BCS Rankings: Predicting the Biggest Differences Between Polls and BCS Top 25

Even though the BCS standings are the final gauge on who gets to play for the national championship, there are other polls, including the AP, that have their own opinions.

The USA Today/Coaches Poll is also separate, but factors into the BCS standings.

Every week there are teams ranked higher in one poll than another and when the final standings are released, there are sure to be some differences between the polls and the BCS standings.

Here are five big discrepancies to expect from the BCS standings to the other polls.

Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers defeated Virginia Tech for the second time last night and won the ACC Championship. 

They are ranked No. 14 in the AP poll, up seven spots from last week. 

Don't expect a similar jump in the BCS standings where the Tigers are currently ranked No. 20.

A three-loss team from a weak ACC will not crack the Top 15 in the BCS standings. 

Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech plummeted in the latest AP rankings falling from No. 5 all the way to No. 17. 

Quite a drop for a team that only has two losses, both to Clemson. 

They are currently ranked No. 5 in the BCS and will certainly take a big drop, but don't expect the Hokies to drop below No. 12 or 13 at the worst. 

The writers clearly voted just based on watching last night's game. 

Michigan State Spartans

After losing the Big Ten Championship game to Wisconsin, Michigan State dropped from No. 11 to No. 12 in the AP poll. 

They are currently ranked No. 13 in the BCS and will obviously not move up after the loss. 

Michigan State is more likely to drop a few spots to around No. 15 in the final BCS standings. 

Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma was manhandled by Oklahoma State 44-10 and moved from No. 13 down to No. 19 in the latest AP poll. 

They sit at No. 10 in the BCS standings and are not likely to drop more than five spots with their strength of schedule and who they have lost to. 

There is likely to be a big discrepancy between their No. 19 AP poll rank and the BCS rank which will be around No. 14. 

USC Troans

The Trojans are on probation and are currently not allowed to be ranked in the BCS standings. 

That makes their difference in ranking the biggest of them all. 

USC climbed up four spots from No. 9 to No. 5 in the latest AP rankings. 

They are quietly one of the best teams in the country, and it would be interesting to see where they would rank if they were eligible for the BCS standings.