Unbeatens have tough road ahead to BCS championship
MONDAY’S release of the Bowl Championship Series standings has the national media abuzz with scenarios about how an unbeaten team can be left out of college football’s biggest game. But if past history is any indication, the biggest moves by unbeatens won’t come in the equation, but on the playing field. In the seven years of the BCS, only one team from a major conference — Auburn in 2004 — has finished without a loss and still missed the BCS-title game. With that in mind, here’s a look at the seven remaining unbeaten teams, their upcoming schedules and their chances of remaining unbeaten at season’s end. USC AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREWalnut’s Malik Khouzam voted Southern California Boys Athlete of the Week Toughest foe: vs. UCLA, Dec. 3. Last season, L.A.’s other team came within one possession of beating the Trojans. This year’s Bruins have already equaled last season’s win total and could have the swagger and confidence of a 10-0 record by the time they play USC. Potential slip-up: at Cal, Nov. 12. Forget Cal’s losses to UCLA and Oregon State. The Golden Bears still have two rushers with 100-yard potential, Jeff Tedford’s game plan and a recent mental edge over the Trojans. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Excellent Texas Toughest foe: vs. Texas Tech, Saturday. The Red Raiders have the most potent offense in the country, but that might not matter against the Longhorns’ squelching defense. Tech’s chances appear slim but higher than any of the other teams Vince Young and Co. have left. 
Potential slip-up: Big 12 title game, Dec. 3, in Houston. This game has a history of upsets. But then the loser of this game has a history of advancing to the BCS title game, as well. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Excellent Georgia Toughest foe: SEC title game, Dec. 3, in Atlanta. Alabama, Auburn or LSU, whichever team emerges from the SEC West is going to be as tough a team as the Bulldogs will face. Potential slip-up: Auburn, Nov. 12. Georgia gets back-to-back ranked SEC foes in Florida and Auburn, separated only by a bye week. At least the Bulldogs get both at home. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Good Virginia Tech Toughest foe: vs. Miami, Nov. 5. The second of back-to-back home games against ranked teams could end the Hokies’ run. Miami has dominated every team it has played after opening the season with a loss to Florida State and has owned its series with Va. Tech. Potential slip-up: vs. Boston College, Oct. 27. Boston College is deceptively good, having run up a 6-1 record. And the Eagles have a storied past against highly touted teams. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Fair UCLA Toughest foe: at USC, Dec. 3. The Bruins have closed the gap in L.A., but they are still little brother to the Trojans dynasty. Potential slip-up: vs. Arizona State, Nov. 12. The Sun Devils provided scares for LSU and USC this year before falling in the fourth quarter. Will they be able to put together a complete game against a highly ranked team by season’s end? Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Fair Alabama Toughest foe: vs. LSU, Nov. 12. Alabama has beaten Florida and a series of inferior opponents, most by large margins. But the Crimson Tide ends with two of the SEC’s elite, with the Tigers providing ‘Bama with its biggest test. Potential slip-up: at Auburn, Nov. 19. A week after playing LSU, the Crimson Tide rolls into the Iron Bowl against an Auburn team that has lost once since 2003. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Poor Texas Tech Toughest foe: at Texas, Saturday. Playing the No. 2 team in the country on the road will be no easy task, and Tech’s struggles in an eventual win at Nebraska should be reason for concern. Potential slip-up: Big 12 title game, Dec. 3, in Houston. If the Raiders get past the Longhorns and sweep through the rest of the season, they will still have to play the Big 12 North champion in an upset-friendly game. Likelihood of remaining unbeaten: Poor — Walter Hammerwold can be reached at (626) 962-8811, Ext. 2239, or by e-mail at [email protected] 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!