The Top 10 Title Contenders and Title Pretenders for the 2012 Season

The 2012 college football season is still about seven and a half months away, but that doesn't mean we're not about to start making some bold predictions.

We were treated to some pretty amazing performances this season by several teams, and when the dust settled, Alabama emerged once again as the best team in the nation—at least according to the BCS.

Which teams are shaping up to be the true contenders in 2012? Are the Crimson Tide poised to make another title run, or are they just another pretender for a BCS title at the end of next season?

Here is our pick of the top 10 BCS title contenders and pretenders for the 2012 season.

Contender No. 10: Oklahoma Sooners

After finishing the 2011 season with a 10-3 record that included an Insight Bowl victory over Iowa, more than a few people might view this past season as an unmitigated failure for the Sooners.

After all, Oklahoma was pretty much a consensus No. 1 team when the season began. A shocking loss to Texas Tech at home derailed the Sooners' chance at a BCS championship, and any dream of a title was ended with a loss to Baylor.

The Sooners even missed out on a trip to the BCS and a Big 12 title with a season-ending loss to Oklahoma State.

However, those who discount to the Sooners do so at their own risk.

Head coach Bob Stoops has shown an amazing ability to instantly reload his team year after year, and there's little doubt that Oklahoma will be very much in the mix in 2012.

Pretender No. 10: Michigan Wolverines

The Wolverines regained a great deal of their swagger this season under new head coach Brady Hoke.

In one fell swoop, Michigan went from a team many snickered about back to a Big Ten power, capable of not only earning BCS berths but winning the big games, as well.

However, Michigan still has several steps to climb before it can be considered a true BCS title contender.

First, the Wolverines must find a way to stop their current four-year skid against Michigan State—a program that is quickly becoming a thorn in the side of the Wolverines.

If Michigan can solve its problem with the Spartans, there may be some hope for a divisional title in the near future.

Beyond that one game, though, some holes remain to be filled. While Denard Robinson is unquestionably a very talented player, plugging him into Hoke's offensive philosophy is like shoving a round peg into a square hole. The Wolverines' defensive woes have been solved, and its now time—surprisingly—for the offense to catch up.

Once Hoke can transform his offense into the juggernaut he wants, Michigan should be back to winning conference championships. Until then, U-M may have to settle for at-large berths and two or three losses each season.

Contender No. 9: Virginia Tech Hokies

If there's one thing we (re-)learned about Virginia Tech, it's to never count the Hokies out until the last minute of the last game.

After losing to Clemson during the regular season and again in the ACC Championship Game, most people left Tech for dead.

The BCS gave Beamerball a reprive, and a surprise invite to the Sugar Bowl re-instilled some excitement at Virginia Tech. While the Hokies fell just short against Michigan, it was evident that Virginia Tech is still a powerful team, able to move the ball effectively on even one of the nation's best defenses.

With a number of important starters returning, the experiences of 2011 will surely have a positive impact on the Hokies' chances in 2012. Expect Virginia Tech to be an early preseason favorite for the ACC title next year.

Pretender No. 9: Michigan State Spartans

While our No. 10 pretender, Michigan, may be on its way up, it's entirely possible that Michigan State could be on its way back down.

After two 11-win seasons, the Spartans are about to lose the bulk of their star power on offense for 2012.

Graduations will often take its toll on teams, and head coach Mark Dantonio will be forced to fill several large holes in his depth chart for next season.

While MSU does return a small core of talented underclassmen, there will be many new faces taking center stage in East Lansing next season at the skill positions. Even the “role players” in the trenches will be a little wet behind the ears.

While there's a lot of optimism about the talented recruits Dantonio has brought in over the past couple of seasons, they fit the dictionary definition of inexperienced.

Contender No. 8: Georgia Bulldogs

All of those Georgia fans calling for Mark Richt's ouster look pretty silly now, don't they?

While Georgia suffered its first losing season in nearly two decades in 2010 (6-7), the Bulldogs were back in prime form this season, winning the SEC-East title before finishing 10-4 with a loss to Michigan State in the Outback Bowl.

While the East Division is clearly the JV squad of the SEC, that doesn't mean the perception can't change quickly. With some powerful stars returning next season—not the least of which is quarterback Aaron Murray—the Bulldogs should be in prime position not only to repeat their 2011 East Division championship but perhaps make a run at the conference crown itself.

Pretender No. 8: Baylor Bears

Let's face facts: the one, overwhelming reason Baylor has had any success over the past couple of seasons was Robert Griffin, III.

He was suitably honored with the 2011 Heisman Trophy and guided Baylor to a 10-3 record, an Alamo Bowl victory over Washington, and a No. 13 finish in the final B/R Top 25 poll.

However, RG3 has taken Baylor about as far as he can. Really.

Does anyone expect Baylor to make a legitimate run at the Big 12 Championship next season, even if Griffin stays in Waco? Do the Bears have even an outside shot at a BCS berth at the end of the 2012 season? Can Baylor win a national championship?

No, on all counts.

So why should he stay?

Those are probably some of the same thoughts that went though his mind before he made the decision to declare himself eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Contender No. 7: South Carolina Gamecocks

The head ball coach has really begun to build something special in Colombia.

Steve Spurrier guided his Gamecocks to the program's first-ever SEC-East title in 2010, and he nearly pulled off a repeat performance in 2011.

While there have been some notable departures from the team, one of the most notable may actually prove to be more of a positive than anything else.

Senior quarterback Stephen Garcia was dismissed from the team halfway through the 2011 season, but either way, we knew he couldn't return for the 2012 season. While Garcia certainly had a ton of potential and talent, it was never fully realized due to continuous off-the-field problems and suspensions.

Taking a major distraction and locker room cancer like Garcia out of the picture can't be a bad thing, and hopefully South Carolina will be able to move forward quickly. Another positive about Garcia's removal is the fact that it allowed Connor Shaw an opportunity to step into the starting role as a sophomore, and gain some invaluable experience.

The Gamecocks will be a team every SEC-East team will have circled on its 2012 schedule.

Pretender No. 7: Houston Cougars

After a 13-1 finish in 2011 and a No. 15 spot in the final B/R Top 25, it's likely we'll be seeing Houston on more than one or two preseason ballots in 2012.

The problem with those ballots is the fact that Houston has, like Baylor, been a one-man show for the past few seasons.

Since Keenum's redshirt freshman season (2007), Houston is 45-21. However, after Keenum left the Cougars with an injury last season, Houston was just 3-7. Even with Keenum as their starter, the Cougars never managed to win a Conference USA title.

How can the Cougars expect to improve without a player like Keenum calling the signals?

While Houston may not completely fall off the map, there's little doubt the Cougars won't be in the BCS conversation next season.

Contender No. 6: Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame? Really?

Anything is possible with the Fighting Irish in 2012.

After year after year after year of frustration, the pressure will be turned up a notch on Brian Kelly to get his team to perform up to expectations, for a change.

Notre Dame will undoubtedly be in the preseason Top 25, as it is every season. However, after missing (badly) the stated goal of a BCS berth this past season, it will be interesting to see how the program responds in Kelly's third season—generally the “make or break” season for a head coach.

There have been some very positive signs in South Bend, particularly when it comes to recruiting. Notre Dame has landed some blue chip prospects over the past two recruiting cycles, and looks to be on track for another impressive class in 2012—but now it's time to translate those recruiting successes into wins.

Kelly seems to have a quality staff in place, so the only thing missing now is that ever-elusive BCS invitation. It's an even-money bet right now if the Irish can actually pull It off.

Pretender No. 6: Kansas State Wildcats

The 2011 season was certainly a Cinderella story of the 2011 college football season.

It's not very often you'll see a coach come out of retirement to try and capture lightening in a bottle for a second time by rebuilding a program he's already rebuilt once.

It's even rarer to see that attempt succeed.

Despite the odds, Bill Snyder cemented his already-sterling legacy at K-State this season by guiding the Wildcats to an improbable 10-3 record, which included an invitation to the Cotton Bowl Classic.

KSU also finished at No. 14 in the final B/R Top 25.

While that's all well and good, it's doubtful that Kansas State has the staying power in the Big 12 to make any real jump next season. While 10 wins will certainly provide a possible foundation on which to build, the program just isn't one of the top destinations for recruits, and it will require quite a few more 10-win seasons to change that.

Contender No. 5: Oregon Ducks

The last time Oregon could call itself Rose Bowl Champion, Woodrow Wilson was in the White House and America and preparing to enter World War I.

Nearly a century later, the Ducks are once again champions of the Rose Bowl Game, and that victory seems to be setting the program up nicely for another run in 2012.

After three straight trips to the BCS, the Ducks will have every opportunity to make it a four-some, depending on exactly who returns for next season.

The biggest competition for Oregon next year will be USC, as the Trojans will once again be eligible for post-season play, including the Pac-12 Championship Game.

Remember, the Trojans knocked off the Ducks in 2011. Next season's clash in Los Angeles on Nov. 3 will likely prove to be one of the highlights of the Pac-12 season.

Pretender No. 5: TCU Horned Frogs

Well, the Horned Frogs did the unthinkable: knocking off Boise State in Boise in 2011, handing the Broncos their first conference home loss in umpteen seasons.

The win over Boise State also gave TCU a parting gift: the Mountain West Conference championship.

TCU is moving to the Big 12 for the 2012 season, and the level of competition will be much more fierce than anything the Frogs saw in the MWC.

While TCU has the ability to become a contender in its new conference home, it's likely going to take several seasons before the Frogs will be able to compete for the top recruits alongside Texas, Oklahoma, and the other Big 12 powers.

Contender No. 4: Alabama Crimson Tide

What more could an Alabama fan ask for?

Okay, an SEC championship might be nice, but the BCS National Championship was probably a nice consolation prize.

After dropping a field goal snooze fest to LSU at home, Alabama used that debacle as motivation to plow its way to a dominating performance in the BCS National Championship Game, blanking LSU 21-0.

While Alabama now has its ninth undisputed* national championship, the exodus of Tide talent has begun. A number of top Alabama performers, including Trent Richardson, Dont'a Hightower and Dre Kirkpatrick, have declared themselves eligible for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Nick Saban is certainly able to reload his depth chart quickly with the stockpile of athletes he has in reserve in Tuscaloosa, and it's that impressive year-after-year ability to compete at the highest levels in the SEC-West that makes us place the Crimson Tide back in a top spot to contend for yet another BCS title next season.

*We've discounted the 1925, 1926, 1934, 1941, and 1973 national “championships” due to disputes, ambiguity and/or lack of “major” selectors voting Alabama as the No. 1 team. We can all agree that a 9-2 team shouldn't win a national championship over three undefeated teams when Alabama finished No. 20 in the AP Poll, right?

Pretender No. 4: Oklahoma State Cowboys

The Oklahoma State Cowboys finally have their Big 12 championship and the BCS berth that goes along with it.

The Cowboys also defeated a darn-good Stanford team led by Andrew Luck in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl after missing out an a trip to the BCS title game by mere hundredths of a point in the final BCS ranking.

Moving forward, though, Mike “I'm a Man!” Gundy will have his work cut out for him, as the vast majority of the play-makers responsible for the offensive explosion in Stillwater these past few seasons will be moving on.

Even for all of its recent success, Oklahoma State is still the “ugly cousin” of football in the state, and it's going to take more than one successful season to change that perception.

Brandon Weeden, Justin Blackmon, along with three-fifths of the offensive line and half of the defensive line are leaving.

Don't expect a precipitous fall off of a cliff, but we won't be expecting a return to the BCS, either.

Contender No. 3: LSU Tigers

It looked as if LSU was on the cusp of completing one of the best seasons in college football history.

The Tigers had already dispatched eight—that's right, eight—ranked opponents, including a win in Tuscaloosa against Alabama, en route to the BCS National Championship.

What could possibly stop the 13-0, No. 1 LSU Tigers?

It turns out a combination of poor play from Jordan Jefferson leading to a complete breakdown overcome by frustration and the unrelenting crush of Alabama defenders was exactly what was needed to not only stop the Tigers, but dominate them.

Much ado was made about our claim the other day that LSU was “screwed” headed into 2012, but a closer read reveals that we hedged our bets by saying LSU would be screwed, relative to its performance this season.

If you remove LSU's performance (or complete lack thereof) in the BCS National Championship Game from the rest of the 2011 season, it's clear the Tigers put together one of the most impressive performances we've seen in quite some time. Moving forward, it's highly doubtful success like that will be in the cards for the Tigers in the near future.

Still, Les Miles is a great coach, and LSU is a program that will always find a way to reload its talent pool—even after a bulk of talented seniors make their departure.

We're not picking LSU to go undefeated, nor defeat eight ranked opponents in 2012—but that doesn't mean the Tigers won't be a contender in the SEC-West next season.

And if you're contending in the SEC-West, you're contending for a BCS title game berth, too.

Pretender No. 3: Wisconsin Badgers

We hate to keep harping on the Big Ten, but with the exception of Michigan and Michigan State, the conference didn't give us much to get excited about this bowl season.

Wisconsin's performance in the Rose Bowl Game was certainly exciting to watch, but it was also clear that the Badgers are still a ways away from being able to compete for the program's first-even national championship.

Wisconsin will also be dealing with a talent drain, like so many other “pretenders” on our list.

Wisconsin has always been a program sporting a strong run game, and with Montee Ball returning for his senior season in 2012, it doesn't look like that will be changing any time soon.

However, one of the big reasons Wisconsin was so successful this season with Ball in the backfield was Russell Wilson. His ability to throw the ball down field or beat defenders with his feet took so much pressure off of Ball, defending the Badgers turned into a nightmare.

Not only is Wilson leaving, but top receiver Nick Toon has also exhausted his eligibility.

Wisconsin still has enough talent returning to be a major factor in the Big Ten in 2012, but it will be a much more difficult path back to Pasadena this time.

Contender No. 2: USC Trojans

Ah, how we've missed you, USC.

After two seasons of sitting on the sidelines in December and January, the Trojans will finally be “back in the game” come next season.

With the majority of major sanctions in the rear-view mirror following the Reggie Bush scandal and the Pete Carroll cover-up that followed, the USC football program is already in prime position to compete for a Pac-12 title next season.

Even under the crushing weight of major NCAA sanctions, USC was able to put together a 10-2 season, which included an impressive win over Oregon and a near-miss against Stanford in overtime.

The Trojans will have much more to play for this season, with the tasty treat of conference and bowl trophies hanging in front of them. And after a lofty finish in 2011 (No. 6 in the AP), you can expect a preseason top ten start for USC in 2012.

Pretender No. 2: Stanford Cardinal

Unfortunately for Cardinal fans, the Stanford program is probably one of those you can lump in with Baylor and Houston.

The success of Stanford these past two seasons, which included a pair of BCS trips, has a lot to do with one player: Andrew Luck.

While Luck probably played less of a role when it comes to single-handedly making a team “not suck,” he was a lone reason Stanford went from a good team to a near-great team.

Stanford wasn't entirely a one-man show, but the loss of Andrew Luck cannot be overstated. His departure will mean a major step backwards for the Cardinal, and there's almost no hope of returning to the BCS for a third consecutive season.

Contender No. 1: Arkansas Razorbacks

You really have to hand it to Bobby Petrino and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

After a 5-7 record in 2008, Petrino really got things moving at Arkansas, posting a 8-5 record the following season, which included a Liberty Bowl victory over a great ECU team. By 2010, the Razorbacks were back in prime form and could be counted amongst the very best in the nation, earning an at-large BCS berth.

Despite losing to an Ohio State team that eventually had to vacate the victory, Arkansas didn't grumble. The Hogs simple got back to work, preparing for a new season.

After Arkansas was “screwed” out of another BCS berth (this time by the BCS's own rules), there still weren't any complaints. Despite being a clear top 10 team—and losing only to No. 1 LSU and No. 2 Alabama—Arkansas happily accepted a bid to the Cotton Bowl Classic and proceeded to kick the snot out of fellow top ten-er Kansas State.

Petrino is now quietly 75-26 at Arkansas; heading into the 2012 season, the Hogs appear ready for a true breakout season.

Arkansas is returning the vast majority of the marquee names, and the expected return of Knile Davis in the backfield in 2012 could be just the spark necessary for the jump from “just about” to “definitely.”

With a favorable schedule, for a SEC-West team (no Georgia, no Florida), next season will provide the perfect opportunity to remind everyone that the SEC-West is more than an Alabama-Auburn-LSU show.

Pretender No. 1: Boise State Broncos

As much as we love the Broncos (because, let's face facts, they're a sports writer's dream), there are just too many signs pointing to “rebuilding.”

Chris Petersen is easily one of the best coaches in all of college football, but even he has to see some of the writing on the wall for 2012.

Yes, the all-time FBS record-holder for most wins by a starting quarterback, Kellen Moore, is departing Boise, degree in hand. There's very little way we can overstate how big of a loss that will be to the Broncos. But beyond Moore, there will be a lot of players cleaning out their locker stalls for the last time—particularly on defense.

Boise State has always been able to score points, and we've no doubt that the Broncos will continue to find ways to put up impressive offensive numbers. But the downfall for BSU—during the few downfalls that there have been over the past few seasons—has been the inability to prevent the opponents from keeping pace.

In the past four seasons, Boise State has lost just three games. Those three losses were by a combined five points. Clearly the way Boise State gets beaten is by keeping pace and hoping for a last-minute mistake.

When Boise State suffers the inevitable offensive fall-off that comes with the departure of Kellen Moore combined with the experience drain on defense with all of the personnel losses, it will be very interesting to see if Boise State can compete against the likes of 2012 non-conference opponents Michigan State and BYU.

The Spartans and Broncos open the season on Friday, Aug. 31 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Until then, we'll just have to wait and argue over who the real contenders and pretenders are for the 2012 college football season.