The week twelve 2011 BCS Rankings were released Sunday evening and as expected, the Stanford Cardinal dropped following their loss to Oregon. Stanford dropped from No. 4 to No. 10 as Oregon climbed to No. 4 and just about secured a Rose Bowl berth. Boise State's loss dropped them to No. 10 as Houston was unable to climb past them.
Stanford had a shot at the BCS national championship game, but this loss knocks them out of that consideration and Rose Bowl consideration. However, by remaining in the top 14, Stanford remains eligible for a BCS at-large bid. Their remaining games against California and Notre Dame should keep them in the top 14. The question then becomes whether or not Stanford will be deemed worthy of an at-large bid. The BCS bowls will look at ability to travel and also potential to boost television ratings. Stanford can do the latter with Andrew Luck, but struggles with the former.
At this point, Stanford does not have as much concern with regards to climbing the rankings. As long as they keep winning, they will maintain their case for an at-large bid. Some movement up might help and they will get that when Clemson and Virginia Tech square off in the ACC championship game. Otherwise, Stanford has to wait for the BCS selection show in December.
Here are the Top 10 teams in the Week Twelve BCS Rankings:
1. LSU
2. Oklahoma State
3. Alabama
4. Oregon
5. Oklahoma
6. Arkansas
7. Clemson
8. Virginia Tech
9. Stanford
10. Boise State