Movin’ on Up, Part II
To the East Side, to a deluxe apartment in the sky
Well, Penn State just keeps on taking care of business, and we got some help this week. With Texas beating Oklahoma, Oklahoma State squeaking past Mizzou, and Florida taking care of business against LSU, Penn State has jumped from #6 to #3.
Let’s take a look at the schedules for the remaining teams ahead of us. First, #1 Texas, who finally showed us a solid win last week with their victory over Oklahoma in the Red River Shootout:
| DATE | OPPONENT | ||
| 10/18 | No. 11 Missouri | ||
| 10/25 | No. 8 Oklahoma State | ||
| 11/01 | @ No. 7 Texas Tech | ||
| 11/08 | Baylor | ||
| 11/15 | @ No. 16 Kansas | ||
| 11/27 | Texas A&M |
Now that’s a tough schedule. Four games left against Top 25 teams, and no rest for the weary, as they’re taking on a good, angry, Missouri team next week. Even if they run the table, they’d have to play a Big XII championship game, and that would likely be a rematch with Missouri.
Chances of going undefeated: 35%
Next up: Alabama. Two convincing wins over top-10 teams have propelled Alabama to the head of the BCS standings. But they’ve struggled against some weaker teams, barely squeaking by Kentucky, and struggling with Tulane.
| DATE | OPPONENT | ||
| 10/18 | Mississippi | ||
| 10/25 | @ Tennessee | ||
| 11/01 | Arkansas State | ||
| 11/08 | @ No. 13 LSU | ||
| 11/15 | Mississippi State | ||
| 11/29 | Auburn |
SEC-speaking, that’s not too bad. I know, I know, in the SEC anyone can beat anyone else. But they get to avoid Florida, Georgia’s already out of the way, and I never thought I’d say this, but they’re fortunate to miss Vandy. LSU doesn’t really look that good, and Auburn just can’t score. They should make it through the regular season undefeated, but a championship game matchup with Florida is not a gimme.
Chances of going undefeated: 50%
I’m not going to forecast Penn State’s chances for fear of jinxing it, but this just goes to show us that it looks like Penn State really does control its destiny. Win out, and they should be in the BCS Championship Game.
