BCS Rankings Week 12: Dark Horses That Will Keep BCS Dreams Alive

Even though most of the national focus remains on elite BCS teams, there are still several dark horses waiting for an opportunity to pounce. Any loss would end their dreams though, so winning comfortably is paramount with the regular season nearing a conclusion.

Here are three dark horses that will stay on track in Week 12.

No. 7 Clemson Tigers

Clemson continues to be one of college football's most surprising teams, even after a loss to Georgia Tech in late October. The Tigers survived an upset bid from Wake Forest thanks to a last-second field goal from Chandler Catanzaro and are now one win from clinching the ACC Atlantic Division.

That win should come against an average North Carolina State squad on Saturday. The Wolfpack are giving up more than 24 points per game and have only played one ranked team. Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins have to be licking their chops.

Look for Clemson to prevail by two scores.

No. 11 Houston Cougars

Houston owns the nation's top offense at nearly 55 points per game and haven't scored less than 35 all season. Case Keenum has 39 total touchdowns and should be receiving more Heisman hype, especially if Houston runs the table.

Southern Methodist has a formidable passing attack of its own, so the Cougars can't overlook SMU, but their real test will come on the road vs. Tulsa in the regular season finale. If they win out, including the Conference USA Championship Game, a BCS bid isn't out of the question.

Houston has too much firepower for the Mustangs to contain for 60 minutes and should avoid an upset.

No. 15 Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State is two wins away from an appearance in the Big Ten title game. With games against Indiana and Northwestern remaining, the Spartans have no excuse for failing to reach that goal, which is a stepping stone to a BCS bid.

Backed by a rock-solid defense, Kirk Cousins, Le'Veon Bell and B.J. Cunningham have provided enough offensive punch to keep Michigan State in control of its own destiny. They'll need more consistency on that side of the ball to win the Big Ten, though.

That said, Michigan State should cruise to victory vs. Indiana.