BCS Rankings: Oklahoma State Should Be Gearing Up for National Championship Run

Now that the LSU Tigers have beaten the Alabama Crimson Tide in the game of the century, I think it's a safe bet to say that it's time for the next team in line to step up.

Enter the 9-0 Oklahoma State Cowboys, the favorite to step up to take the No. 2 ranking in the BCS and the favorite to win the Big 12.

Those are quite lofty statements for a team that is undoubtedly just happy to be ranked No. 3, but perhaps it's time for them to start thinking big.

This is a team that has the potential to be a national championship contender, and with Alabama taking a loss to LSU, the path has officially cleared.

Many will argue that Stanford deserves the No. 2 spot, but with a schedule that boasts wins over ranked Texas A&M, Texas, Kansas State and a very good Baylor team, the Cowboys look to be in good position.

Their only real test will come against Oklahoma to end the season, and it will essentially determine the Big 12 and their BCS hopes.

According to Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com, the Cowboys are ready for the big stage:

"

A few weeks ago, (Mike) Gundy told me the Cowboys were in "unchartered waters." The Cowboys are still afloat, but they have to avoid a couple of potential icebergs the next two weeks at Texas Tech and at Iowa State before Oklahoma comes to town on Dec. 3.

(Brandon) Weeden, who threw for 502 yards and four touchdowns—including 205 yards to (Justin) Blackmon—said his club will not be caught looking ahead to what would be a historic Bedlam matchup with the Sooners.

"You saw what happened to Oklahoma [losing to Texas Tech], you can't look past anyone," Weeden said. "We have two road games. I can promise you that's one thing that won't happen in our locker room is looking past anyone."

Weeden reflected on how far this program has come. "I remember in 2007 when we were just excited to go to a bowl game," Weeden said.

Now the Cowboys are closing in on their first BCS bowl—and with three more wins—an appearance in the BCS national title game.

"

With three games left in this season the Cowboys deserve to start thinking about the national championship.

They have one of the best offenses in the league to the point where even LSU would have a hard time with them.

With Stanford squaring off against an exceptionally tough Oregon team this week the Cowboys have a chance to take care of business against Texas Tech, Iowa State and Oklahoma to end out the year.

Three more wins and they can start thinking about the big game.

It's taken the program a while, but Oklahoma State is finally ready to take that next step.