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OU Championship Hopes Not Dashed in Loss to Aggies November 10, 2002 by Jason Waganer Executive Editor OU fans should love the Bowl Championship Series. In the olden days, before the birth of the BCS Ratings, a loss to an unranked team in November usually spelled doom and gloom for a team's National Championship dreams. However, thanks to the addition of computer rankings and strength of schedule ratings, this year's Sooner team is not out of the championship hunt yet. Although they need a little help, the Sooners could still land in the Fiesta Bowl for the National Championship Game despite yesterday's loss to Texas A&M in College Station. In the Associated Press poll, released Sunday afternoon, the Sooners are tied for fourth place with Texas. Both teams trail Washington State by only two points. In the coaches poll, the Sooners dropped to sixth place overall. What this means, is that when this week's BCS ratings are released, the Sooners should be in third place, behind Miami and Ohio State. OU's schedule strength and computer rankings should be enough to keep it the third spot. As was said earlier, Washington State has only a two vote lead over OU and Texas for third in the AP poll, if the Sooners win out they will likely pass both teams and have sole possession of third in the AP as the writers are more likely to keep Oklahoma ahead of Texas by virtue of the Sooners victory earlier this season. Also, don't forget if Alabama was to finish the year in the BCS Top 10 OU would get quality win points even though the Tide are on probation. To get to the championship game, the Sooners need either Ohio State or Miami to lose a game and the Sooners must win out, including a Big 12 Championship Game appearance. That's easier said than done with games remaining against Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and a potential rematch with Colorado. Miami has three games remaining: home against Pittsburgh on Nov. 21st, at Syracuse on Nov. 30th and the season finale at home against Virginia Tech. All three teams are capable of pulling the upset, although it's unlikely. Ohio State has two remaining games: at Illinois Nov. 16th and the season finale at home against arch rival Michigan. Both Michigan and Illinois are capable of beating Ohio State. If the Sooners win out and Miami or Ohio State lose, the Sooners should be in the Fiesta Bowl. If OU wins out and so does Miami and Ohio State, Sooner fans can blame Texas A&M for spoiling a second potential national title in three years. It's going to be an exciting three weeks of football. Don't miss it!
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