Almost every college football preseason poll has the defending BCS champion Alabama Crimson Tide ranked No. 1, except this one. Most of the time, Vegas gets it right, so why not use the odds they have to build the most accurate preseason college football poll? By using the BCS National Championship odds provided by online betting teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes have the best chance of lifting the BCS trophy on January 10, 2011.
1. Ohio State (+450)
The Buckeyes have owned the Big Ten in recent years, winning five straight titles. Despite this dominance, they do not have a national title to prove it. Quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Terrelle Pryor is back to lead a Buckeye offense that returns with ten starters. The defense also features plenty of starters from a unit that ranked fifth in the nation in 2009. Add the fact that they play eight games in front of home fans and anything less than a ten-win season would be a huge disappointment in Columbus.
2. Alabama (+500)
The defending BCS champions also return a lot of firepower on the offensive side of the ball led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. In addition to Ingram, eight starters return in total for the Crimson Tide, including senior QB Greg McElroy and wide receiver Julio Jones. Obviously the Tide will be able to put points on the scoreboard but will he be able to prevent his opponents from doing the same? Only one starter returns from last year’s defensive unit, so it will be nearly impossible for them to repeat last year’s dominant production.
3.Oklahoma (+600)
This is the highest you’ll see the Sooners ranked heading into the season. To be in the hunt for the BCS National Championship, they will need the consistency of second-year quarterback Landry Jones. His main target from last season, Ryan Broyels Jr. returns after a 15-touchdown season. The defensive side of the ball will have seven new, albeit talented, starters. The biggest key for the Sooners in 2010 is for all the key players to stay healthy, unlike last season.
4.Florida (+700)
Who has perhaps the biggest shoes to fill in college football history? His name is John Brantley; that’s who will replace Tim Tebow under center in Gainesville. Brantley should have plenty of time to throw as four starters return to the offensive line. Running back Jeffery Demps is coming off two consecutive seven-touchdown seasons and is ideal for even higher numbers, since he doesn’t have to share carries with Tebow. Seven starters return to defense with studs waiting on the wings to replace those who left. An Oct. 2 matchup at Alabama is circled on every bettor’s calendar; the Gators are currently 3-point underdogs.
5. Boise State (+1000)
Yes, that’s right, a non-BCS conference school is ranked in the top 5 and has a 10% chance of winning the national title according to the sportsbooks. This shouldn’t surprise anyone considering the Broncos went an unblemished 14-0 last season, including a 17-10 victory over #4 TCU in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The defense should be rock solid as ten starters return from 2009. Ten starters also return in an offense that lit up the scoreboards in 2009. Quarterback and Heisman candidate Kellen Moore threw for 39 touchdowns and just 3 picks last year. They’ll get tested early as they’re just a 2.5-point favorite when they visit Virginia Tech on September 6.
6. Nebraska (+1200)
Even though the Huskers lost Ndamukong Suh in the NFL, they come back with plenty of defensive talent and should still dominate in 2010. Their offense was nothing special last year, though they have four starters on the offensive line, a running back thousand yards. (Roy Helu Jr.) and his top three receivers, so expect improvement. The Huskers have a favorable schedule, as they will most likely be betting favorites in every game. They are currently a 2.5-point favorite at home against Texas on Oct. 16.
7.Texas (+1500)
Speaking of the Longhorns, they make up the third Big 12 team ranked among the top seven teams in the country. After an undefeated regular season and a loss to Alabama in the National Championship game, Texas returns with tons of talent. Quarterback Colt McCoy has moved to the NFL and his replacement will be sophomore Garrett Gilbert, who showed some of his potential after filling in for an injured McCoy in the title game. Back-to-back games against Oklahoma on Oct. 2, then on the road at Nebraska on Oct. 16 will go a long way in determining whether the Longhorns can return to the title game. Texas is currently a field goal underdog against the Sooners.
8 TCUs (+1500)
The Horned Frogs posted a flawless 12-0 record before their loss in the Fiesta Bowl at Boise State. In their last seven games of the 2009 regular season, TCU scored at least 38 points in each game and scored more than 50 in three of the last four. Points shouldn’t be a problem in 2010; four starts are back on the offensive line, signal-caller Andy Dalton returns as a capable running duo. Don’t be surprised if TCU has another undefeated regular season. However, that still may not be enough to get them into the title game. They open at home against Oregon State as 13-point favorites.
9. Oregon (+2000)
The Ducks ranked seventh in the nation in scoring last season (36.1 points per game). Those numbers could actually increase as nine starters return to the offense, including the entire line. Running back LaMichael James also returns after producing 1,546 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Nine starters also return to defense. With so much talent coming back from a team that racked up ten wins last year, Oregon at +2000 to win it all screams ‘value.’ Their biggest challenge will come on October 30 when they visit USC as 3-point dogs.
10. Iowa (+2500)
The Hawkeyes are coming off an 11-win season in which they didn’t lose their first game until November. There are six starters returning on offense, including quarterback Ricky Stanzi and leading rusher Adam Robinson. In 2009, Iowa’s defense allowed only one opponent to score more than 24 points in a game. Considering that eight starters return at D, they should be even better this year. Finally, Iowa will play all of its toughest games at home, as Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State all travel to Iowa this year.