BCS Rankings 2011: Predicting the Matchups and Outcome of BCS Bowls

Week 10 of the 2011 college football season has come and gone. The passing of another week brings new speculation surrounding the potential BCS bowl matchups.

Alabama and LSU didn't disappoint in their colossal Week 10 clash. The Tigers' 9-6 victory knocked the Tide from the undefeated ranks. It also puts the Tide's title hopes in dire peril.

The Tide's loss dropped them to No. 4 in the newest edition of the USA Today poll. Undefeated Stanford and Oklahoma State jumped Alabama, but Boise State continues to tread water at No. 5.

Alabama's loss puts them in a precarious position. However, Stanford and Oklahoma State still face major hurdles before they run the table.

At this point, one thing is certain. Ten teams will get a chance to play in five BCS bowls at season's end.

Here are the potential matchups and results from this season's BCS blend:

Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Cincinnati

The FedEx Orange Bowl will pit the winner of the ACC against the winner of the Big East. The two weakest BCS conferences, but BCS conferences nonetheless.

After the dust has settled this season, Clemson and Cincinnati will punch their tickets to a BCS clash.

Clemson has enjoyed a very surprising season. The Tigers are currently 8-1 with two major tests remaining. Clemson must get past South Carolina and then win the ACC championship game.

Sophomore quarterback Tajh Boyd and freshman playmaker Sammy Watkins have led one of the more exciting offenses in college football this season. The Tigers are 13th in the nation in passing yards per game, and 14th in scoring offense.

Cincinnati's BCS presence will cause some people to wrinkle their nose at this particular game.

The Bearcats are 7-1, but a questionable schedule could be misleading.The Bearcats are 11th in the nation in scoring offense, but they have not played a ranked team this season.

This game could be overlooked. Clemson has been exciting, but isn't necessarily a household name. Cincinnati is in the same boat.

However, these are two wide-open offenses for two overachieving teams. That could make it fun.

Prediction: Clemson 35, Cincinnati 18

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Stanford

Andrew Luck and Landry Jones would create a highly-anticipated Fiesta Bowl matchup.

Both teams had preseason title hopes. Being stuck on the outside will put a chip on each team's shoulder.

Stanford is going to lose in Week 11 to Oregon. This loss will dash the Cardinal's title dreams, but they will receive an at-large BCS bid.

Oklahoma will finish the season with two losses. Texas Tech has already cut the Sooners down. Oklahoma State will do the same in the final week of the regular season.

Both offenses are extremely efficient. However, they are very different.

Stanford's system is methodical and consistent. Andrew Luck uses his tight ends better than anyone in the country. This causes major matchup problems for opposing defenses.

Stanford's running game is overlooked because of Luck's sterling reputation. It shouldn't be. Stepfan Taylor leads a stable of very capable Cardinal backs.

Oklahoma's attack is fast and very dangerous. Landry Jones runs the Sooner no-huddle attack flawlessly at times, and he has the weapons to support his arm.

A game like this could come down to the defenses. Who can make that one game-changing play?

Prediction: Stanford 31, Oklahoma 28

Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Michigan State

Oregon's Week 11 victory over Stanford will earn the Ducks a BCS berth this season. Michigan State will take advantage of a depleted Big Ten to earn their Rose Bowl bid.

The Ducks only loss, at this point, came to LSU in Week 1. If Oregon defeats Stanford and runs the table, they will be a lock for the Rose Bowl. With some luck, they could find themselves back in the national title game.

Michigan State currently leads the Legends division of the Big Ten. Expect the Spartans to maintain that lead, and defeat either Wisconsin or Penn State in the Big Ten championship game.

These two teams run contrasting styles.

Oregon is all about speed and flash. In terms of speed and finesse, very few teams can rival what the Ducks put on the field each week. Oregon's offensive system uses that speed to stretch defenses, and let their speedsters run through the cracks.

The Spartans are a blue-collar team. Kirk Cousins may not have Darron Thomas' athleticism, but he is an excellent decision maker and leader for Michigan State. B.J. Cunningham and Keyshawn Martin provide Cousins with two capable playmakers on the outside.

Defensively, Michigan State holds the edge. However, they have not seen an attack like the Ducks all season.

Prediction: Oregon 34, Michigan State 21

Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Boise State

Alabama and Boise State will be as anticipated as the BCS National Championship game.

Alabama is worthy of a title shot. Barring an epic collapse, the Tide have proven themselves to be more dominant than all but one team this season. If the Tide run the table after their Week 10 loss, they will receive heavy title-bid support, but wind up in New Orleans instead.

Boise State is in a familiar position. The Broncos are staring another unappreciated, undefeated season square in the eye. Once again, they will be snubbed. As consolation, the Broncos will face the biggest test Kellen Moore has seen in his four collegiate seasons.

Alabama's defense against Kellen Moore's ultra-efficient offense is reason enough to tune into this one. The Broncos can score with anyone, but the Tide are a completely different animal. Moore will be tested like never before.

This game is more intriguing because of its anticipation. Two teams with a legitimate national title argument. Will Alabama prove Boise isn't worthy, or will Boise force college football nation to pay attention?

Prediction: Alabama 27, Boise State 17

BCS National Championship Game: LSU vs. Oklahoma State

The LSU Tigers jumped their biggest hurdle in Week 10 with their victory over Alabama. Oklahoma State's biggest test lies with Oklahoma in the final week of the season.

LSU must still defeat Arkansas, and win the SEC Championship game. Georgia or South Carolina should not have enough to break the Tiger hearts in the SEC Championship.

Oklahoma State must go to Texas Tech in Week 11, but their real test lies in the first week of December. In-state rival Oklahoma will come to Stillwater, and the Cowboys will send the Sooners home with their second loss.

LSU's defense and run game wins football games. Oklahoma State's offense, particularly through the air, is as good as it gets.

The Tiger secondary is outstanding. However, Tyrann Mathieu and Morris Claiborne will have their hands full with Justin Blackmon and Co. Cowboy quarterback Brandon Weeden can sling it anywhere on the field.

This game will come down to LSU's offense and Oklahoma State's defense. Whichever unit can help their team the most will come away with a victory.

Prediction: LSU 27, Oklahoma State 21