It only took 5 games for a team to pass Boise State in the polls, even though Boise State hasn't lost. It is pretty rare for a team ranked #3 to get jumped when they haven't lost. At this point, BSU obviously has the easiest schedule remaining. They stand the best chance of finishing undefeated. Next, I think Alabama has the second easiest schedule left. At Auburn will be a tough game, but I don't see anyone else left on their schedule that could/should beat them. Then, I think OSU has the third easiest schedule remaining They do play at Iowa, and at Wisconsin, but I think OSU has to beat themselves to lose those games. Oregon still has to play at USC, at Arizona, and at Oregon State. With all that said, BSU needs two of the three teams in front of them to lose for a chance at the NC game. I think Oregon loses a game and maybe OSU. Even then, a one loss team could potentially stay in front of them in the BCS. Thoughts on BSU's chances now that we are 5 games in?
I still think their chances of making the National Championship are slim, worse now. The strength of schedule will kill them. Even with 1 loss teams I dont see it happening. Not to mention BSU won't garner the TV ratings that the BCS knows the big schools will. In the end its all about money. I see BSU finishing out undefeated if they get by Nevada who for those of you that dont follow them are pretty darned decent this year as well. Bama looks like the cream of the crop right now and OSU right behind them. Michigan is an interesting team if they continue to win. Oregon plays a tough schedule and if they win out they may have a shot at it. But, I see Oregon losing one and maybe being paired up with BSU in a BCS game..maybe a third Fiesta bowl for BSU.. It wouldnt surprise me.
I'd be surprised if Alabama or OSU loses. I got curious a while back. I think the HIGHEST OSU's strength of schedule rating has EVER been is 16th. It's WELL below that, this year. Not something they can control (entirely). As long as the BCS is still recognizing them as a power (with that schedule), why should they change? I don't see BSU playing for a title. And, I think that's "justice". If you wanna run with the big dogs, get off the freakin' porch.
I thought about that, shed. There is talk about BSU playing a good Nevada team and they better be ready for them. I asked myself this though, if Alabama, OSU, and/or Oregon had Nevada on their schedule, would people even notice that game? I don't think they would. The attention the Nevada/BSU game is getting, weeks in advance, just shows how irrelevant it really is, imo. I still think BSU is a good team. They are almost a lock to play in a BCS game, where they have done well in the past.
Bama will kill whoever matches up with them this year....they are unbelievably good. BSU should schedule bigger names for the OOC schedule or else switch conferences to ever be considered for the title IMO. I agree, sure Nevada may be a good team, but put them on Bamas schedule and it ranks well below about 7 or 8 other games in importance.
In their defense, BSU played two preseason top 25 teams out of their conference. Virginia Tech and Oregon State. I'm not sure another team did so. Its the conference games that kill them. Its hard to justify a NC game appearance if you play two tough nonconference games, and then a bunch of cupcakes. You are much better off the other way around...play a couple cupcakes and then win in a good conference. BSU could have beat #4 Oregon and #6 Oklahoma this year, go undefeated, and still not play in the NC game if Alabama and OSU went undefeated. The conference kills them, not matter what...and I think thats "fair".
Bama still has to play @South Carolina, @LSU and Auburn (yes its a home game for Bama this year) that's not an easy remaining schedule. Not to mention that in their next 5 games the team they play has a week off before playing Bama. EDIT: Bama will also have a rematch of either Florida or South Carolina in the SECCG, it's tough to beat a team twice. (I think I threw up a little bit talking about Bama.) I guess I could answer the original question . I don't think their chances are good, because of a weak conference schedule. No knock on them because they have been an exciting team to watch, but it is the hand they have been dealt.
I never said their schedule was easy, but looking at who they have left to play, I can only see Auburn possibly giving them a run. The main reason is Alabama looks that good, not that the other teams are bad. I knew an SEC fan would have something to say though. LSU does not look good, despite being undefeated. I can't see SC beating Alabama either. Auburn is the only team that looks like they could beat them, even if Alabama plays ok. I think Alabama has to be off for SC to beat them. I think they beat LSU even with an off game.
and even though they are suckin hind teet this year, on 3rd Saturday UT will almost always give bama a run... conference games in the SEC are extremely unpredictable...
as a life long bama fan, I know UT's predicament is temporary... don't worry, you's guys will be back in the running soon
I have typed 3 different replies and they always end up about Bama. To try and answer your question Vito, I think Boise now realizes what they must do, either continue to dominate and risk missing the dance each year, or pony up and get in a BCS conference. They could join the big east, at least then they would have a ranked team in the conference
Boise needs a ton of help to make it. They won't trump a one loss SEC team or a one loss PAC 10 team. They might jump a one loss Big 10, but I doubt it.
How many fans do you think they're winning over......when BSU runs the score up, every week? They have to do it. Is this the way it's supposed to work?
OSU will lose a game this year, my guess is Iowa will beat them. They are not a strong as I thought. Oregon looked pretty good.
Alabama will lose once this year. Auburn, South Carolina, Florida in a rematch? It's hard to tell, but they will lose once. Florida bottled up Richardson and Ingram for the most part, and had they not turned the ball every time they got inside the 20, it would have been a much closer game which would have put some pressure on McElroy. McElroy will be put in a pressure where HE has to win a game this year, for the first time ever. If he can win Alabama a game as opposed to just taking the snap and handing it off to two first rounders, then I'll give him his due, until then, not so much.
It seems most think one of the top 3 ranked teams will lose a game. So, lets say Alabama, OSU, and Oregon all lose 1 game. Assuming BSU goes undefeated, do they get in the NC game? Do you think they should?
I'm not sure they do. If you end up with Bama, OSU, Oregon and lets throw in Oklahoma or Nebraska all with one loss and both BSU and TCU undefeated, I still think they both get left out. That would be a shame too.