After the games of November 19, 2011, only six teams remain as contenders to reach the 2012 BCS NCAA College Football Championship Game, to be played January 9, 2012, in New Orleans. In this article the teams are ranked, from having the “easiest” to “most difficult” path, with a review of what they need to do to reach New Orleans.
1. LSU and Arkansas will play each other on Friday, November 25th, with the winner meeting Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. This is not a ranking of who is the best team, but rather who has the easiest path to play for the BCS Championship. Either the Tigers or Razorbacks will be on their way to New Orleans if they can beat Georgia, so it’s a tie for #1. LSU would finish with 13 wins and 0 losses (13-0), or Arkansas would finish 12-1.
3. Alabama has only one game remaining against Auburn on Saturday, November 26th. A Crimson Tide victory, paired with an LSU win over Arkansas, would set up a week long debate over whether or not it is appropriate for the BCS NCAA College Football Championship to be a rematch between two teams who have already played. On the field, Alabama only needs one more victory. The Crimson Tide would have a final record of 11-1.
4. Oklahoma State was considered eliminated when they lost to Iowa State on Friday night. However, Saturday’s upsets of Oregon, Oklahoma and Clemson have given new life to the Cowboys. Oklahoma State only has one game remaining to win, “Bedlam” vs Oklahoma on December 3rd. If the voters decide against a rematch, the Cowboys would be on their way to New Orleans. Oklahoma State would finish 11-1.
5. The Houston Cougars need two more wins to be the Conference USA Champion with a perfect 13-0 season. Ranked #1 in passing and points scored, Houston would be deserving of a game against LSU, a battle of the only two unbeaten teams in the nation (each with 13-0 records). If LSU loses a game, either to Arkansas or Georgia, Houston would be the only unbeaten team and even more deserving. An LSU v Houston game would be a classic contest of defense vs offense.
6. Georgia can qualify for the BCS Championship with two more wins, November 26th against Georgia Tech and the SEC Championship Game. With an 11-2 record, the Bulldogs would spoil the party for the SEC West Triumvirate of LSU, Alabama and Arkansas. As the SEC Champions, Georgia would be playing in New Orleans on January 9, 2012.
Prediction
The game I would like to see, for the sheer excitement and fast-paced action, would be between the two teams ranked #1 and #2 in both scoring and passing yards, Houston v Oklahoma State. However, the matchup I expect to see in New Orleans is:
LSU Tigers vs Alabama Crimson Tide
Ugh! I really don’t want to see a rematch.
source: espn.com