First of all, I'd like to thank the Arkansas Razorbacks. Next I'd like to thank the Nevada Wolfpack. Without the two of you and all your hard work against LSU and Boise State, the Mighty Card's 11-1 season would probably have earned a trip to the prestigious Alamo Bowl.
But thanks to those two upsets (technically, the Arkansas win wasn't an upset), Stanford has climbed all the way to number four in the latest BCS standings, guaranteeing an invitation to one of the four BCS bowl games.
With most teams having finished their schedules, there are far fewer variables out there, so now seems as good a time as any to try to navigate Stanford's bowl possibilities. All of this discussion is based on the BCS selection process, as explained in a lengthy document that you're welcome to peruse. Or you can just take my word for it. I'll be sure to make it clear when I'm giving you something certain and when I'm speculating. Okay, here goes.
As the Cardinal heads into the home stretch of its season with a 2-1 record in Pac-10 play, Cardinal nation turns its lonely eyes towards Pasadena. Can Stanford possibly earn an invitation to Pasadena on New Year's Day? It's possible. There are two ways it can happen, and both involve the Cardinal winning its final six games. That's certainly not a gimme, so keep that in mind before you book passage to Los Angeles.
Scenario #1
Oregon loses twice in their final six games, finishes with a conference record of 7-2, and Stanford wins the Pac-10 at 8-1. Now, the last time we saw Oregon they were running up and down the field and piling up points on their way to a 52-31 win over the Cardinal. They're currently ranked second in the BCS standings, and it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if they ran the table and ended up in the national championship game, so how might they end up in second place behind Stanford? The Ducks have two marginally serious tests left on their schedule, and both are on the road. On October 30 they travel to USC to take on a Trojan team is desperate for a statement win. Their season closes with a December 4 trip to Corvallis for the Civil War against Oregon State. Not only is this a rivalry game, but Oregon State is a solid team that could upset the Ducks. If Oregon loses both of these games, the door will open for the Cardinal.
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