BCS Rankings 2011: Who's Better: Oklahoma State, Stanford or Clemson?

Every season, the Big 12, ACC and Pac-12 send the BCS at least one team who they feature in one of their big-time bowls. This season, the three teams that will compete from each conference seem to be clear.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys have impressed us all year, winning big games and closing out smaller teams easily. Now, OSU has the opportunity to win its first Big 12 title and head to its first BCS bowl.

The Stanford Cardinal was expected to be on top of the polls this season. They boast Heisman candidate Andrew Luck, flawlessly running the offense over weaker Pac-12 opponents.

The Clemson Tigers came out of nowhere this season, first beating the Auburn Tigers, then the Florida State Seminoles and finishing out the run by owning the V-Tech Hokies. Winning out would help them claim their first ACC title since 1991 and lead to a trip down to Miami for the Orange Bowl.

College football fans agree that all three of these teams are strong teams that can play with the best of them, but who of the three is truly the best? We take a look at who would come out on top in this three-way battle.  

Good: Stanford

Of the three in this article, Stanford owns the weakest strength of schedule. So far, they have an undefeated record, but of their seven wins, only one has been against a ranked opponent. 

The No. 25 Washington Huskies were obliterated at Stanford yesterday, losing 65-21. As impressive as that score is, the Cardinal's other wins are against a weak Washington State team, a horrible Colorado team, a despicable UCLA squad and an inconsistent Arizona team. Stanford just hasn't proven themselves yet to me or the rest of the college football world.

Under Luck, the offense has been quite excellent, though, gaining over 500 yards a game and putting up just over 48 points per game. With big games coming up against USC and Oregon, Andrew Luck and company will have more than their fair share of opportunities to show us they belong at the top of the rankings. 

Better: Clemson

Clemson literally has come out of nowhere to surprise the entire college football landscape. A team that has disappointed over and over again finally coming out into the glorious light of victory is something that I, as a football fan, relish.

Watching such an exciting coach like Dabo Swinney jump around and high-five his players on the sideline is exactly how this team evolved into an ACC powerhouse this season. Tajh Boyd and the offense have been huge, putting up 24 touchdowns in the air and 14 on the ground in addition to their 487 yards per game.

This Tiger team is powerful. Expect them to finish off the ACC and head down to Miami for the Orange Bowl to finish out a magical season.  

Best: Oklahoma State

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are all the stir in the Big 12. After watching their in-state rivals fall to Texas Tech last night, the Cowboys are primed and ready to take their first Big 12 title and head to a BCS bowl.

QB Brandon Weeden and the offense have been spectacular so far this season, putting up over 48 points per game and around 550 yards per game. Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden have connected for multiple big plays, making them one of the most deadly duos in the nation. 

The defense hasn't been bad, either, making clutch stops in games where they needed them. Coach Gundy and his team are on their way to making a huge splash in the BCS, possibly making a bid to play for the national title.