still the most loaded and balanced team in the country.

If anyone can spin this type of situation into a rallying call in a locker room, it’s LSU coach Les Miles.

I know that the Tigers have to go to Tuscaloosa for their big showdown with Alabama and playing a team like the Tide in that environment certainly won’t be easy, but there’s no team in America that I would rather hitch my wagon to than LSU right now.

I think the Tigers will come away victorious on Nov. 5.

No. 2 Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State took down Missouri 45-24 yesterday, and the Cowboys backed up the respect they've been getting from the BCS computers lately.

Oklahoma State controls its own destiny and a win over Oklahoma in the Bedlam game at the end of the season would likely be enough to get the Cowboys into the title game.

Their defense may be a little bit shaky but the Cowboys have the type of high-powered explosive offense, led by QB Brandon Weeden, WR Justin Blackmon and RB Joseph Randle, that can compete with any team in the country.

No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide

It’s hard to tell just how far the loser of the LSU-Alabama game would initially drop, but if it were up to me, I would put the loser at No. 3 for the time being, even though an undefeated Clemson or Stanford would likely overtake either a one-loss Alabama or LSU team by the time the championship games rolled around.

Like I said before, even though the game is at Alabama, right now I’m siding with LSU in the mega-matchup.

With Oklahoma's loss last night, the possibility of a an LSU-Alabama rematch in the national title game seems a little more likely.

No. 4 Clemson Tigers

With Wisconsin going down last night, that opens the door for Clemson and Stanford to make a big leap up in the BCS rankings.

Boise State held the No.5 ranking in the first standings, but after the Broncos struggled against Air Force, it's not crazy to think that either Clemson or Stanford could jump them in the coming weeks.

The Tigers and the Cardinal have two tricky tests next weekend but you have to appreciate what both have been able to accomplish so far.

Behind the play of QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins and a top-notch defense, Clemson is the type of team that deserves some major national respect.

No. 5 Boise State Broncos

Boise State finally looked vulnerable yesterday, as the Broncos had to hold on to beat Air Force 37-26.

That certainly won't help them in the eyes of the voters.

Boise State may be 7-0 right now but this is a team that needs style points and blowout victories if they want to make it to the title game.