BCS Rankings 2011: How the Major BCS Bowls Would Look If the Season Ended Today

The BCS rankings have finally been released after Week 9 of the college football season, with several teams moving around after some stunning upsets and close calls this week.

At the top of the standings, SEC powers LSU and Alabama sit No. 1 and No. 2, which makes their Nov. 5 matchup all the more epic. 

Oklahoma was this week's biggest loser after falling to Texas Tech at home. The Sooners dropped from third to ninth in the rankings.

There is still a long way to go in the season, and many scenarios could occur in the BCS all the way up until the bowl matchups are announced.

However, if the season ended today, the BCS rankings would provide us with some very intriguing matchups in the major BCS bowls.

Here is what those major BCS bowls would look like based on this week's newly released rankings.

Rose Bowl: Michigan State vs. Stanford

This week's BCS rankings would place both Michigan State and Stanford in the Rose Bowl. 

The Spartans have been a team on the rise as of late, defeating Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin in three consecutive weeks. And with the last second touchdown against Wisconsin, the Spartans could become the fan favorite in the Big Ten.

They have one remaining test against Nebraska, along with the conference championship game, but Michigan State is well on their way to representing the conference in the Rose Bowl.

Stanford has been rolling throughout the entire season behind the play of star quarterback Andrew Luck. With the injury bug causing Oregon some problems over the last couple weeks, it's tough to imagine Stanford not being the inaugural Pac-12 champions, especially with Luck leading their offense.

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Oregon

Perhaps one of the teams that wasn't expected to be so highly ranked this early in the season was the Oklahoma State Cowboys. OSU features one of the most dynamic offenses in the nation, highlighted by wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

While the Cowboys have had an impressive comeback win against Texas A&M, they still have several games that will test them. OSU still has to face Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Oklahoma.

Oregon has had their share of injury issues this season. Most notably, running back LaMichael James has had to miss time due to a dislocated elbow.

Despite their season-opening loss to LSU, Oregon has gotten through the rest of their schedule with ease. Their big test will come against Stanford as they will have to face Andrew Luck on the road.

If the Ducks can get back to 100 percent, they could be just as good as any other team in the nation.

Sugar Bowl: Boise State vs. Kansas State

Boise State is once again near the top of the BCS rankings after defeating Georgia in their season opener and handily beating the rest of their opponents so far. Quarterback Kellen Moore is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation and has led the Broncos throughout the entire season.

Despite this Broncos teams not being as good as some Boise State teams of recent memory, they will make a BCS bowl as long as they stay undefeated. With their weak schedule, the Broncos could fall a few spots to other teams in the coming weeks, but as long as they stay in the top 12, they will reach a BCS bowl.

Kansas State has been a surprise team this season, but they have largely been untested in 2011. The only ranked team they have faced so far was Baylor back on Oct. 1.

It remains to be seen if the Wildcats really belong in the top 10 of the BCS rankings, but they will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves in the coming weeks. The Wildcats have to face Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Texas in their next four games.

Orange Bowl: West Virginia vs. Clemson

West Virginia would get the Big East automatic bid for the Orange Bowl, despite them being in a less-than-stellar conference. The Mountaineers have a 5-2 record, with one of their losses coming against LSU.

After their huge loss to Syracuse this week, the Mountaineers are clearly not as good as some thought. But with a relatively easy remaining schedule, it's tough to imagine West Virginia not representing Big East in this year's Orange Bowl.

Clemson has certainly shocked much of the nation this season, especially after defeating Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech. Freshman Sammy Watkins and sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd have been arguably the most explosive players in 2011 and could very well receive some Heisman Trophy consideration by season's end.

Since they have already face their two biggest threats in Florida State and Virginia Tech, the Tigers have a very good shot at staying undefeated and becoming the ACC champion.

They would even have a shot at securing a bid in the BCS National Championship if enough teams lose in front of them. Make sure to keep an eye out on the Tigers.

BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Alabama

LSU has absolutely steamrolled through each of their opponents this season. The defense has been suffocating and their offense can push you around with the physical running style of Spencer Ware.

The Tigers' biggest asset has been their depth at so many positions on their roster. Even with the suspensions of Tyrann Mathieu, Ware and Tharold Simon, the Tigers didn't miss a beat and pummeled the Auburn Tigers, 45-10. It will take an almost perfect game to beat LSU this season.

Alabama has been just as impressive as LSU in 2011. The Crimson Tide have been outstanding on both sides of the football, especially in the running game. Trent Richardson has been the best running back all season and could very well win the Heisman Trophy this season.

In my opinion, what separates Alabama from the other teams is their speed in their linebacking corps. Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower are all over the place and have been the key to their defensive success this season. 

This BCS National Championship matchup would be a rematch of their Nov. 5 matchup, but it's tough to argue that the BCS could put together a better national championship game this season than LSU and Alabama.