Campus Confidential

Gone is the Top 25. Here is the top 14, in the spirit of the BCS.

Why 14? Well, because it's between 12 and 16 and I don't think any other teams not on this list deserve mentioning...except Tennessee, but there's not much to say about the Vols except they're the fourth-best team in their conference. I've already said too much.

1. West Virginia
It's been very easy to hate WVU this year because the Big East wasn't all that it was billed. However, the Mountaineers have one of the country's top offenses and the defense has answered the bell in every game this season (even in ths loss). Rich Rodriguez's team has earned this ranking and a chance to play for the national title.

2. Missouri
Can the Tigers exact their revenge? 'Win and you're in' hasn't been an easy concept for most this year...If the Tigers do win, it could be an offensive party we're all invited to come early January.

3. Georgia
In my world, the Dawgs have a very real chance to make the championship game, because UGA would take Ohio State to the woodshed. But in the twisted world of the BCS, playing in the desolate Big 10 gives you more credibility.

4. LSU
Honestly, this team is the biggest disappointment in a while. There's really no excuse, considering all the talent that LSU can showcase. And Les Miles' argument about undefeated in regulation is the most absurd logic. I hope he doesn't pull a stunt like that in Michgian...in the South you're allowed to be a little...eccentric?

5. Ohio State
Once again, in my world it'd be rather tough for the Buckeyes to play for the national title, but in the twisted world of the BCS, there's a very real possibility.

6. Virginia Tech
Many in Virginia Tech land are playing the 'what if' game? What if VT didn't collapse in the final two minutes against BC? Would the Hokies be ranked No. 1? Perhaps, but that's a mind-boggling game to play. Tech has played lights out football since then and if it can take care of business this weekend, all will be fine for the Hokies.

7. Southern California
Besides Georgia, this could be the team that would benefit most from a playoff this year. A USC-Ohio State Rose Bowl would actually be a dream game for the BCS and a great test to see how the programs will fare the next 2-3 years.

8. Oklahoma
Are the Sooners ready to blow up the BCS? If not, it's Cotton Bowl. Once again, the Sooners control their own destiny.

9. Florida
Another team who could potentially rock a playoff system. The strength of the SEC and the loss to Georgia keep the Gators outof the BCS picture, which is a lesson of humility for that athletic department. But they won't be held down long.

10. Kansas
The Jayhawks actually must pull for the Tigers. The question is this: Does two losses to Oklahoma trump a one-loss Kansas (who lost to this two-loss team) in the eyes of the BCS? You'd have to think so, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

11. Hawaii
They've earned the right, much like Boise did last year.

12. Boston College
Will it be Miami or Atlanta for New Years? Many are quick to count out the Eagles because of the whole Virginia Tech revenge thing, but it's not like BC isn't play for anything here...

13. Arizona State
A lot has to happen, but I think that Arizona State has a resume as impressive as Ohio State.

14. Illinois
The Illini could find a way to sneak in to the BCS, but Arizona State has earned the right moreso...