BCS Projections: Houston Cougars and More Teams Sure to Be Overrated

There are inevitably always going to be teams in every sport that continue to win despite not being that impressive. This poses a problem when it comes to the BCS rankings because the computers can't watch a team and break down its deficiencies.

Several of that type of team was able to come away with another victory this week, and because of that, they likely will stay put or move up in the standings. Here are three teams that are sure to be overrated in Sunday's new edition of the BCS rankings.

Penn State Nittany Lions

It's tough to argue with an eight-win team, but the No. 19 Penn State Nittany Lions continue to win unimpressively. Penn State did so again on Saturday in beating the Illinois Fighting Illini, as the Illini missed a late field goal to tie it off the upright.

The Nittany Lions have certainly been excellent defensively, but offense has been a major issue. The quarterback situation is dire, as neither Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden have been particularly good. If the defense continues to play this way, then Penn State has a shot in the Big Ten, but they simply can't get involved in an offensive game, and that is going to limit them.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Another 8-1 team, the No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies picked up yet another victory this week. The Hokies were barely able to outlast the Duke Blue Devils and looked to be extremely shaky. Duke has succeeded in giving some teams fits this year, but the disparity in talent is so great that the Hokies should have wiped the floor with them.

Much like Penn State, the Hokies rely heavily on a top-notch defense. The offense, led by quarterback Logan Thomas and running back David Wilson, had played well in recent weeks, but looked inept at times against Duke. The Hokies have an easy schedule moving forward, so they may maintain their lofty ranking, but I don't think they stand a chance against the country's best teams.

Houston Cougars

Everyone loves a good mid-major story, as do I, but I have a hard time buying into the No. 17 Houston Cougars. The 8-0 Cougars absolutely obliterated the Rice Owls this week by a score of 73-34 behind an incredible nine touchdowns by all-time leading touchdown thrower Case Keenum.

There is no denying that putting up 73 points against anyone is impressive, but the Cougars really haven't played anybody outside of UCLA this season. They have some very obvious problems on defense, but the Cougars high-octane offense has masked that. There is a good chance that Houston will go undefeated, but for the sake of the team being exposed, I hope the Cougars aren't forced to face a top team in a BCS Bowl game.