College Football 2012 Predictions: Each Team's Odds of Winning Their Conference

The 2012 season cannot get here quick enough. College football ended just under two months ago and it already feel like it has been gone for an eternity. 

With the college football recruiting period over, fans will start to pour over their teams schedule, depth chart and conference standing. In the waiting months, there will be more and more analysis on how things will go in 2012. 

Even though there is still a lot that can happen before the season kicks off, here is a look at every team's odds of winning their conference. 

ACC: Duke

Regardless of the number on Duke, it probably is not high enough.

Last year the Blue Devils had a three-game win streak, and it may have been a highlight for the program over the past few years. But lack of talent and lack of depth will continue to keep Duke in the ACC basement.

Odds: 500-to-1

ACC: Maryland

Things are actually getting worse for Randy Edsall and Maryland despite last years 1-7 conference record and 2-10 overall record.

During this offseason, Edsall has been dealing with the likely transfer of Danny O'Brien, and without him under center it will be another long year for the Terrapins. 

Odds: 150-to-1

ACC: Boston College

2011 was not a great year for Boston College, and 2012 appears to be heading in the same direction.

With a mediocre offense, the Eagles will struggle in conference, especially against Clemson, Virginia Tech and Florida State, and they will once again finish towards the bottom.

Odds: 100-to-1

ACC: Miami

While the defense was solid in 2011, the offense let Miami down for the majority of the season. This year, that trend will likely continue, and it is only a matter of time before the NCAA reaches a resolution on the allegations that are swirling around the program.

Odds: 70-to-1

ACC: North Carolina

Under new head coach Larry Fedora, North Carolina is going to have a competitive team in 2012.

The Tar Heels are young and talented, and with a favorable schedule they may have a chance of surprising some people this year. 

Odds: 50-to-1

Wake Forest:

Jim Grobe and Wake Forest had a hot start in 2011 but then faded off in the second half of the season. This year, their major tests will be a home game against Clemson and then two road dates, one at Florida State and the other at Virginia. 

Odds: 45-to-1

ACC: NC State

The good news for Mike Glennon and NC State is that their major conference challenges will be played at home this year. The only road game that will be tough for them is at Clemson. Other than that, they host Florida State, Virginia and Wake Forest.

Odds: 40-to-1

ACC: Georgia Tech

While the Georgia Tech offense can be potent and hard to defend, there are teams in the ACC that can get an early lead and force the Yellow Jackets out of their run game and force them to throw. 

To make things worse, Georgia Tech starts the year at Virginia Tech and still has a road game left against Clemson.

Odds: 30-to-1

ACC: Virginia

Mike London and Virginia surprised a lot of people when in the last week of the season they still had a chance of going to the ACC title game.

This year the Cavaliers will come down to earth a little bit more as the schedule picks up.

Odds: 25-to1

ACC: Florida State

At times it appears that the only thing stopping the Seminoles is the Seminoles.

Last year the expectations were high, and again this year they are at the same level. With a talented defense and growing offense, the Seminoles should stay with the pace in this three-man race.

Odds: 8-to-1

ACC: Virginia Tech

One team that stood in Virginia Tech's way twice last year was Clemson.

Clemson was able to handle the Hokies in both games, and this year they have to travel to Clemson to face the Tigers. 

With a lot of talent and depth, the Hokies are a well-coached team and will likely be in this race all the way until the end. 

Odds: 4-to-1

ACC: Clemson

Clemson had a good year in 2011, but it could have been even better had they not fallen apart down the stretch.

With a young and explosive offense, Clemson should be able to handle most teams, but the only thing that may hold them back is a spotty defense.

Odds: 3-to-1

Big 10: Ohio State

While they are certainly talented, Ohio State is off the board due to their one-year postseason ban.

In 2012, Urban Meyer will be getting things in order and will likely have the Buckeyes ready for a strong push in 2013.

Odds: Off the Board

Big 10: Indiana

After posting a goose egg in 2011 conference play, Indiana is still a team that lacks depth and talent all over the field.

If the Hoosiers find a way to win a couple of conference games, it would be a step in the right direction.

Odds: 500-to-1

Big 10: Minnesota

Even if you ignore the anemic offense and poor defense, Minnesota has a murderers' row at the end of their conference schedule, which includes Michigan, Illinois, Nebraska and Michigan State.  

Odds: 200-to-1

Big 10: Northwestern

An already weak offense took a hit when Dan Persa  graduated and left a hole at quarterback for this coming season.

In 2012, Northwestern has better odds of getting a bowl game than they do of winning the Big 10.

Odds: 100-to-1

Big 10: Illinois

Illinois suffered some losses during the offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. This year, the offense may have to carry the load, but they will have to do so in big games on the road, which includes Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State.

Odds: 75-to-1

Big 10: Purdue

For the past few seasons, Purdue has been a team in the middle of the pack—and not much is going to change in 2012.

They have the talent to beat teams towards the basement of the conference but still lack the depth to compete with the upper half of the conference.

Odds: 70-to-1

Big 10: Iowa

Iowa is an interesting team. The Hawkeyes always seem to find a way to keep games competitive but have failed to push themselves over the top these past few years.

With an average offense, the defense will need to carry the team but will likely fall around the middle of the conference standings.

Odds: 50-to-1

Big 10: Penn State

Much like in 2011, the Penn State Nittany Lions will lean on their defense all season long.

Last year, they had one of the nation's best defenses but also one of the nation's worst offenses. The one thing that may keep them in this is if they can get a win over Wisconsin, because Ohio State is ineligible. 

Odds: 25-to-1

Big 10: Nebraska

Nebraska is going to have a tough time coming out of the Legends division this year.

Nebraska's conference fate will be determined following a back-to-back with the Michigan schools, no easy task considering their talent.

Odds: 20-to-1

Big 10: Wisconsin

The good news for Wisconsin is that Montee Ball is back and will be a serious force this upcoming season. On the other hand, the bad news is that Russell Wilson is gone and the defense is suspect.

If Ball can carry the load, then Wisconsin may squeak into the conference title game.

Odds: 13-to-1

Big 10: Michigan

After a surprisingly strong run in 2011, Michigan and Denard Robinson are back in 2012 and will have a great chance of getting into the conference title game and winning it. 

With the strength of the offense and a surprisingly dominant defense, the Wolverines may have their title hopes decided at home when they face the Spartans.

Odds: 6-to-1

Big 10: Michigan State

Despite losing some of their leaders on the offensive side of the ball, Michigan State has a strong defense that may be the best in the conference.

The good and bad news for the Spartans is that it may all come down to their game against Michigan on the road. 

Odds: 5-to-1

Pac-12: Colorado

Last year's 2-7 conference record was a tough way to start their time in the Pac-12. This year, Colorado's defense will still be an issue and so will be their schedule, as they go on the road to play Oregon and USC in consecutive weeks.

Odds: 250-to-1

Pac-12: Oregon State

Oregon State still needs a lot of help before they can start being competitive again.

The offense and defense both ranked towards the bottom of the nation last year, and with teams like Oregon, Stanford, Cal and Washington in their division, Oregon State will spend another bowl season at home.

Odds: 200-to-1

Pac-12: Arizona

2012 will be year one under Rich Rodriguez, and it will be interesting to see how he transforms this team.

While the Wildcats are in good hands, the schedule will be a huge factor this year as it was last year. With the rough out-of-conference schedule they are up against, the Wildcats will be gassed once they enter conference play.

Odds: 150-to-1

Pac-12: UCLA

College football fans can breathe easy, as what happened last year with UCLA getting into the Pac-12 title game will not happen again this year. 

The good news for Bruin fans is that Jim Mora has taken over and the program is at least getting some fresh air and some optimism around it.

Odds: 100-to-1

Pac-12: Washington State

Washington State has reason to be excited, as Mike Leach is now their head coach.

Leach is an offensive genius who should be able to help this program get out of the conference basement. If the defense can hold up, the Cougars may surprise some people in the next few years.

Odds: 90-to-1

Pac-12: Arizona State

Last year, the Sun Devils looked to have so much promise but completely fell apart down the stretch, failing to win the Pac-12 South. This year, the defense lost some key players and the Sun Devils are going through more change with Todd Graham as the head coach.

Odds: 75-to-1

Pac-12: Utah

Utah may be the only team in the Pac-12 South that can challenge the USC Trojans.

The good news is the Utes get the Trojans at home and will have their hands full. If they can pull off a win, the Utes will have a great chance of winning the division—but that is a big if.

Odds: 50-to-1

Pac-12: Stanford

Without Andrew Luck, Stanford is in for a different kind of season in 2012. The power running game may still be there, but without the threat of a top notch passing attack, defense will be able to slow down the Cardinal attack.

Odds: 45-to-1

Pac-12: Cal

With the amount of talent in the state of California, Cal has been surprisingly average. The one thing they do have going for them is Stanford could be down this year, which could open the door to challenge Washington and Oregon. 

Odds: 40-to-1

Pac-12: Washington

Washington is starting to turn the corner and come back to prominence, but as good as the offense may be, the defense still has a ways to go in 2012.

The Huskies will be a team that pushes the Ducks in the Pac-12 North, but they are still a year or two off from being a serious competitor. 

Odds: 20-to-1

Pac-12: USC

USC is back and now that their postseason ban is done, they will be making their run at breaking Oregon's run of conference titles. With the return of Matt Barkley, the offense will be stronger than last year, and things will really come down to their matchup against Oregon.

In November, the Trojans host the Ducks at home and the game will likely be for the right to host the conference title game. 

Odds: 3-to-1

Pac-12: Oregon

Despite the loss of LaMichael James and Darron Thomas, the Ducks seem to have the ability to plug and play offensive stars into Chip Kelly's offense. Much like USC, the Ducks season could come down to their road trip to USC, where home field advantage may be on the line for the conference title game. 

While the Trojans are an extremely talented team, three straight conference titles are on the Ducks' side.

Odds: 3-to-1

SEC: Ole Miss

Ole Miss went 0-8 in conference and 2-10 overall in 2011, capping an abysmal season. This year, it would take more than a miracle for the Rebels to be crowned the conference champions.

Odds: 500-to-1

SEC: Kentucky

Joker Phillips does a good job for the talent that he is working with. Kentucky is known as a basketball school, and with the limited success they have had on the football field, top recruits are choosing other SEC programs.

Odds: 300-to-1

SEC: Mississippi State

While Dan Mullen is doing a good job against rival Ole Miss, they are not making much headway in the conference. A lot will be found out about the Bulldogs as they face a stretch against Alabama, Texas A&M, LSU and Arkansas.

Odds: 250-to-1

SEC: Missouri

Missouri is playing their first year in the SEC, and let's just say the schedule isn't forgiving.

In their first year, the Tigers play on the road against South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee and Texas A&M. As if that wasn't enough, they also get a game against Alabama at home.

Odds: 150-to-1

SEC: Vanderbilt

James Franklin has done a great job at Vanderbilt, but the recent issues off the field may be a distraction from the upcoming season.

Vanderbilt manages to miss out on Alabama, LSU and Arkansas, so they may be able to improve on last year's record.

Odds: 125-to-1

SEC: Tennessee

Tennessee struggled last year after Tyler Bray suffered an injury. With Bray back, the Vols could turn some heads in the SEC during the 2012 season.

While there is a ton of talent in the conference, this could start Tennessee's climb back to being competitive. 

Odds: 75-to-1

SEC: Auburn

In the first five weeks of the season, Auburn faces Clemson, LSU and Arkansas, a rough stretch for any team. While the Tigers are not short on talent, they are still not where they need to be to compete for the SEC crown.

Odds: 65-to-1

SEC: Florida

Since losing Tim Tebow, Florida has fallen back to the middle of the pack in the SEC and are truly struggling to get back on top. This year, they certainly have talent, speed and depth across the board, but the SEC is too strong for them to get into the SEC title game.

Odds: 40-to-1

SEC: South Carolina

In the SEC East, the race for the division title will likely be between South Carolina, Georgia and maybe Florida.

With South Carolina getting things figured out on defense and at quarterback, they can also look forward to the return of Marcus Lattimore. 

Odds: 25-to-1

SEC: Texas A&M

Out of the two teams coming to the SEC, Texas A&M drew the short straw, as they got dropped into the SEC West. This year, the Aggies will face Alabama, LSU and Arkansas, and if they have late-game issues like they did last year, they will get buried in the SEC.

Odds: 25-to-1

SEC: Georgia

Last year was an interesting season for Georgia, as they started 0-2 and then rattled off 10 straight wins, which landed them in the SEC title game. This year, a lot of that young offensive talent is back, and the Dawgs appear ready to take another shot at winning the SEC.

Odds: 18-to-1

SEC: LSU

Last year, LSU went on a great run and had it all fall apart in the national title. This year, the Tigers return a ton of talent and will have a home game against Alabama.

The good news is that after this past year's national title game, a rematch is out of the question.

Odds: 7-to-1

SEC: Arkansas

Last year, Arkansas had a great season but had the task of going up against LSU and Alabama on the road, and it led to their only two losses of the year. This year, the running game should get a boost from the return of Knile Davis, and Tyler Wilson is back at quarterback.

With the LSU and Alabama games at home, the Hogs have a solid chance of winning the SEC this year.

Odds: 4-to-1

SEC: Alabama

The returning BCS National Champions are back, and in the case of the Tide, they reload, not rebuild. Nick Saban does an outstanding job of getting the best out of his team ,and with the amount of talent on that team, it is hard to doubt them coming into 2012.

Odds: 3-to-1

Big 12: Kansas

Kansas had a miserable 2011 season, as their defense was one of the worst in the nation. In the offseason, the Jayhawks added Charlie Weis as their head coach, but it will take him some time to get Kansas out of the conference basement.

Odds: 500-to-1

Big 12: Iowa State

Last year, Iowa State pulled off a stunner and took down Oklahoma State's perfect season. Despite the huge win, the rest of the season was mostly a failure, and now with the addition of TCU and Virginia Tech, the Cyclones are being knocked down a few more spots.

Odds: 300-to-1

Big 12: Baylor

Last year was great, but as good as it was, 2012 will be just as bad.

Robert Griffin III was great for the program, but now that he is gone, the Bears will be starting over and will fall back towards the bottom of the conference standings. 

Odds: 100-to-1

Big 12: Oklahoma State

Last year's Big 12 champions will not be repeating in large part to the losses on the offensive side of the ball. During the offseason both Justin Blackmon and Brandon Weeden left, and the Cowboys will not be able to be as explosive as they were in 2011.

Odds: 70-to-1

Big 12: Texas Tech

Texas Tech had their share of ups and downs during 2011. The ups included beating Oklahoma on the road, but the downs followed that win by losing the rest of the way.

This year, the Red Raiders and quarterback Seth Doege hope to right the ship and give the top end of the conference a run for their money.

Odds: 45-to-1

Big 12: Texas

While last year was a step in the right direction, Texas has still yet to reclaim the dominant form they had a few years ago. Struggles on offense continue to be an issue, and likely will be in 2012 as well.

These problems will lead to struggles against Kansas State, TCU, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.

Odds: 35-to-1

Big 12: Kansas State

Bill Snyder surprised everyone last year, as Kansas State was extremely competitive and challenged for the conference title. This year, Snyder has a lot of his offensive talent back and will be a major competitor for teams like Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.

Odds: 15-to-1

Big 12: TCU

TCU is new to the Big 12 this year but still has the defensive and offensive depth to compete.

Depending on how things turn out with the drug bust that occurred on campus, TCU should have very little issues adjusting to their new conference. 

Odds: 12-to-1

Big 12: West Virginia

West Virginia is another team that is new to the conference this year, and like TCU they will also be a major competitor for the Big 12 title.

The Mountaineers have a strong offense and is fundamentally sound in special teams. The only thing that could be challenging is the cross country travel that will be required. 

Odds: 7-to-1

Big 12: Oklahoma

When Landry Jones decided to return for his senior season, Oklahoma became the clear favorite for the Big 12 championship. As usual, the Sooners will have an outstanding defense, but Jones must get on the same page with his receiving group this year.

Odds: 4-to-1

Big East: Syracuse

To be honest, who knows who is going to win the Big East this year.

With the defection of West Virginia, the Big East is wide open, but Syracuse has too many holes to fill to compete—even in this weakened conference.

Odds: 50-to-1 

Big East: Connecticut

Last year did not go well for Connecticut without Randy Edsall.

In year two without their former head man, the Huskies still lack the depth and talent needed to win consistently in the Big East. 

Odds: 40-to-1

Big East: Rutgers

Greg Schiano is gone from Rutgers and it could take the program a while to move on after losing the programs leader.

Rutgers had a strong finish to 2011, but with some of the losses they had on both sides of the ball, winning the conference is a long shot this year. 

Odds: 30-to-1

Big East: Pittsburgh

For the third straight season, Pittsburgh will have a new head coach but the same starting quarterback. Tino Sunseri will be in his last year as the Panthers starting quarterback, and it is now or never for the signal caller at Pittsburgh. 

Odds: 20-to-1

Big East: Cincinnati

Last year Cincinnati earned a share of the conference title with West Virginia and Louisville. In 2012, starting quarterback Zach Collaros is gone and the Bearcat offense will take a step back and may cost them a chance at repeating. 

Odds: 12-to-1

Big East: South Florida

Last year South Florida got out to an impressive start but then completely fell apart in the second half of the year. In 2012, quarterback B.J. Daniels is back, and if the Bulls can learn from their downfall last year, this season could turn into a conference championship season. 

Odds: 8-to-1

Big East: Louisville

Freshman quarterback Teddy Bridgewater helped guide Louisville to a share of the Big East title last year, and he should only get better in his sophomore season.

If the defense can play up to their potential like last year, then you have to feel good about the Cardinals' chance to repeat. 

Odds: 7-to-1

Conference USA: Tulane

Whenever you have one of the nation's worst offenses and worst defenses, that is not something that will change overnight.

Last year Tulane was awful on both sides of the ball, and in one years time, not much has changed.

Odds: 150-to-1

Conference USA: Memphis

Memphis is on the same level as Tulane, but due to their win over them last year, Memphis gets slightly better odds. While the odds may be better, the lack of offensive and defensive talent remains.

Odds: 145-to-1

Conference USA: UTEP

UTEP had an average season in 2011, but too often their defense failed to answer the call and keep the Miners in games. 

In the offseason, they lost starting running back Joe Banyard but do have Nick Lamaison back under center for his senior year. If the offense continues to do its part and the defense improves, UTEP may improve—but a conference title is still a long shot.

Odds: 120-to-1

Conference USA: Rice

Despite the decline that Houston and Tulsa may experience this year by losing their starting quarterbacks, Rice is a team that is a longshot to take their place.

Along with a poor defense, the offense only managed to put up 23 points per game and will not be a factor in this year's conference race. 

Odds: 100-to-1

Conference USA: UCF

Despite having a top 10 defense in the nation in terms of points against, the UCF Knights still only managed to win five games in 2011. The likelihood of them having a repeat performance are slim, which means they could actually take a step back in 2012. 

Odds: 80-to-1

Conference USA: UAB

The good news for UAB last year was that all their wins came in conference play in 2011; the bad news is that they only had three total wins on the season.

With the lack of depth and talent this program has, three wins may be as good as it gets in 2012. 

Odds: 75-to-1

Conference USA: East Carolina

In 2011, the offense was good and helped East Carolina have a shot at a bowl bid. The reason they fell short on their goal was because of their poor defense.

We should see much of the same in 2012, as the defense will likely let them down again. 

Odds: 70-to-1

Conference USA: Marshall

While Marshall struggled last year, they were starting a freshman quarterback, Rakeem Cato, and they also return wide receiver Aaron Dobson.

If both are able to continue the chemistry they started last year, then the Thundering Herd should improve from 2011. 

Odds: 50-to-1

Conference USA: Houston

Last year Houston had the best offense in the nation, as Case Keenum threw the ball all over the field and was putting up some staggering numbers.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, Keenum is gone, and with a decent defense, they will remain competitive but likely will take a step back from last year. 

Odds: 30-to-1

Conference USA: Tulsa

Much like Houston, Tulsa lost their star quarterback and will be starting over in 2012.

If the defense can improve from last year's 27 points per game, they may remain competitive, but if not, they will slip back towards the middle of the pack. 

Odds: 35-to-1

Conference USA: Southern Miss

While Southern Miss is also losing their starting quarterback from last year, they quietly had a strong defense to go along with their offense, and that could be the key difference between them and teams like Tulsa and Houston. 

Odds: 20-to-1

Conference USA: SMU

Over the past couple of seasons, SMU has been making improvements, and this could be the year that they break through.

While they also are losing their starting quarterback, this conference is wide open, and on the back of their defense, SMU could step forward.

Odds: 15-to-1

MAC: Akron

Last years 1-11 campaign is something that Akron can't wait to forget. Unfortunately, this year's team will not be the ones helping them put that in the past, as they may match that same record from a year ago. 

Odds: 200-to-1

MAC: Buffalo

Since losing Turner Gill as their head coach, Buffalo has gone back to the bottom of the MAC conference standings—and this year will be no different.

With the lack of talent on both sides of the ball, a two- or three-win season may be it for the Bulls.

Odds: 150-to-1

MAC: Central Michigan

When you are giving up over 33 points per game and only scoring 22 points per game, it is a recipe for losing. That is exactly what the Chippewas did last year, but their hope is that senior quarterback Ryan Radcliff can help turn the offense around. 

Odds: 90-to-1

MAC: Miami (OH)

Miami (OH) is a team that has the potential to surprise some people in the MAC this year.

While the offense was awful in 2011, the defense was decent and kept them in some games. If Zac Dysert, RedHawks quarterback, can turn the offense around, then they may have a chance.

Odds: 80-to-1

MAC: Ball State

Ball State finished in the middle of the pack last year, and will likely do the same again in 2012.

Ball State desperately needs to improve on defense, and until the Cardinals get that side of the ball figured out, .500 may be the best that they can hope for.

Odds: 75-to-1

MAC: Eastern Michigan

Year by year, Ron English is getting Eastern Michigan turned around and looking like a team that could compete for the MAC title.

While that will not likely happen this year, English has the Eagles defense playing well, and if they can get some more playmakers on offense, they will be in business. 

Odds: 65-to-1

MAC: Bowling Green

As is the case with other MAC schools, Bowling Green needs some help from its defense this year. Last year, the Falcons lost four games in which they scored over 21 points.

If the defense can step forward and make some critical stops, Bowling Green will push itself into the top half of the conference.

Odds: 50-to-1

MAC: Kent State

Kent State breaks the trend of teams that struggled on the defensive side and instead had issues getting points of their own on the board.

In order for Kent State to have a chance this year, quarterback Spencer Keith must take a step forward from last year's 11 touchdown total. 

Odds: 45-to-1

MAC: Western Michigan

Alex Carder and Western Michigan are back for the 2012 season, and the passing attack, which ranked eight in the nation, may be even more explosive this year.

Look for the Broncos to lean on that passing attack and hope that the defense can hold their own.

Odds: 35-to-1

MAC: Ohio

Last year ended in disappointment, as the Ohio Bobcats lost to Northern Illinois in the MAC title game. This year, the Bobcats should be back in the running, as quarterback Tyler Tettleton returns for his junior season and the Ohio defense returns most of its key starters.

Odds: 25-to-1

MAC: Temple

Last year Temple had one of the stingiest defenses in the nation. The Owls turned some heads in 2011, and now as they enter the 2012 season, they have a shot of winning the MAC.

If they can earn some key wins over Ohio and Kent State, the Owls will win their division. 

Odds: 18-to-1

MAC: Northern Illinois

Last year's MAC champions are back, and despite losing quarterback Chandler Harnish, the Huskies should still be a competitive team that could win the MAC.

If the Huskies can find a decent replacement for Harnish, then it will likely be a two team race in their division with Toledo. 

Odds: 12-to-1

MAC: Toledo

Toledo got stronger as the year went on in 2011, and now that they have Eric Page and Terrance Owens back on the offensive side of the ball, the Rockets offense may not miss a beat.

Their chance of winning the MAC will likely come down to their head-to-head game against Northern Illinois.

Odds: 10-to-1

Mountain West: New Mexico

The good news for New Mexico is that they have a new head coach. The bad news for New Mexico is that they do not have all new players.

Odds: 500-to-1

Mountain West: UNLV

One thing that will remain a mystery from last year is how UNLV beat Hawaii.

UNLV ended the year with two wins and one of the worst offenses and defenses in the nation, and while they may improve a bit this year, it will only be by a win or two.

Odds: 125-to-1

Mountain West: Fresno State

With head coach Pat Hill out of the program, Fresno State will be looking for a new identity this year. They may want to start out on the defensive side of the ball, as the Bulldogs ended the year with the 106th ranked defense.

Odds: 100-to-1

Mountain West: Colorado State

Colorado State is the last team to make up the bottom four in the Mountain West conference.

While they are not quite as bad on both sides of the ball, the Rams have a long way to go before competing for conference titles. 

Odds: 90-to-1

Mountain West: Air Force

Last years 19th ranked scoring offense belonged to Air Force. The downside to this year is that they are losing their starting quarterback, Tim Jefferson Jr., and it may take them some time to find balance with a new signal caller. 

Odds: 75-to-1

Mountain West: San Diego State

Despite losing quarterback Ryan Lindley and Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State can still lean on their defense to carry the load.

If the Aztecs can fill the gaps on offense, then they may turn some heads in 2012.

Odds: 50-to-1

Mountain West: Wyoming

Last year Wyoming finished third in the Mountain West, but luckily for them, one of the conference teams they lost to is gone and Boise State is now without Kellen Moore. 

Odds: 30-to-1

Mountain West: Hawaii

In 2012, Hawaii will be looking to plug a new quarterback into their system, as they lost Bryant Moniz to graduation. Along with moving conferences and quarterbacks, the Warriors defense will need to step up as well.

Odds: 25-to-1

Mountain West: Nevada

Nevada is not a team that will shy away from a challenge, and it shows in their scheduling.

This year, they are hoping that with that sort of preparation, the Wolf Pack and can grab hold of the conference with there being a chance that Boise State could take a step back.

Odds: 15-to-1

Mountain West: Boise State

Despite losing Kellen Moore, Boise State was more than just an offensive powerhouse.

Last year, the Broncos finished with a top 20 defense in terms of points against and will be strong once again in 2012. The only question will be how big a drop-off the offense will have without Moore. 

Odds: 6-to-1

Sun Belt: Florida Atlantic

Florida Atlantic had the look of a team that would go through the regular season last year and not earn one victory. Fortunately for the Owls, they did this year, but in 2012 they will face the very same struggle. 

Odds: 250-to-1

Sun Belt: Middle Tennessee

Last year's 2-10 season was rough, as the Middle Tennessee offense and defense struggled throughout the year. With the graduation losses to the already depleted depth chart, Middle Tennessee could finish with a worse record in 2012. 

Odds: 150-to-1

Sun Belt: Troy

While Troy is certainly a long-shot to win the conference, they do have a chance to improve their offense as both Corey Robinson and Eric Thomas return to make up one of the better passing combinations in the conference. 

Odds: 100-to-1

Sun Belt: North Texas

The Mean Green continue to be a competitive team but are failing to push themselves beyond that.

If North Texas hopes to compete for the conference title, they must bring in stronger defensive recruits next year. 

Odds: 75-to-1

Sun Belt: UL Monroe

While they have not reached the success of UL Lafayette, UL Monroe is slowly improving—and slowly is the key word.

The Warhawks are getting better, but it will still be a few more years before they can compete for a conference title. 

Odds: 65-to-1

Sun Belt: FIU

Last year, FIU had a surprisingly strong defensive unit. Plain and simple, if the Golden Panthers can get their offense to step up their level of play, the defense is strong enough to help them challenge for the Sun Belt title. 

Odds: 55-to-1

Sun Belt: Western Kentucky

Last year it was the defense that carried the load for Western Kentucky, and this year it may need to be the offenses turn.

Senior quarterback Kawaun Jakes is under center for the Hilltoppers, and they will be one of three teams with a great chance at winning the conference. 

30-to-1

Sun Belt: UL Lafayette

Last year UL Lafayette turned some heads with a strong 2011 campaign. This year, the team returns offensive stars Alonzo Harris and Blain Gautier and will be back at it, challenging for the conference crown. 

Odds: 15-to-1

Sun Belt: Arkansas State

Last year's Sun Belt champion was Arkansas State and they return the major part to their offense, quarterback Ryan Aplin.

In 2011, both the offense and defense finished in the top 35 in the nation, and a repeat performance could earn them another conference title. 

Odds: 12-to-1

WAC: New Mexico State

Last year the Aggies went 4-9, and while their offense was strong, they lost quarterback Matt Christian to graduation. And with the step back that they will take, the defense will not be able to pick up the slack.

Odds: 100-to-1

WAC: Idaho

Bad offense and bad defense will have your season end the way that Idaho's did, with a 2-10 record. Due to the lack of depth coming into the program, the Vandals will continue to struggle in the WAC. 

Odds: 85-to-1

WAC: San Jose State

The 2011 season was very cut and dry for San Jose State.

They beat some of the worst teams in the nation and then lost to the teams that were either better than them or on the same playing field. In 2012, it should be more of the same as they lost players on both sides of the ball.

Odds: 45-to-1

WAC: Utah State

Last year Utah State almost shocked everyone in the opening week of the season, as they came close to beating Auburn on the road. This year, touchdown machine Robert Turbin is back at running back, and the Aggies will be the main competitor for the conference title.

Odds: 15-to-1

WAC: Louisiana Tech

Last year Louisiana Tech won the WAC and used a seven-game winning streak at the end of the year to wrap it up. With their balance on offense and defense, the Bulldogs could do it again in 2012. 

Odds: 10-to-1