Miami loss launches battle for 2nd in BCS

Oklahoma ended any debate about who's the top team in college football. In the world of the BCS, it's just as important to determine who's second.

"We're No. 2!" might not be the catchiest phrase, but you'll hear plenty of it in the coming weeks.

Virginia Tech's 31-7 thrashing of Miami on Saturday night opened the door for the one-loss teams and kicked off a month of chaos as teams fight for a berth in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship.

There will be lots of lobbying, arguing and calculating between now and Dec. 7 when the bowl matchups are set.

"I have absolutely no energy for that. None. Zero. And I won't," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "We go and play football and see what happens at the end. Then somebody will have to tell me how it works because I have no idea how it works."

Well, Pete, here's the explanation.

Oklahoma will earn one spot in the Sugar Bowl by winning its remaining four games, which shouldn't be difficult considering Texas Tech is the toughest opponent left and the Big 12 North won't provide a top team in the conference title game.

USC, Florida State, LSU, Virginia Tech, Miami, and Ohio State are the one-loss teams fighting for the second spot. And if all those teams somehow lose, even a two-loss team like Michigan or Georgia could have a shot.

When the new BCS standings are released today, USC is projected to have a comfortable lead over Florida State for the No. 2 spot, according to expert Jerry Palm. Miami, Ohio State, Virginia Tech and LSU should follow.

But even if the Trojans win out, they could be passed depending how the computers and strength of schedule calculate.

The Hokies are the longest shot among the one-loss teams, but all of them will need a little help.

"We don't control our own destiny," Miami coach Larry Coker said. "We've had that luxury for the last two years. But we do know this: There are not a lot of undefeated teams out there. ... If there's going to be a one-loss team in there, why can't it be us?"

Here's how the six one-loss teams are handicapped going down the stretch.

USC: The Trojans might be in the best position. They have the nation's most-balanced offense, a dominating defensive line and a favorable remaining schedule. After an off week, USC finishes the season with a visit to Pac-10 doormat Arizona, and then hosts UCLA and Oregon State.

Florida State: The Seminoles will probably remain third in the BCS standings because of USC's win over Washington State. Catching the Trojans won't be easy for the Seminoles, whose toughest remaining game is at No. 17 Florida.

LSU: A nonconference schedule that featured Louisiana-Monroe, Arizona, Division I-AA Western Illinois and Louisiana Tech will hurt the Tigers' computer rankings. They probably need losses from at least four of the other one-loss teams to make it. LSU also has a trip to SEC West leader Mississippi and possibly the conference title game.

Virginia Tech: The most popular team in the country after the win against Miami renewed hope for so many other teams. Nonconference games against Division I-AA James Madison, UConn and Central Florida will be tough to overcome, especially with a weak Big East schedule.

Miami: All is not lost if the Hurricanes can work their way back up the polls. The Hurricanes fell from second to sixth in the AP poll and seventh in the coaches' poll, seriously damaging their BCS rating. Losses by Virginia Tech and LSU would help Miami move up the polls and the Hurricanes also will get a boost from the quality-win component if Florida State keeps winning.

Ohio State: The ultimate survivors with four wins by seven or fewer points. The close calls, especially against weak opponents like Penn State and San Diego State, hurt the national champions with the poll voters. Luckily for the Buckeyes, the computers can't factor in margin of victory. If the other one-loss teams start falling, Ohio State will move up in the polls and be in great position because of their difficult schedule..