BCS Rankings: Notre Dame and the 5 Teams We Thought Would Be in the BCS

It happens every season. There are teams that receive all of the hype and all of the national attention but fall flat on their faces. It could be because of injuries to key players, a difficult schedule or the simple fact that the teams are just overrated.

The goal in the beginning of the season for every major college football team is to reach a BCS bowl. Only a few teams actually get the opportunity.

Here are five teams that we thought would reach a BCS bowl but will not.

Florida State Seminoles

Jimbo Fisher had a great season in his first year as the Seminoles head coach and many expected him to be able to build on that this year. He had a veteran team with a great defense and a solid quarterback with EJ Manuel.

Florida State is currently 7-4 and 5-3 within the ACC. So much for this year being the year that the Seminoles are "back."

Instead of a BCS bowl, it looks like the 'Noles are destined for the Champs Sports Bowl.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has once again failed to live up to expectations as they lost the first two games of the season and turned the ball over a combined 10 times. They have lost three games this season and just recently got back into the BCS Top 25.

The Irish have a chance to reach a BCS at-large bid if they're able to beat Stanford this weekend, but I'm not holding my breath.

Boise State Broncos

Boise State is one of those programs you expect to automatically make a BCS bowl game because of their cupcake schedule. Unfortunately for them, they lose another close game by a missed field goal in the closing seconds.

What a disappointing way for Kellen Moore to end his career.

The Broncos could still receive an at-large bid, but it would help if the Houston Cougars lose. As of right now, I'm not liking Boise's chances.

Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech could still reach a BCS bowl but will have to beat Virginia this weekend and Clemson in the ACC Championship Game. I don't like their chances; this team has struggled all year and has been very inconsistent.

The Hokies were one of the favorites to win the ACC and they are struggling to make it to the finish line.

Ohio State Buckeyes

I'm not sure how many people had the Buckeyes winning the Big Ten, but I hardly doubt that anyone had them losing five games. Ohio State has been one of the most disappointing teams this season and will likely have to settle for the Insight Bowl this year.

You could argue that some of their key players being suspended had a lot to do with the failures this year, but this team is still very talented. The performances this season are unacceptable at Ohio State.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]