BCS Rankings 2011: Why Oklahoma State Shouldn't Drop Lower Than 4th in BCS

The Cowboys are in trouble. This was almost a worst-case scenario for a loss, but it happened. They went into Ames, IA and lost to a team playing inspired football.

When the Cyclones defeated Oklahoma State on Friday night it crippled the Cowboys' championship hopes. Without major happenings with three or more teams, they are out of the BCS title game.

That said, the Cowboys don't deserve to drop lower than fourth in the BCS. Obviously, LSU and Alabama, but less obvious, but understandable is Oregon.

From there, the Cowboys have a better resume than just about every other one-loss team in the country.

There is plenty for Bedlam to decide for the Oklahoma Sooners as well as the Cowboys. The Sooners' one loss is worse than the Cowboys' loss. Oklahoma lost at home to a Texas Tech team that has lost three in a row, and five of their last six.

Iowa State surely isn't a powerhouse, but losing in Ames is much more acceptable. The Cyclones are now on a three-game win streak, that includes a win over Texas Tech.

One game that may have something to say about the final BCS standings takes place next week when the Cyclones take on the Sooners. Of course, this is provided; the Sooners win a tough game against Baylor on Saturday night.

If both teams have a one-loss record, and if Iowa State is competitive with the Sooners, it would be more proof they don't deserve to be ahead of the Cowboys. I know the Sooners dominated Kansas State, while the Cowboys struggled to win, but the bottom line is, they both won.

The Cowboys are a 10-win team, with three of those coming over ranked teams. They should be ahead of the Sooners going into Bedlam.