Judging the BCS Contenders

Here we are at the half-way mark of the college football season, and the first BCS standings have been released. Teams that no one would have predicted as being national title contenders have stormed to the front of the standings. Let's see how they stack up now, and the rest of the year:

Ohio State
Challenges: The Buckeyes have the meat of the Big Ten schedule remaining, with visits to Penn State and Michigan, and hosting Illinois and Wisconsin, all teams who have been ranked this season.

Computers: The computer rankings figure to rise, where the Buckeyes are 5th in the composite standings on the intial release.

Odds: In this season, you never know what can happen on any Saturday, but if the offense can be as consistent as it has been all season and support the national championship-caliber defense, the Buckeyes are the leaders in my opinion. 3-1


South Florida
Challenges: The Bulls have three major tests remaining, traveling to Rutgers this Thursday, and hosting upstart Cincinnati and disappointing Louisville.

Computers: The leaders of the initial computer rankings with a strong non-conference slate behind them, the Bulls could drop this high ranking, as the Big East is not as strong as initially thought. The schedule remains competitive, but lacks in "big time" opponents.

Odds: Again, another team with a strong defense and, at times, suspect offense. Matt Grothe does an excellent job of leading the team, but is unconventional in his approach at quarterback. If the offense can maintain its solid play to go along with a fast aggressive defense, the Bulls have a good chance of playing for the national championship in only their 7th year of D-I football. 5-1


Boston College
Challenges: The Eagles face the toughest game on their schedule next Thursday night in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. Dates with Clemson, Florida State, and Miami will be challenges in terms of team speed on the other side of the ball.

Computers: BC was 7th in the intial computer rankings, and that does not look to improve after the game against VT. The ACC has been largely disappointing, with no teams stepping up either inside or outside of the conference. This is an area of concern, and could be the reason the Eagles get passed in the BCS rankings.

Odds: I'm still not sold on this BC team, but once they get past VT next Thursday, the schedule really opens up. I think they are disciplined enough to not beat themselves, which will be key against Clemson, FSU, and Miami. The computer rankings and the lack of strong teams in the ACC will probably be their demise. 10-1