Miami had a far more impressive victory than Ohio State on Saturday. But the Buckeyes lead the Hurricanes in the latest Bowl Championship Series standings.
It makes little difference whether OSU or Miami is No. 1. If the Buckeyes and Hurricanes win their remaining games, they would play for the national title in the Fiesta Bowl.
“I am proud of what this team has accomplished so far this year,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. “We have won a number of tough football games. This week, we have another very difficult challenge at Illinois. That is where our focus is.”
If OSU or Miami stumbles, a slew of once-beaten teams would clamor for a berth. That’s why the real news in Monday’s standings was third place, where Washington State edged past Oklahoma, the previous No. 1.
The BCS formula weighs the two major polls; seven computer rankings with the lowest discarded; strength of schedule; and losses. Teams receive a small bonus for “quality wins” over BCS Top 10 schools.
Ohio State leads Miami on the basis of the Buckeyes’ “quality win” over Washington State on Sept. 14.
The Cougars have ripped off seven straight wins since that game, and their streak has lifted them atop the pile of once-beaten teams.
Notre Dame can thank the pollsters for their drop from contention. In the computers, they have an average score of 4.83, and their schedule strength remains healthy, although it took a hit against Navy last week and will weaken further when the Irish meet lowly Rutgers on Nov. 23. Both polls rate the Irish ninth, lowest among the once-beatens, and that’s why Notre Dame needs more help.
