BCS Rankings: College Football Week Ending November 4

BCS Rankings: Week ending November 4

Despite a lackluster 17-10 victory over Big 10 opponent Illinois, Ohio State held firm to their number one spot in the BCS rankings. Assuming that both Ohio State and Michigan remain undefeated heading into their showdown, the winner of that game will punch their ticket to Arizona to play for the National Championship. But that doesn’t mean the loser will be out of the picture.

Although Michigan was never in position to lose on Saturday, they didn’t do themselves any favors with their unimpressive 34-26 win over Ball State. It seems the BCS is content with keeping Ohio State and Michigan 1-2 until their showdown on November 18.

Louisville jumped from number five to number three and positioned themselves for a bid to the National Championship game on January 8. Their home win against former number three West Virginia along with Florida’s poor performance against Vanderbilt aided their cause. Louisville’s dreams of a BCS Championship might be take a step forward if they can handle undefeated Rutgers, on Thursday night.

Despite their narrow victory over Vanderbilt, Florida still has a shot at playing for the National Championship. Florida holds the number four spot in the BCS rankings, but have an opportunity to move up with their strength of schedule. Florida secured the SEC East title with Tennessee’s loss on Saturday. The Gators will be playing the in SEC Championship game

Texas’ impressive win over Oklahoma State earned them the number five spot in the BCS rankings. Their lone loss this year came against Ohio State and a re-match in the National Championship game is a real possibility. Texas will have to win-out and take the Big 12 Championship and hope Louisville and Florida fall. Texas will probably need Ohio State to beat Michigan in order for them to earn their way to the title.

Auburn pounded Arkansas State on Saturday, but a quality win is what the Tigers really need. In reality Auburn is praying for a miracle. Despite beating Florida earlier this year, that win will mean nothing if Arkansas doesn’t lose twice in conference play. Auburn’s National Championship aspirations will only become a reality if they can make it to the SEC Championship game and knock off Florida for the second time this year.

Southern California will have a solid argument for their inclusion in the BCS Championship game if they can win out. Remaining on the USC schedule, Oregon, California and Notre Dame. Both California and Notre Dame are making their own push to earn their ticket to the BCS Championship game in Arizona.

California jumped to number eight in the BCS rankings and have set the stage for their showdown with USC. California beat UCLA 38-24 Saturday in a PAC-10 matchup.
Notre Dame remained at number nine in the BCS rankings after beating North Carolina on Saturday. While Notre Dame was hurt by USC loss to Oregon State two weeks ago, they still have an outside chance at finding their way to Arizona on January 8. They have two more games before facing off with USC in California. Notre Dame is in the same boat as Auburn when it comes to reaching that title game. A minor miracle may have to occur if the Irish are to play for the National Championship.

 1. Ohio State
 2. Michigan
 3. Louisville
 4. Florida
 5. Texas
 6. Auburn
 7. USC
 8. California
 9. Notre Dame
10. West Virginia
11. Arkansas
12. LSU
13. Rutgers
14. Boise State
15. Wisconsin
16. Tennessee
17. Oklahoma
18. Georgia Tech
19. Wake Forest
20. Oregon
21. Virginia Tech
22. Boston College
23. Maryland
24. Oregon State
25. Texas A&M