re: Question about votes OSU will need to pass Alabama

Here are some scenarios that will get OSU past Bama.

1) LSU defeats Arkansas. Wisconsin defeats Penn State. Penn State and Arkansas are two quality wins that have helped Bama in the polls. If Arkansas loses, they will drop in the polls behind the one-loss teams assuming there are any left. Penn State could drop significantly in the polls, possibly as low as 23. If Bama wins a close game against Auburn and Oklahoma State decisively defeats Oklahoma, then OSU becomes a conference champion. With Bama sitting on the sidelines while LSU plays UGA in Atlanta, OSU looks like a better argument in this scenario.
2) Alabama loses to Auburn. Oklahoma State defeats Oklahoma. LSU defeats Arkansas. This scenario should need no explanation. Oklahoma State would move to the #2 spot while Alabama slides back behind the one loss teams, but in front of Arkansas.