Posted on 10/30/2007 2:06:25 AM

NCAA Football Odds – BCS Standings Analysis Week 9

By Tim Furious

The BCS Standings remained virtually unchanged at the top of the mountain. The biggest news was down below, where the Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators both lost on Saturday. The Buckeyes remain at the top of the pile, but the biggest surprise is which team is climbing back up the mountain.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0)

As long as the Buckeyes keep winning football games, they will be in the BCS title game in New Orleans. There are no undefeated teams rallying for the top spot. The Buckeyes defense is going to take this team straight to the Superdome in January. But they can’t take the foot off the pedal yet.

Next game: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State (-16.5)

2. Boston College Eagles (8-0)

Matt Ryan looked sensational in the closing minutes against Virginia Tech, a game the Eagles won 14-10. Ryan continues to draw votes for the Heisman and his 285 yard performance will only cement that. The problem for Boston College will be getting the BCS computers to ignore their weak(er) schedule. The Eagles remain a strong bet going 5-2 ATS on the season.

Next game: Florida State vs. Boston College (-7.5)

3. LSU Tigers (7-1)

When your only loss was in triple over-time against an incredibly talented quarterback, you’re not doing so badly. LSU can still win outright the rest of the way and that would make them a solid contender for the BCS Championship game. But the betting community should be wary of this 3-5 ATS team. They win, but it is not always pretty.

Next game: LSU (-7) vs. Alabama

4. Arizona State Sun Devils (8-0)

My complete and utter disdain for Arizona State’s ranking continues to stew since the California Golden Bears couldn’t sit on a lead. The Sun Devils have to face Oregon this weekend and have USC bearing down on them on Thanksgiving. Any slip-up and the Sun Devils will go tumbling down, but it will be impossible to keep an undefeated Pac-10 team out of the national title game at the end of the year.

Next game: Arizona State vs. Oregon (-7)

5. Oregon Ducks (7-1)

The Ducks and Dennis Dixon continue to fly-high and a 24-17 victory over USC has only cemented them as the best team in the Pac-10. They can not let Arizona State win this weekend, and a victory will only help their cause as time runs out on the season.

Next game: Arizona State vs. Oregon (-7)

6. Oklahoma Sooners (7-1)

The Sooners destiny is simply out of their hands. The rest of their schedule is fairly easy, but they need everyone ahead of them to stumble at some point.

Next game: Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma (-19.5)

7. West Virginia Mountaineers (7-1)

The Mountaineers demolished Rutgers in their own building with a score of 31-3. The loss to South Florida is going to sting when the BCS computers get in to the picture, and the Mountaineers need some help from their opponents because they need to face a top-10 team towards the end of the year. That’s the only way they will make enough noise to get the call for New Orleans. And it likely won’t happen.

Next game: BYE WEEK

THE CLIMBERS

12. Michigan Wolverines (7-2)

Michigan is soaring up the ladder and the 34-10 drubbing of Minnesota only helped propel them faster. They jumped eight spots in the BCS Standings and the betting faithful who stood by them will be more than pleased to see this. They need some help, but never ever underestimate the infamous at-large bid. Michigan still has a reputation and that may be enough to squeak them in to the title picture.

Next game: Michigan (-4) vs. Michigan State

22. Boise State Broncos (7-1)

Can they do it again? Too many good teams have multiple losses and the Broncos, who average 41.8 points per game, may be in store for another insane run just like last season. Don’t put your eggs in this betting basket yet, but maintain a watchful eye. They are 3-4 ATS.

Next game: San Jose State vs. Boise State (-25.5)

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