BCS Rankings Week 14: Reaction and Analysis of the Latest Poll

Through Friday and most of today it’s been all quiet in the BCS standings. There have not been any major upsets or teams that are making a case for their inclusion for a BCS bowl bid.  

LSU had a dominant performance over Arkansas yesterday, which put to rest any chaos as to who is going to play for the SEC title. In fact LSU’s blowout victory yesterday pretty much makes them a lock for the BCS title game no matter what happens against Georgia next week.  

With the win, LSU showed that if Alabama does meet them again in the BCS National Championship Game, they will be ready to handle any changes in the Crimson Tide’s offensive game plan.  

Speaking of Alabama, through the first half of their annual Iron Bowl game they are dominating Auburn on offense and defense. If it weren’t for an Alabama fumble, this score would be 24-0 at halftime. 

With the score at the half being 24-7, we are 30 minutes away from knowing what our BCS Championship Game matchup will be. However, when Auburn pulled off that thrilling comeback last year, the score at the half was 24-7 Alabama.

The Alabama blow out win and Trent Richardson's huge performance today may have sealed their spot in the BCS Championship game. CBS Sports tweeted out a great story about 'Bama's chances at making the title game after their 42-14 Iron Bowl win.  

So through most of college football today, it’s been quiet—maybe a little too quiet.  

We still have one game on our horizon that can clinch the Stanford Cardinal a chance at a BCS bowl game, while a win for Notre Dame just may rocket them high enough up the BCS standings to be considered for a spot in the Fiesta, Sugar or Orange bowl.  

It’s hard to believe, but according to ESPN’s stats info, Notre Dame can still get into a BCS bowl game if they finish the year at No. 14 in the BCS standings. 

Coming into their game against Stanford, the Irish sit at No. 22 in the BCS. A win against No. 6 Stanford should move them ahead of Nebraska, TCU, Penn State, Baylor and Clemson up to No. 17 in the next BCS standings.  

The following week the Irish sit idle as No. 16 Wisconsin will take on No. 14 Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game, while No. 13 Georgia takes on No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship Game. Two of those four teams will lose, potentially opening up a spot in the top 14 for Notre Dame.  

This BCS dream for Irish fans can only happen if Notre Dame can get past Andrew Luck and Stanford. With Stanford coming into this game with as many injuries as they have, it just may be possible for the Irish to pull of the upset.  

For now though, the BCS waters are calm, unlike last week. Hopefully Notre Dame can make some waves with an upset win tonight.

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