Can Oklahoma State catch Alabama in BCS standings?

Oklahoma State moved to No. 3 in the BCS standings released Sunday night, despite having an open date. The Cowboys still trail No. 2 Alabama by .0839 points, which is a little bit less than last week’s .1083-point deficit. Oklahoma State made more progress in the Harris Poll and USA Today coaches’ poll. A week ago, the Crimson Tide had a 748-point advantage over the Cowboys in total votes; Alabama’s lead was trimmed to 508 points this week, which still is a large advantage with only one week to go in the regular season. The human polls make up two-thirds of the BCS formula, and a team’s average in six computer polls constitutes the remaining one-third. The top two teams in the BCS standings will play in the BCS championship game in New Orleans on Jan. 9. At this point, ESPN.com writer Mark Schlabach says, it seems clear that No. 1 LSU will play for the championship, even if it loses to No. 14 Georgia in Saturday’s SEC championship game in Atlanta. The Tigers have a perfect 1.000 BCS average and are ranked No. 1 in both human polls and each of the six computer rankings. Alabama finished its regular season with an 11-1 record after a 42-14 victory over Auburn on Saturday; the Crimson Tide lost to LSU 9-6 in overtime at home on Nov. 5. Oklahoma State plays host to No. 10 Oklahoma State on Saturday. If the Cowboys win, voters will have to decide whether they want to see an SEC West rematch between No. 1 LSU and Alabama in the BCS championship game or elevate Oklahoma State past the Crimson Tide in their final ballots.