Bowl Projections: Where Will Top One-Loss Teams Land at Season's End?

It wasn't long ago that people were wondering how the BCS would handle a bunch of undefeated teams. But now just three unbeaten teams remain, including Houston, which isn't a national title contender. That brings the one-loss schools back into play in this week's bowl projections.

No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama would appear to be in prime position to capitalize on a potential loss by LSU or Oklahoma State. However, its remaining regular season schedule, paired with the fact the Crimson Tide won't have a chance to boost their résumé in the SEC Championship Game, actually leaves them in a tough spot.

That combination means they'll still need a lot of help to reach their ultimate goal of a national title. Not to mention a game against Georgia Southern in Week 12 that will give other teams a chance to leapfrog them with marquee wins.

Projected Bowl: Allstate Sugar Bowl

No. 4 Oregon Ducks

Oregon stormed into Stanford Stadium and routed the Cardinal by 23 points. The Ducks solidified themselves as national title contenders in the process. Oregon lost by 13 to No. 1 LSU in Week 1 and hasn't been defeated since.

What will end up costing Oregon is a weak Pac-12 South Division. In order to overtake Oklahoma State and Alabama, the Ducks would need a truly ground-breaking victory and that just isn't available to them. On the flip side, that should mean they are virtual locks to win the conference's automatic BCS bid.

Projected Bowl: Rose Bowl

No. 5 Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma is the most intriguing one-loss team. The Sooners still have the potential to end up playing for the BCS National Championship, but could also end up on the outside looking in at the BCS party. And will all come down to their season finale vs. Oklahoma State.

Assuming Oklahoma gets past Baylor and Iowa State without a hiccup, a win over the Cowboys could be enough to push the Sooners into the No. 2 spot. That's a tough ask without star wide receiver Ryan Broyles, though. It's going to be a tense couple of weeks in Norman.

Projected Bowl: AT&T Cotton Bowl