College Football Predictions 2011: 5 Dark Horse BCS Championship Contenders

Predicting which teams will be BCS Championship contenders is a common practice among college football writers and fans.

It's fun to put a twist on those predictions and add in which under-the-radar teams have a shot at hoisting the crystal football on Jan. 9 in New Orleans.

The 2011 season will be another wild one as there truly is not a clear cut favorite to win the national championship.

College football fans will be surprised at which team is crowned as the national champion six months from now.

Following are five teams who are dark horse BCS title contenders.

5. Texas

Texas and head coach Mack Brown limped through a shockingly disappointing 5-7 season a year ago.

A record such as that simply is not acceptable by Longhorn standards. Be assured that it won't happen again.

The roster is chalked full of talent, and it's up to the coaching staff to mold that raw talent into a winning football team.

The offense, led by quarterback Garrett Gilbert, was an anemic unit last season and was largely the reason for the team's struggles.

If co-offensive coordinators Major Applewhite and Bryan Harsin can find a way to get the offense clicking, then Texas will be back to its winning ways.

However, the Longhorns' potential path to a national title is heavily dependent upon how hated rival Oklahoma fares.

If Texas can find a way to beat the Sooners and win the recently depleted Big 12, then Garrett Gilbert and Co. will have a legitimate chance at a invitation to the national championship.

4. Notre Dame

Brian Kelly's first season at the helm in South Bend had its fair share of ups and downs.

His Fighting Irish squad was 4-5 through the first nine games of the season, but rallied to win the final four games of the season to finish 8-5.

Many believe that momentum will carry over into this season.

The outstanding play of the defense was the catalyst of that four-game winning streak to end the season, but will it continue in 2011?

That is the key to Notre Dame having any realistic championship aspirations.

Aside from that, there is a plethora of talent filling the depth chart.

Leading the way will be running back Cierre Wood, wide receiver Michael Floyd and linebacker Manti Te'o.

Also, the Irish coaching staff was able to reel in elite defensive end prospects Aaron Lynch and Stephon Tuitt who put the finishing touches on a deep, formidable defensive line.

If quarterback Dayne Crist can remain healthy and the defense can continue its dominating style of play, then Notre Dame may hear its name called as a BCS Championship participant.

3. Georgia

The hot seat underneath Mark Richt only grew hotter last season as his Georgia squad finished the season 6-7, including a loss to UCF in the Liberty Bowl.

Mark Richt may have one last chance to prove that he is the man for the job.

Phenom quarterback Aaron Murray returns as the leader of the Bulldog offense after completing 209 of 342 pass attempts for 3,049 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

Aaron Murray can't do it all himself, so he'll be relying on true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell to carry some of the load.

While it's not realistic for Georgia fans to expect Isaiah Crowell to have a season like South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore did a year go, he'll still put up solid numbers.

The defense will be counting on a deep and experienced secondary to shut down opposing pass offenses, but the defensive line led by DeAngelo Tyson will need to step up to create a fierce pass-rush.

The first two weeks of the season will make or break Georgia's season as the Bulldogs take on Boise State in Atlanta in Week 1, then turn right back around to face South Carolina in Athens in Week 2.

If the team can come out on top in each of those games, then Mark Rich's seat may be totally cooled off.

2. Arkansas

A season after playing in the Sugar Bowl, the Arkansas Razorbacks have their eyes on set on the BCS National Championship heading into this season.

The Wild Hog offense returns standout receivers Jarius Wright and Greg Childs as well as stud running back Knile Davis who amassed 1,322 yards on 204 carries a year ago.

However, there are two major questions surrounding the offense.

First, will Bobby Petrino be able to effectively replace three starters on the offensive line?

And second, will Tyler Wilson make a smooth transition into the starting role at quarterback?

If those two issues can be worked out during fall camp, the Razorbacks will be just fine.

Willy Robinson's defense is led by a solid linebacking corps featuring Jerry Franklin and Jerico Nelson.

The line will also be a solid unit if ends Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright can provide a consistent pass-rush.

The schedule is favorable with only two large tests at Alabama on Sept. 24 and at LSU on Nov. 25.

1. Oklahoma State

Perhaps the most underrated team heading into fall camp, Oklahoma State is a team to keep an eye this season.

The Cowboys commonly play second fiddle to conference behemoths Texas and Oklahoma.

But with Texas suffering, it may be Oklahoma State's time to shine.

Mike Gundy's squad is led by senior quarterback Brandon Weeden who had a spectacular 2010 season, completing 342 of 511 pass attempts for 4,277 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Brandon Weeden should be smiling from ear to ear as his favorite target, last season's Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon, returns to Stillwater after mulling a jump to the NFL.

Another reason for Brandon Weeden to be smiling is the fact that his entire offensive line remains intact.

While the offense is absolutely loaded, the defense isn't so lucky.

Co-defensive coordinators Glenn Spencer and Bill Young must find a way to replace three starters from last season's defensive line.

If they can effectively fill those spaces, it'll take loads of pressure off of the Cowboy secondary which will be led by the return of both starting safeties Markelle Martin and Johnny Thomas.

Oklahoma State's schedule is set up well for a run to the national championship.

The Cowboys face a trip to Missouri to take on the Tigers on Oct. 22 as well as a home date with Oklahoma on Dec. 3.

Brandon Weeden and Co. are guaranteed a spot in the BCS National Championship game if they can come out victorious in each of those matchups.