The only team that can hang with USC this year is Miami. And then only on a good day (like we had in Blacksburg on 11/5). Only a very strong defensive team will be able to beat them. ND and Fresno could score with them, but couldn't stop them. Then again, we only put up 14 on GT, hence my comment "on a good day".
As for FSU, they couldn't play their way into or out of a paper bag. They are so done. The Hokies will destroy them (as much as it pains me to say that), so there's no fear of an 8-4 team making a BCS bowl this year. The point still remains, however, that a playoff is needed, and needed badly.
Are ya kidding me? The two teams that nearly beat USc were either beaten or nearly beaten this weekend by lesser teams. Texas should be able to not only hang but hang 50 on them. Mack wont rest on his laurels this time.
You have no way of knowing that for sure. By the way, in my opinion, USC's strength of schedule is not that impressive.
UCS is a media darling, as is Miami. The BCS is all about media darlings. Example: Notre Dame. Watch for them to get a BCS bowl game.