2012 BCS standings: Undefeated Gators have shot at national title regardless of initial BCS rank

The first BCS rankings of the 2012 season were released on Sunday night, and Alabama took the top spot, followed by the Florida Gators at No. 2. The computers like the Gators quite a bit, which has helped them slide into that No. 2 spot -- they're ranked first in one computer poll and second in four others. They have a higher average computer ranking than any other team in the nation.

Florida is 6-0 overall this season and 5-0 in SEC games. The Gators have won road games over Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt, and they also have a quality home win over the LSU Tigers. While it's an encouraging initial placement in the BCS for Florida, Andy Hutchins of Alligator Army was keeping things in perspective in the aftermath of the announcement:

I think there's a case to be made for Florida as the nation's No. 2 team, but I'm not sure that Florida's going to stay No. 2 in the BCS rankings, and I know it ultimately doesn't matter: Florida could be No. 20 right now, and, as long as there is still a chance for Florida to be an undefeated SEC champion, the chance remains for the Gators to play for a national title.

The Gators face South Carolina this Saturday in a game that will factor heavily into their conference and national title prospects.