How do you determine #8 and #9? Both teams have a valid argument to be in. Neither may play a common foe. Both would have a pretty equal chance of winning it all. In 2011 OK State lost to Iowa St but still won the BIG12. Alabama had already lost to LSU and didn't even make the conference championship game. It should have been LSU/OK State and OK State may very well have won that game. OK-State had a better SOS (3) that either team that season. LSU (7) was undefeated so they get the nod. What justification is there to invite Alabama (15) using your criteria? None other than you think they "deserved it" ie - Beauty Contest.