Eliminator: Are Missouri Tigers legit?

We saw a pair of national title contenders-turned-pretenders fall this weekend, as two teams that did not fit the Eliminator's profile for a national champion (the LSU Tigers and Oklahoma Sooners) bit the dust against two teams that will be a big part of the BCS conversation this week (the Auburn Tigers and Missouri Tigers).

With each passing week, each conference's stats are taking firmer hold. Just a quick reminder about what our system does: Based on statistical success indicators in college football, we've set six benchmarks that every champion of the past six years has met in each individual race, both in the six BCS conferences and in the national title race. To delve deeper into our formula, check out our season-opening post here.

As we look at each race this week, we see some interesting trends emerging, including the fact the Boise State Broncos, Oregon Ducks and TCU Horned Frogs are still the teams most closely resembling past national champions. Also included in this week's post: why Missouri is a legit threat to win the Big 12 (but less of a BCS title candidate); why the Michigan State Spartans could be in trouble this week against the Iowa Hawkeyes; and why the SEC title still runs through Tuscaloosa.

For the full breakdown here, you need to be an ESPN Insider.

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