BCS Rankings: Why a Win Against Oklahoma State Won't Save Oklahoma

You have to wonder where Oklahoma would stand now if they hadn't lost to Texas Tech.

They've beaten then-No. 5 Florida State, then-No. 11 Texas and then-No. 8 Kansas State.

But the loss against Texas Tech on Oct. 22 has the Sooners at No. 6 in the BCS rankings, and it's looking like they are bound to get shutout of the BCS Championship Game.

The Sooners have three games remaining, against No. 25 Baylor, Iowa State and No. 2 Oklahoma State.

But even if Oklahoma wins their final three games of the regular season, No. 3 Alabama ultimately stands in the Sooners' way, in my opinion.

There were thoughts that Alabama would drop from No. 2 to No. 4 after the loss to No. 1 LSU on Saturday, but that was not the case: Alabama is still a true giant in voters' minds and it's becoming clear they are favored over Oklahoma in the long run.

Alabama's 9-6 loss to LSU in overtime came complete with four missed field goals by the Crimson Tide. One made field goal, in regulation or overtime, would have turned the tide in Alabama's favor.

That apparently hasn't been overlooked by voters, or computers, and I fully believe that a win over Oklahoma State won't catapult the Sooners past Alabama.

The truth is, Alabama and LSU are the two best teams in college football, on both sides of the ball, and it's hard to debate this.

As explosive as Oklahoma State's offense is, you'd have to think LSU or Alabama's defense would change everything.

That's why the Crimson Tide deserved to fall behind the Cowboys in the BCS rankings with their first loss of the season, but aren't ultimately viewed as the No. 3 team in the nation.

Even if the Sooners win their next three games and No. 4 Stanford loses to No. 7 Oregon, Alabama will hold the edge if they win their remaining three games, and it's hard to see Alabama losing to Mississippi State, Georgia Southern or No. 20 Auburn.

The loss to Texas Tech will haunt Oklahoma in the end.