The release of the BCS rankings wouldn’t be complete without getting ahead of ourselves a bit. Here are seven scenarios that could result from what happens in the next month.
Scenario 1 -- Alabama and Oregon win out
This may be the most boring possibility, but it could also result in the most intriguing matchup. A high-powered Pac-12 offense vs. a steel-curtain-like SEC defense? Fantastic. We may finally get to see which approach wins out.The irony is that Oregon’s defense and Alabama’s offense are better than people think. Plus, there may be a Heisman Trophy finalist or two.
Matchup grade: A+
Scenario 2 -- Oregon loses a game, setting up an Alabama-Florida State showdown
The Seminoles would make their first trip to the BCS title game since 2000 and set up only the second meeting between the two programs in the last 40 years. Florida State might be one of the few teams that can match up across the board with the Tide when it comes to pure talent.
Matchup grade: A
Scenario 3 -- Alabama loses to LSU, while Oregon and FSU win out
Two of the top offensive teams in the country would face off and maybe the two top finishers in the Heisman Trophy race, too. Could Jameis Winston become the first freshman quarterback since Jamelle Holieway to lead his team to the national title?
Matchup grade: A
Scenario 4 -- Ohio State wins out and plays either Oregon, Florida State or Alabama.
Not many people outside of Ohio and Alabama want to see those two teams meet, as yet another Midwest sacrificial lamb would be led to the SEC slaughterhouse. Urban Meyer has done amazing things in Columbus, but his program isn’t quite ready to play at that level (though it soon will be). An Ohio State-Oregon matchup might be more intriguing, as the two spread schools would probably create an exciting show. The Buckeyes and Seminoles would be interesting on paper, but could lead to another lopsided margin.
Matchup grade: B-
Scenario 5 -- Miami wins out and plays Alabama or Oregon.
The Cinderella Hurricanes would likely suffer the same fate that Notre Dame did last year.
Matchup grade: C
Scenario 6 -- Alabama, FSU, Ohio State and Miami lose a game. Baylor and Oregon win out.
The two top offenses in the country, maybe of all time, playing in the same game? The scoreboard might break.
Matchup grade: A+
Scenario 7 -- Alabama and Stanford win out, while FSU, Ohio State, Miami and Baylor lose.
This would be the opposite matchup of Oregon-Baylor, as two of the most physical teams in the country on both sides of the ball would go toe-to-toe. Those interested in ‘big boy football’ would be in heaven. Those interested in seeing points scored would probably fall asleep by halftime.
Matchup grade: B+