$100 Match Bonus from Bodog!
Open an new account with Bodog and deposit $100 or more for a $100 match bonus!

BetUS $500 Match Bonus
Sign up for a new account with BetUS and deposit $500 or more to get a $500 match bonus.

BCS Championship Predictions – Week 12

Written by Evan Altemus on November 10, 2008

Several strange scenarios still exist in the BCS because of the amount of teams still in contention. Penn State’s loss limits some of the possible scenarios, but there are still several situations that could leave teams complaining. Let’s examine the remaining scenarios in the BCS and give a few college bowl predictions.

One of the lesser covered potential situations is in the Big 12 South. Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech are all in that division. The winner of the South gets the invite to the Big 12 Championship game in December. However, there is a possible scenario that could have a dramatic effect on which teams play in the BCS title game. Texas Tech leads the division, but Texas and Oklahoma only have one loss. The Red Raiders have a bye this week, with their toughest game of the season in two weeks, a road contest at Oklahoma. Texas Tech was able to jump out to an early lead over Texas, as well as having several bounces go their way. However, they may not be so lucky against Oklahoma. If they lose that game, then the Big 12 may have to use the 5th tiebreaker to decide who wins the South. If Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech all end the season with one loss, then more than likely the division winner will be determined by which team has the best BCS ranking after the regular season. In the latest BCS rankings, Texas Tech is 2nd, Texas is 3rd, and Oklahoma is 5th. If Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma, then Texas will probably jump them. However, would Oklahoma’s win over Tech give them enough strength of schedule points to jump Texas in the computers? The answer could be yes, as the Sooners still have to face Oklahoma State. Wins over those two teams will dramatically improve their computer rankings, and if the victories are convincing, then pollsters might put them ahead of both Texas and Florida. Overall, Texas Tech must win out to play in the National Championship game, as they won’t have a high enough computer ranking with a loss to Oklahoma. The Sooners still have time to make up ground on Texas, but the Longhorns have the best chance at winning the Big 12 South if Texas Tech loses. The winner of the Big 12 South will have to face Missouri in the Big 12 Championship game. The Tigers would have a chance to win that game, but they have yet to step up against an upper tier opponent. Texas, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State have all beaten Missouri in the past two seasons, but they would still have a shot at the win. Let’s look at another BCS situation.

Alabama escaped LSU with a narrow win and their #1 ranking in tact. They have been less than dominant this season but have managed to stay undefeated. The Tide must still get past their in-state rival Auburn at the end of the season, but they are basically guaranteed to meet Florida in the SEC Championship game. The winner of that game is more than likely going to receive a spot in the BCS Championship game, provided both teams take care of business between now and then. Florida faces tricky games to finish out the season though. This week the Gators have to face South Carolina, as well as a road game at Florida State to finish out the season. There is a strong chance that either Alabama or Florida will face a Big 12 South opponent in the BCS Championship game.

USC continues to be the odd team out in the chase for a spot in the title game. They still sit at 6th in the BCS rankings and will probably not move up dramatically unless several teams above them lose. The Trojans won’t be able to gain ground because of their weak remaining strength of schedule. Their remaining opponents include UCLA, Notre Dame, and Stanford, hardly top 15 opponents. Their only hope is that Texas Tech loses to Oklahoma, as well as either Florida or Alabama losing in the regular season, then that team beating the other in the SEC Championship game.

Overall the BCS Championship picture is starting to look more certain. Regardless of the outcome, several teams will arguably complain about being left out. Look for either Alabama or Florida to face Texas, Texas Tech, or Oklahoma in the title game.

If you want help beating the college bowl odds each week then sign up for the football picks offered by our handicappers. They will make sure you close the season out winning with your college football betting.

Get college bowl picks from top handicappers!

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: