BCS standings, Week 15: Auburn at No. 3, close behind Ohio State

Auburn is ranked No. 3 in the Week 15 BCS standings, close behind No. 2 Ohio State. The Tigers have an SEC Championship Game contest against No. 5 Missouri to contend with, but if they can come out on top, they'll have a real shot at jumping the Buckeyes and earning a national-title shot.

This week's BCS top five reflects the consensus among all the major polls: No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Auburn, No. 4 Alabama, No. 5 Missouri. And just like in the human polls, the Tigers' deficit behind the Buckeyes is small, likely too small for the comfort of fans in scarlet and gray. Ohio State (.9503) is .027 points ahead of Auburn (.9233), and a win over the SEC East's Tigers in the conference championship game could push Gus Malzahn's team over the top. It might not be likely, but the final standings would be close, and we're telling you there's a chance.

The computers really like the Tigers. Auburn is third in the standings behind No. 2 Ohio State in the computer rankings, and based on next week's games -- the Tigers have No. 5 Missouri; the Buckeyes have No. 10 Michigan State -- Auburn should finish ahead of OSU, according to the computers. Missouri is fifth in the computer rankings, while Michigan State is 12th.

If Auburn wins the SEC and doesn't advance to the BCS title game, no one should be upset -- Ohio State is undefeated and the Tigers have a loss -- even though Malzahn and Co. have faced a much tougher schedule. But, go ahead and dream the impossible dream, Tigers fans. It may take specific circumstances, and it's unlikely, but it's not that unrealistic.

More from College and Magnolia

Follow @CollegeAndMag Follow @SBNationCFB

• Auburn 34, Alabama 28: By the numbers
• Missouri opens as 2-point favorite over Auburn
• Highlights of the Tigers' win for the ages
• Iron Bowl postgame quotes
• AUBURN 34 ALABAMA 28 WHAT