BCS Rankings 2011: 5 Teams Contending for Title Game Berth with Alabama Loss

The greatest thing about the so-called "Game of the Century" for teams on the brink of BCS title game contention is that one of these teams was going to lose, as a loss by either LSU or Alabama opens the door for a number of teams on the brink.

With 'Bama's loss, Stanford, Oklahoma State and Boise State remain undefeated with LSU.

Those three teams are looking to challenge for the BCS title, but there are several others who are still alive and well for a chance at the championship game.

These five teams still have a chance.

I have ranked them five to one, with No. 5 having the longest shot at the game, and No. 1 right on the brink of title contention.

5. Alabama Crimson Tide

No, you're not seeing double and no, I don't think I am crazy.

But, a loss to No. 1 when you are No. 2 doesn't put you out of title contention.

They will need some breaks, but the Crimson Tide aren't dead yet.

LSU's Les Miles said it himself in a postgame interview with CBS. He said that this was a big game, but the remaining games are bigger. 

Namely, the Tigers showdown with Arkansas and a potential SEC Championship Game appearance could all slide 'Bama back into title contention.

The Crimson Tide find themselves in a relatively fortunate situation, having slipped only two spots to No. 4 in the latest AP poll.

4. Boise State Broncs

Same old story: Boise's undefeated; Boise hasn't beaten anyone.

The Broncs' only big win came in Week 1 against Georgia, and since then have racked up wins against only lesser competition.

They will need some big time faltering, as they have no more opportunities for big wins to move up the rankings until they play their BCS game.

Their toughest test will be their next game against TCU, but TCU is having a down year. 

3. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has itself to blame for its home loss against Texas Tech, but there is still time for the Sooners to overcome the mistake.

They sit at No. 7 in the AP, but were ranked No. 6 in last week's BCS poll.

Last week, the Sooners dispatched of Kansas State, who battled toe-to-toe with OK State. 

This week they face Texas A&M.

Should things remain as they are, the Sooners have an opportunity to knock off the No. 2 or No. 3 team in the BCS on the road when they face Oklahoma State to close out the year in the annual Bedlam.

Should Stanford falter, the win could vault Oklahoma into the game.

2. Oregon

Oregon's only loss is in Week 1 is the loss to LSU.

That loss at the time looked bad, as the Ducks were favored in the game and LSU was playing its "backup quarterback" Jarret Lee.

Since, LSU has looked like the best team in the nation and Lee is, at worst, a "co-starter" under center.

Oregon has it in front of them, a date with Andrew Luck at Stanford this week.

Though not the game of the century, Oregon could vault themselves into title contention and a second crack at the LSU Tigers.

1. Stanford

When the BCS comes out later this weekend, Stanford may in fact find itself as the new No. 2 in the BCS. (the Cardinal find themselves just behind No. 2 Oklahoma State with the release of the AP poll.)

The Cardinal host Oregon this week, which should give them the advantage to remain undefeated.

Should they get past the Ducks, Stanford would be in excellent position to run the table.

The Cardinal have a date with Notre Dame at home and Pac-12 championship game to deal with in order to end up in the title game.