[BlueK]

Originally Posted by minn_stat

Actually a real, if slim, possibility. Consider, based on current standings:

1-Alabama in as SEC champ
2-Texas Tech in as Big 12 champ
3-Penn State in as Big 10 champ
4-Texas in as at large #1
5-Florida in as at large #2
6-USC in as PAC-10 champ
7-Utah in as non-BCS auto qualifier
8-North Carolina in as ACC champ
9-West Virginia in as Big East champ

Remaining eligible teams for the last at large selection (must be in top 14):
Ohio State, Boise State, TCU

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Georgia, Missouri are teams in the top 14 that would be ineligible because two teams from their conferences are already represented.

Teams waiting in the wings if some of those in the top 14 lose:
BYU at #15
LSU at #16 would be ineligible
Ball State at #17

So, for example, if Ohio State loses at #24 Northwestern this week, TCU beats Utah, and Georgia loses at Auburn next week - then Boise State replaces Utah as the non-BCS auto qualifier, but the only teams available for the last at large would likely be TCU, BYU, and Ball State.

The basic gist is if three non-BCS teams can end up in the top 14, combined with 9 teams the SEC and Big 12 teams in the top 14 (there are 8 right now, and LSU is at #16), the BCS would be forced to invite two non-BCS conference teams to their party. Or four non-BCS teams with 8 SEC/Big 12 teams.

Not real likely, but possible.

TCU will pass Boise State if they beat Utah.