Four keys to BCS Top 10

The first BCS Poll will be released Monday morning, and the Buckeyes are looking to break into a decent slot on the initial release.  As it stands right now, the Bucks are slotted at around 12 or 13.  But there lies a decent future for Ohio State if the chips fall nicely for us.

For this weekend’s games, four positives need to happen for us.  One actually has already taken place.

First and foremost, Ohio State needs to take care of business.  Knocking off #20 Michigan State on their own field would be a big step up.  With the AP Poll showing us at #12 and the Coaches Poll at #11, we would solidify our standing and rise up further.

Second, we need one BIG upset in the Top 10 to unexpectedly knock a team down.  This one already happened, when #9 BYU got spanked hard last night, 32-7 by TCU.  There was doubt about BYU prior to this game, they’ll tumble a LONG way now.

Third, we need Texas to take care of business.  They showed they are for real by taking down previous #1 Oklahoma, and now they return home to battle #11 Missouri.  Mizzou will be fighting for their lives in the tough Big 12, which has five teams ranked in the Top 12.  Texas is favored to win, and if they hold up their end, Ohio State will pull away from the Tigers.

Fourth, we need a small upset.  Vanderbilt comes in at #22 and is still itching to prove they are not the same old Vandy.  They travel to #10 Georgia, who no longer looks at all like the team that would roll through the SEC and on to the NC.  Georgia’s last four games have been plagued with weakness, near-upsets, and one big curb-stomping at the hands of Bama.  If Vandy can take advantage of this game and catapult themselves back into the the SEC East lead, it will also be helping the Buckeyes.

These four positives are not stretches at all.  And together, they will ensure a Top 10 ranking in the initial BCS Poll.

Then, and only then, can we begin to discuss the implications of knocking off Penn State, who is now eyeing not only the Big Ten title, but the National Championship.  First things first.

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