If you've started your college football betting homework, you know the Florida Gators are the overwhelming favorites (+175) to win the BCS in 2009. With a coach like Urban Meyer and a quarterback like Tim Tebow, it's understandable why the Gators have such good odds. But can anyone challenge them this year? Let's look at the other contenders.
Oklahoma Sooners
Football odds: +500
Sam Bradford stayed and should compete hard for the Heisman again this season, so you know the Sooners' offense will post some huge scores this season. The big hurdle on their schedule will be facing Texas in Dallas, but the Sooners overcame the toughest schedule in the league to reach the BCS Championship Game last season, so they have a good shot to do so again.
Texas Longhorns
Football odds: +700
They're ready and waiting for Oklahoma and they have plenty going for them in 2009. They return 16 starters, including standout quarterback (and possible future NFL star) Colt McCoy. All signs point to the Big 12 coming down to their Red River Shootout on October 17 with Oklahoma.
USC Trojans
Football odds: +800
Is it "rebuilding" time for Southern Cal? After all, the 2008 Trojans lost 11 players to the NFL, none more important than quarterback (and team leader) Mark Sanchez. However, if history has taught us anything about USC, it's that we can never expect a rebuilding period. The Trojans consistently find a way to field good teams and, since their entire O-line returns, should yield yet another great offense.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Football odds: +1500
They aren't perfect, but they could make waves in football predictions after Nick Saban led a turnaround last year. The defense is phenomenal, ranking third in the nation entering this season, and 13 Crimson Tide starters return this season. The key will be finding a way to score more points, as the offense left a bit to be desired last year.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Football odds: +1500
The Hokies find themselves in a very similar situation to Alabama -- great defense, questionable offense. The running game should be fine with Darren Evans powering the ball, but Tyrod Thomas' quarterbacking has to improve if VT wants to be taken seriously. They're not a huge betting services favorite, but they're a nice sleeper.
Oklahoma Sooners
Football odds: +500
Sam Bradford stayed and should compete hard for the Heisman again this season, so you know the Sooners' offense will post some huge scores this season. The big hurdle on their schedule will be facing Texas in Dallas, but the Sooners overcame the toughest schedule in the league to reach the BCS Championship Game last season, so they have a good shot to do so again.
Texas Longhorns
Football odds: +700
They're ready and waiting for Oklahoma and they have plenty going for them in 2009. They return 16 starters, including standout quarterback (and possible future NFL star) Colt McCoy. All signs point to the Big 12 coming down to their Red River Shootout on October 17 with Oklahoma.
USC Trojans
Football odds: +800
Is it "rebuilding" time for Southern Cal? After all, the 2008 Trojans lost 11 players to the NFL, none more important than quarterback (and team leader) Mark Sanchez. However, if history has taught us anything about USC, it's that we can never expect a rebuilding period. The Trojans consistently find a way to field good teams and, since their entire O-line returns, should yield yet another great offense.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Football odds: +1500
They aren't perfect, but they could make waves in football predictions after Nick Saban led a turnaround last year. The defense is phenomenal, ranking third in the nation entering this season, and 13 Crimson Tide starters return this season. The key will be finding a way to score more points, as the offense left a bit to be desired last year.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Football odds: +1500
The Hokies find themselves in a very similar situation to Alabama -- great defense, questionable offense. The running game should be fine with Darren Evans powering the ball, but Tyrod Thomas' quarterbacking has to improve if VT wants to be taken seriously. They're not a huge betting services favorite, but they're a nice sleeper.
