BCS Chaos: Closer Look At Scenarios That May Leave Auburn Out of BCS Bowl

All it took was one second for the Auburn Tigers to upset their in-state rival. Chaos erupted after Auburn cornerback Chris Davis returned a missed field goal attempt into a 109-yard touchdown return.The chaos continued not only on the field after the game, but in Toomers Corner as well. There was not a single spot that was not covered with toilet paper, and Tiger fans did not seem to care that they no longer had their oak trees to target.

So when does the chaos end not only in Auburn but in college football as well? The kings of college football were de-throned in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday and it does not stop there. The games this weekend could provide one of the craziest weekends of the year.

Every scenario to put Alabama back in the national championship game has been considered, but in order for any of the scenarios to play out Duke must beat Florida State. Yes Duke, a 29-point underdog, must beat the top ranked team in the country. It is not impossible, but it is highly unlikely. We will not rule it out just yet considering that the Crimson Tide has made it to the national title the last two years.

There are two scenarios, however, that have the Auburn Tigers not making it to a BCS bowl game. Auburn (or Missouri) has a chance of ending their season the same way Georgia did last year. The Bulldogs lost in the SEC Championship game and even though Alabama went to the national title, Florida was ranked higher so the Gators were invited to play in the Sugar Bowl instead of Georgia.

Scenario #1

If Florida State and Ohio State win their conference championship games they should both make it to the national championship. If Missouri wins the SEC Championship game they will automatically go to the Sugar Bowl. That would leave Alabama and Auburn the two teams to offer BCS at-large bids to. Although Alabama lost to the Tigers they are still a one loss team that should finish with a higher ranking than Auburn in this scenario. Alabama would likely get the BCS at-large bid and play in the Orange Bowl because of the higher ranking.

Scenario #2

You must also consider a scenario that results in either Florida State or Ohio State losing. If one of those two teams lost that would open the door for the winner of the SEC Championship to play in the national championship. If Missouri wins and makes it to the national championship that would leave an SEC spot to fill in the Sugar Bowl. Although Auburn is the SEC West champion they would not get the opportunity to fill this spot because Alabama would be ranked higher. That is the price the SEC pays for being the best conference in the country.

If Auburn does not make it to a BCS bowl will that allow Alabama to feel like they got the last laugh? Absolutely not. The Crimson Tide still lost and with it they lost the opportunity to seek revenge until next year's game. If Auburn wins the SEC Championship then that will diminish any chance of them not going to a BCS bowl. We'll have to wait until Saturday, but while many fans are looking at the "best case scenario" very few are left considering the "worst case scenario."