BCS Rankings: Undefeated Stanford Shouldn't Complain About No. 4 Spot

After Alabama lost to No. 1 LSU on Saturday, some believed it would fall to No. 4 in the BCS rankings, with Stanford moving up a spot to No. 3.

That didn't happen, as Alabama now sits at No. 3, and it has some wondering whether Andrew Luck's Cardinal got a raw deal.

But despite a 9-0 record, Stanford shouldn't complain about its ranking.

Alabama's sole loss came against the top team in the nation. Before that, it had rattled off eight straight wins, including against Penn State, Arkansas and Florida. And if it wasn't for four missed field goals, it would be Alabama poised for the BCS Championship Game.

Stanford, on the other hand, hasn't beaten anyone of significance except then-No. 20 USC, and it almost lost that game in a 56-48 triple-overtime thriller.

It all comes down to strength of schedule.

Although Stanford hasn't had the opportunity to face LSU or Alabama, you nonetheless shouldn't jump it ahead of Alabama if Alabama's only loss is to LSU. In my opinion, Alabama is still the second-best team in college football. I can understand Oklahoma State jumping Alabama in the rankings because of the Cowboys' wins against Texas A&M and Kansas State, but I still believe the Crimson Tide's No. 3 ranking is well-deserved.

It's the same reason why I can sympathize with No. 5 Boise State, but also believe you can't ignore the Broncos' strength of schedule.

Now, if Stanford defeats No. 7 Oregon this week, it will have earned the right to jump Alabama, but at this point, I agree with the Cardinal's BCS ranking.

In the end, Stanford's most difficult opponent could boost it into the title-game discussion.