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Stanford in the BCS title game? Championship scenarios

The Cardinal are likely to head to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. But can they be national champions?

If every undefeated team in college football suffered one loss, would Stanford have a shot at the national title?

Chris Landon, UW Dawg Pound: Sure. If we've learned anything with the BCS it is that when you lose can be more important than who you lose to. An early season loss to Utah kind of fades from memories in that regard, no matter how bad Utah proves to be.

Jack Follman, Pacific Takes: I think that would put them in it against Alabama. The only team that I think could block them out in that situation could be Florida State but I think their win over Oregon with supporting wins over UCLA and Arizona State - one of which they will beat twice would outweigh Florida State's over Clemson and Miami (twice). What I think could be most interesting about this is if Oregon wins out, we could be very close to a Stanford/Oregon rematch in the BCS Championship Game but that would probably require Alabama to lose twice.

Jason Bartel, Arizona Desert Swarm: Yes, definitely. Can't imagine that happening, but even if Ohio State goes undefeated, I still think Stanford finishes in front of them in the BCS Standings.

Trevor Wong, Conquest Chronicles: I say yes. It's better to lose earlier in the season, rather than right now towards the end of the year. If Florida State or Ohio State drop a game and Stanford wins out, I think that's enough to leapfrog both teams based on their remaining games and strength of schedule.