The other contenders and their chances to bust into the BCS:

HAWAII — Colt Brennan and the Warriors have unbeaten regular season written all over that schedule, with two Division I-AA opponents and their toughest Western Athletic Conference games against Boise State and Fresno State at home. The schedule leaves no room for error. Hawaii can't get into the BCS with a loss, and aren't a lock with a perfect record.

TCU — The Horned Frogs have a nasty defense and two of the best ends in the nation in Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz. The Mountain West Conference is deeper than the WAC, so that should help TCU in the minds of the voters. Playing at Texas on Sept. 8 is a huge opportunity to shoot up the rankings. Even a close loss to the Longhorns might help.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI — Conference USA has really slipped in recent years so if the Golden Eagles are going to draw the necessary attention it'll have to come in the nonconference games. The good news is games at Tennessee and Boise provide the opportunity for high-profile victories. The bad news is USM probably isn't up to the task of winning at both places.