BCS Rankings 2011: Can Anybody Outside the Top 10 Make a Run?

With the first release of the BCS Rankings last Sunday, speculation begins about which team will be matched up in the BCS national title game. 

The experts have slotted in Alabama, LSU or Oklahoma into the game, but that is not set in stone.

There is still time for teams to make a run, even teams outside the top 10, as there is a lot of football to be played between now and December. 

Teams Outside the Top 10 Who Have a Chance

No. 11 Kansas State: Although unlikely, the Wildcats have a chance to make a run at the BCS national title game. It would take a lot of things to fall in their favor, but there is a chance if some of the top teams lose and they can win out. 

No. 12 Virginia Tech: Despite having one loss already, the Hokies will have a chance to redeem themselves if they can make it to the ACC championship game. 

No. 15 Michigan State: After a big win against Michigan last week, the Spartans' chances of making a run could begin tonight with a win at home against Wisconsin. 

What Needs to Happen? Kansas State

1. It needs to win out, which would include victories over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.

2. Wisconsin needs to lose, which would need to come tonight against Michigan State or in the Big Ten championship game.

3. Clemson needs to lose, either to Georgia Tech or South Carolina or in the ACC championship game. 

4. Stanford and Boise State don't necessarily need to lose because wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would likely give them the advantage over both teams in the strength of their wins. 

What Needs to Happen? Virginia Tech Hokies

1. They need to win out.

2. They need to win the ACC championship game, likely in a rematch against Clemson. 

3. LSU and Alabama both have to lose twice between the SEC championship game and their remaining schedules.

4. Stanford needs to lose to Oregon.

5. Wisconsin needs to lose to Michigan State or in the Big Ten championship game.

6. Boise State losing could help but the Hokies would probably have a better resume than the Broncos as they play a tougher schedule.

7. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma both have to lose at least once.

No. 15 Michigan State Spartans

1. They need to win out, including a victory over Wisconsin tonight.

2. Win the Big Ten championship game.

3. LSU and Alabama need to both lose twice between the SEC championship game and their remaining schedules. 

4. Stanford needs to lose to Oregon.

5. Oklahoma State and Oklahoma need to lose at least once game each.

6. Boise State losing would help but a one-loss Spartan team could jump an undefeated Bronco team due to strength of schedules.

Conclusion

Although possible, it is very unlikely that we will see either of these three teams in the BCS national championship game.

It is much more likely that one of them will end up in a BCS bowl game.

In all likelihood, the BCS national championship game will be filled by two teams currently in the top 10 as there are three or four elite teams in college football this season.

But hey, anything is possible, right?