2013 BCS National Championship: Betting Odds for Top Contenders to Win It All

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The USC Trojans watched the Southeastern Conference win its sixth consecutive BCS National Championship Game while finishing out their probationary period, but the Pac-12 program will potentially get a chance to snap the streak during the 2012-13 college football season.

Oddsmakers have established the Trojans and Oklahoma Sooners as the third choice in the betting odds to win the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, sitting just behind the two teams that played in New Orleans Monday night.

Let's take a closer look at 15 teams in the futures market that have the best chance of winning it all in Miami on Jan. 7, 2013.

South Carolina Gamecocks

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The South Carolina Gamecocks had a very interesting season, finishing with an 11-2 overall record and 30-13 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the bowl season.

It's important to note that the program didn't play either Alabama or LSU—instead, its losses came against Arkansas and Auburn.

Connor Shaw will not have to look over his shoulder next year under center.

Betting Odds: 33/1

West Virginia Mountaineers

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I'm surprised that the betting odds aren't lower for a team that tallied the most resounding postseason victory, finishing off the year with a 70-33 blowout win over the Clemson Tigers in the Orange Bowl.

Quarterback Geno Smith finished that game with 401 passing yards and six touchdowns.

Don't put too much stock in that contest due to facing an immature football program that quit on the field.

Betting Odds: 30/1

Virginia Tech Hokies

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The Virginia Tech Hokies weren't very good this year but still landed in a BCS bowl game and will always be a player in this category.

Head coach Frank Beamer shouldn't have a problem motivating his locker room during the offseason, as they will be focused on gaining revenge against the Clemson Tigers after dropping both meetings this past season.

Betting Odds: 25/1

Texas Longhorns

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The Texas Longhorns will need Vince Young to return to Austin if they anticipate walking away with next year's BCS national championship.

I'm not buying a team that suffered a 55-17 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners during the 2011 campaign and will face quarterback Landry Jones again this year.

Betting Odds: 25/1

Michigan Wolverines

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The Michigan Wolverines enjoyed a very successful campaign during Brady Hoke's first year in Ann Arbor, but I expect the program to take a step backwards in 2012.

Getting past the Rich Rodriguez years is an impressive feat nonetheless.

Betting Odds: 25/1

Clemson Tigers

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The Clemson Tigers may suffer a serious hangover after getting blown out by the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Orange Bowl.

Plenty of talent is found up and down this roster, but it takes more than that to become a champion and beat the likes of Alabama or LSU.

Betting Odds: 25/1

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish just turned the ball over again, and that's going to be head coach Brian Kelly's top priority during the offseason.

Getting consistent play out of the quarterback position will also be high on his list.

Betting Odds: 22/1

Arkansas Razorbacks

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I've been hearing a lot of chatter in Las Vegas about the Arkansas Razorbacks winning it all next year, which may be justified due to their two losses coming against the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers in 2011.

Casual bettors will also be drawn to the program's explosive offense that's led by quarterback Tyler Wilson.

I anticipate the odds dropping on this Southeastern Conference contender.

Betting Odds: 18/1

Georgia Bulldogs

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The Georgia Bulldogs weren't ready for the national spotlight to start the 2011 season, dropping their first two games, including a 35-21 loss to the Boise State Broncos in the opener inside the Georgia Dome.

Quarterback Aaron Murray now has two full years of experience under his belt.

A major player if running back Isaiah Crowell stays focused.

Betting Odds: 15/1

Oregon Ducks

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The Oregon Ducks were potentially on their way to making a second consecutive appearance in the BCS National Championship Game, but they ran into an incredibly hot USC Trojans squad.

There's no shame in having your two losses come against the Trojans and LSU Tigers.

De'Anthony Thomas will take over for running back LaMichael James on a full-time basis next year.

Betting Odds: 12/1

Florida State Seminoles

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The Florida State Seminoles weren't quite ready to make a run at the national title but finished the season with quality wins over the Florida Gators and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Quarterback E.J. Manuel is a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate next year, as he'll be protected by a youthful offensive line that gained valuable experience in 2011.

Watch out.

Betting Odds: 12/1

Oklahoma Sooners

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The Oklahoma Sooners will be talked about a lot during the offseason, especially with quarterback Landry Jones returning to Norman.

I'm not sold on a program that continues to fall short of expectations.

Absolutely no value at the current price.

Betting Odds: 10/1

USC Trojans

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USC Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin has done a great job guiding this program through a tough period, as the roster had very little to play for due to NCAA sanctions.

Casual bettors are definitely going to expect big things from this squad, but I'm not jumping in because of the number of scholarships lost over the last couple years.

Depth will be an issue at some point.

Betting Odds: 10/1

Alabama Crimson Tide

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The Alabama Crimson Tide have won two of the last three BCS National Championship Games, which automatically places them in the discussion.

It's very tough to repeat as champions in any sport, especially when you play in the Southeastern Conference.

Potentially a better play in 2014.

Betting Odds: 5/1

LSU Tigers

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Motivation to get ready for the 2012 season won't be a problem for the boys from Baton Rouge, as the LSU Tigers were punched in the mouth in Monday's BCS National Championship Game.

Tigers head coach Les Miles needs to open up the offense, as a lot of the team's scoring was set up by the defense creating turnovers.

A major player.

Betting Odds: 9/2