BCS Rankings: How Big Wins from Oregon and Clemson Will Impact Polls

It could be argued that the Oregon Ducks and Clemson Tigers were two of the most underrated teams in the first BCS polls of the 2011 college football season.

The Ducks came in at a surprisingly high No. 10, and the Tigers at No. 7.

Both teams are obviously good, in fact Clemson just may be BCS championship-caliber, but both teams really got overlooked in the polls.

The Ducks have been feeling the heat ever since losing the BCS championship last year to Auburn. They featured arguably one of the most explosive offenses we have ever seen anchored by Heisman candidate running back LaMichael James and quarterback Darron Thomas.

Oregon was expected to pick up right where they left off, but then they ran into the current No. 1 LSU Tigers during the first game of the season, and promptly lost.

In fact, they didn't just lose, they were dominated. 

They have since gone on to win impressive games, all by Oregon-esque impressive numbers mind you, so even though the loss to LSU really put them behind the eight-ball, they should be ranked higher.

If they didn't make the case before, their recent spanking of Colorado on the road should prove the point.

The Ducks beat the Buffaloes 45-2 without both James and Thomas.

This win alone, without their two stars, should boost them up the rankings.

No. 7 Clemson on the other-hand came into Week 8 with an undefeated record and atop the ACC.

Their impressive season includes wins against then ranked Auburn, Florida State and at Virginia Tech.

The offense led by quarterback Tajh Boyd has been nothing short of outstanding, and even though they gave up 38 points to North Carolina, the Tigers posted 58 huge points, including two defensive scores from defensive end Kourtnei Brown.

If the Tigers didn't move up the rankings with this win they certainly will next week if they defeat the last remaining threat to their ACC title, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, who lost in an upset today.

Projected BCS Top 10 Rankings Week 9:

1.LSU
2. Alabama
3. Oklahoma State
4. Oklahoma
5. Clemson
6. Wisconsin
7. Stanford
8. Oregon
9. Arkansas
10. Kansas State