Getting to the BCS game is like a game of Survivor: Whomever is left standing at the end of November wins.  Lose a game in September to a decent opponent, you still have a chance with a little help.  Lose two games  or lose in October to a team ranked close to you and you are probably not going to Pasadena.  Therefore, we wish a fond farewell to Oklahoma, Georgia  and Cal which took themselves out yesterday.  Some thoughts:

• #3 Alabama played a lackluster first half before stepping on the gas and running down Kentucky.  In a normal week, the Crimson Tide may have done enough to sneak past idle Texas into the #2 ranking, but I seriously doubt it.  Bama has some big tests coming up starting next Saturday with Ole Miss.
• #4 LSU looked flat for 3½ quarters but managed to rally against a Georgia team that couldn't play defense if the game depended in it.  This LSU team might not be flashy, but they do what they need to do to win.  They probably will go away next weekend against Florida.
• #5 Boise State just sits in the back of the room waiting, knowing that if they run the table (which they should) three of the top four could eliminate themselves, especially since LSU meets Florida next week and Alabama, if they win out, would probably meet Florida in the SEC Championship game.  So, Boise State is in provided Florida, LSU and Alabama lost at least once.  Beating Cal Davis however is not impressive.
• #6 VA Tech, tops among the one loss teams  had a hangover game against Duke.  They need to play better to stay in the hunt.
• #7 USC is very much alive and kicking after crushing #24 Cal last night.  Don't count the Trojans out yet, because among the one loss teams, they are clearly the best team. They just need some help.  BTW, I can see the voters voting them over Boise State eventually.
• #8 Oklahoma, thanks for playing.  With two losses, your BCS dreams are dust.  #17 Miami on the other hand is back in the hunt for a possible BCS ride. Just think where the Sooners would be with Sam Bradford.
• #9 Ohio State whipped up on Illinois.  Whoo hoo!  The best team in a crappy conference.  Congrats, boys. Enjoy getting beat by USC again in the Rose Bowl.
• #10 Cincinnati beat down Miami (of Ohio.)  Their being game is October 15th (a Thursday) against South Florida.  If they survive that, they could run the table although West Virginia and Pitt could also pose problems.  I don't think they go away unscathed.
• #11 TCU has two more games to survive before their showdown with BYU. 
• #12 Houston, we have a problem.  You've just been beaten by an awful UTEP team.  Thanks for playing, please collect your prizes at the door on your way out.
• #13 Iowa barely survives Arkansas State.  This tells you how putrid the Big Ten is.  It also signals the start of Iowa's decent in the rankings.
• #15 Penn State got some offense against Illinois.  Of course, Illinois is like the easy girl.  Everyone scores on her.
• #16 Oregon should move up with their impressive handling of Washington State.  Figure maybe #12 or #13.
• So much for #22 Michigan's revival.