College Football Predictions: Who Will Finish First in Each Power Conference?

College football will have its good conferences, and it's bad conferences in 2011.

Within these conferences will lie good and bad teams.

One team will finish first in their conference standings. If this conference is considered a power conference that team will likely have a chance at a BCS bowl game.

Each conference has its share of powerhouses and underachievers. This year, who will rise to the top?

Here are the teams who will finish on top of their conferences this season:

*For conferences with two divisions, the team selected will have the higher record of the two.

ACC: Virginia Tech Hokies

Under Frank Beamer, the Virginia Tech Hokies have had a plethora of success.

In 2011, the Hokies will once again be successful.

Plenty of returning talent, combined with a very favorable schedule will have the Hokies primed to make another BCS run this season.

The Hokies have lost their top two runners in Ryan Williams and Darren Evans, but junior David Wilson is very capable in the backfield. He is a dynamic playmaker. He scored five touchdowns on the ground last year, caught four more, and even ran two in on kickoff returns.

Quarterback Logan Thomas will also have the tall task of stepping in for Tyrod Taylor behind center. Thomas is highly-touted but still unproven.

Defensively, the Hokies boast one of the best cover corners in the nation in Jayron Hosley and Bruce Taylor is a rangy presence at linebacker.

The Hokies fight and play defense every season. This year will be no different. Expect Wilson and the defense to ease Thomas' transition behind center and for the Hokies to take advantage of a Florida State-less schedule.

Big XII: Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners are expected to be a national contender, as well as a Big XII contender.

Led by quarterback Landry Jones and receiver Ryan Broyles, the Sooners should have one of the best offenses in the nation. Kenny Stills is a solid number two option at receiver and tight end James Hanna caught seven touchdown passes a season ago.

Defensively, the Sooners are led by Travis Lewis at linebacker. Lewis is a do-it-all presence who brings a ton of energy to a very confident Sooners' defensive unit. The defensive line and secondary are solid as well.

Oklahoma does face tough road games against Oklahoma State and Florida State, but this team is talented enough to overcome these challenges.

If Jones can take the next step as a signal-caller this team may not be stopped.

Big East: West Virginia Mountaineers

The West Virginia Mountaineers could have one of the best offenses in the Big East and the nation.

Under new head coach Dana Holgorsen, quarterback Geno Smith should be given the opportunity to make a Heisman run. Smith is certainly talented enough and has the talent surrounding him. Smith's primary target will be 2010 second-team All Big East player Tavon Austin. Austin is speedy and has the hands to match.

Defensively, the Mountaineers are led by Bruce Irvin. Irvin led the Big East in sacks in 2010, and is not looking to slow down that pace in 2011. Irvin is used primarily on passing downs, but he has a very high motor and a large array of moves used to wreak havoc.

West Virginia hosts the Big East's toughest opponents. With the Big East already weak, this should make a first place finish even easier to achieve for the Mountaineers.

Big Ten: Wisconsin Badgers

Before the turmoil at Ohio State, the Buckeyes would have been the pick to take the conference crown.

The turmoil, along with the transfer of Russell Wilson to Wisconsin elevated the Badgers into the top spot.

Wilson left the N.C. State Wolfpack after they released him from his scholarship. Now as a member of the Badgers, Wilson will have a chance  to step in for departed Scott Tolzien right away. Also on offense, the Badgers boast a one-two punch in the backfield better than anyone else. James White and Montee Ball burst onto the scene last year and should be even better this season.

On defense, the loss of J.J. Watt is tough to overcome but Chris Borland is a capable player. He could lead this Badgers defense in a tough Big Ten this season.

Expect the Badgers to win the Big Ten and be a darkhorse in the national picture.

Pac-12: Stanford Cardinal

The Stanford Cardinal are led by Andrew Luck, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Luck is as good as it gets in the pocket, and also has the speed to hurt you on the ground. Behind Luck in the backfield is underrated running back Stepfan Taylor. Taylor should get more accolades than he does but frequently is left in Luck's shadow. Wide Receiver Chris Owusu is a big play threat and is finally healthy for his senior season.

Defensively, Shayne Skov leads an underrated defense. He is a smart linebacker who makes plays from sideline to sideline. He could be an all-conference performer this season.

If the defense holds up and the Cardinal can overcome the loss of three starters on the offensive line they could have a very good season. Either way, they will have a major battle with Oregon at the top of the conference.

SEC: Alabama Crimson Tide

The Alabama Crimson Tide are arguably the most complete team in college football.

Despite replacing quarterback Greg McElroy, the Crimson Tide are set to roll on offense. Whether the position is taken over by A.J. McCarron or Phillip Sims, running back Trent Richardson is a dynamic weapon.

Richardson is talented enough to win the Heisman trophy. Contributions from the passing game will only make his production go up. Richardson can take the ball the distance anytime he touches it.

On defense the Crimson Tide are as loaded as anyone. Dont'a Hightower is one of the premier linebackers in the country and Courtney Upshaw is a great second option at linebacker. In the secondary, Mark Barron leads a very talented unit.

The Crimson Tide will battle in an always competitive SEC. Expect the toughness on both sides of the ball to get Alabama above and beyond the rest.