The 2012 Odds on Every BCS Team's Chances of Winning Its Conference

The BCS features the six conference winners and four at-large bids, however, there is nothing more satisfying than winning your conference.

Every team is deserving of winning their conference with all of the hard work and effort they put forth to earning their spot on the national spotlight, but no team ever has a cake walk along the process.

So, are their better chances for one team over another?

Absolutely!

Without further ado, here are your 2012 odds for every single BCS team in terms of winning their BCS conference.

Note: The returning starters listed are from Phil Steele

Duke

Returning Starters: 8 Offense/8 Defense

Duke will not be expected to win their division let alone the ACC in 2012 since they have been one of the least heralded and successful teams in the country (in terms of BCS).

Can Duke challenge for a bowl game finally? They have had a few close calls, but it has not been since 1995 when Duke played Wisconsin in the Hall of Fame Bowl.

The schedule isn’t mission impossible but it will be tough once again to reach that six win plateau. I suspect at least three or possibly four victories, but anything more would once again be history in the making.

Odds: 200/1

Boston College

Returning Starters: 9 Offense/9 Defense

Montel Harris was certainly missed one season ago and it will be interesting to see how much of an impact he will have. The Eagles will certainly not be expected to do a whole lot with Florida State and Clemson on the rise. Plus, North Carolina State will have some hype their direction.

The passing offense struggled and the defense was not dominant enough to carry them when the tough patches hit. BC suffered and failed to reach a bowl game for the first time since 1998!

Although the first five games are not tough, the final seven may feature them as an underdog every single time. Look for BC to be home for the holidays in consecutive seasons for the first time since the mid 90s.

Odds: 150/1

Maryland

Returning Starters: 7 Offense/8 Defense  

Winning one ACC game and two total is not exactly considered a great season.

In fact, the year was disastrous for Randy Edsall and the Terps even if you did enjoy watching their outlandish uniforms on Labor Day night against the Canes (and throughout the season).

The 2012 season will be much improved but it may not necessarily show up in the record.

Odds: 100/1

Wake Forest

Returning Starters: 3 Offense/7 Defense

Tanner Price might not get a ton of love because his stats weren’t the best, but for a team that had zero running game (99th, 114 YPG) they still managed to move the ball effectively at times.

Chris Givens left early but Michael Campanaro should be able to get something going in the passing game. A healthy Josh Harris would help the running game out a ton and an improved defense (74th in yards allowed, 397).

Odds: 75/1

Virginia

Returning Starters: 6 Offense/5 Defense

The Wahoos did not win their bowl game against Auburn like they had wanted to, but that should take much away from the sensational season that Mike London had.

The results may not be the same with a tougher plate of games (at TCU, at Ga. Tech early), but they will find a way to at least go bowling.

Odds: 65/1

North Carolina

Returning Starters: 8 Offense/5 Defense

The Tar Heels are excited with Larry Fedora taking over at the helm, but the defense loses a ton of star power. Carolina needs Bryn Renner to quickly develop a rapport with the coaches because he will carry a ton of the weight.

Look for a ton of excitement in season one, but that will not come without some growing pains for such a young team.

Odds: 65/1

Miami FL

Returning Starters: 4 Offense/6 Defense

The Hurricanes have a shot to make a statement this season to let the nation now they are much better than the last few seasons.

However, this team is not built to have a springboard of a season so they will need to play mistake-free football against the best competition that the ACC has to offer.

Barring more sanctions or NCAA violations occur (some expect more to come, nobody knows for sure), Miami should be hovering around the .500 benchmark all season.

Anything more though would have to be considered magical with so many brand new pieces on both sides of the ball (especially on offense).

Odds: 65/1

Georgia Tech

Returning Starters: 8 Offense/7 Defense

The Yellow Jackets have appeared in two ACC titles, winning one of them (2009). However, it was a struggle in 2010 going 6-7 and last season wasn’t the season Paul Johnson would have preferred (8-5).

Georgia Tech better be ready for the Hokies in Blacksburg because the schedule lightens up immediately after.

Even if they fall short to Virginia Tech they cannot be considered officially eliminated on account they do avoid Florida State, whom the Hokies have on their slate.

Odds: 50/1

North Carolina State

Returning Starters: 7 Offense/7 Defense

The Pack are back and have the makings of the top dark horse with Mike Glennon back at quarterback alongside All-American safety David Amerson.

Their opener against the Vols could be a tone setter, but even if they were to lose you have to like their chances against the majority of the teams in the ACC.

Odds: 20/1

Virginia Tech

Returning Starters: 3 Offense/9 Defense

The Hokies might not be quite as potent offensively in their running game with the loss of ACC Player of Year running back David Wilson, but Logan Thomas is back at quarterback.

The defense also loses star corner Jayron Hosley, but nearly everybody else returns and the schedule is once again favorable. Bank on them as ACC contenders as Frank Beamer has been to more than a few rodeos.

Odds: 10/1

Clemson

Returning Starters: 6 Offense/7 Defense

Sammy Watkins and Tajh Boyd are ready to excite the nation again, but they hope more consistency will come along with it.

If the defense can take it up a notch despite their pool of youth, they should have a legit chance of capturing the ACC title as well as possibly appearing in a BCS bowl (at-large bid).

Odds: 7/1

Florida State

Returning Starters: 9 Offense/9 Defense

Depending on how you can differentiate who was a starter and who was not, the Seminoles technically have 18 starters back which would rank among the best (top 10) in the country.

The Noles are the easy favorites to represent the ACC in the BCS this upcoming season, but it will be anything but. They must first reach the ACC title and it might take a home thrilling victory over Clemson and/or road win at Blacksburg against the Hokies.

Assuming they take on Virginia Tech in the ACC title, FSU will have an excellent shot this season if their defense is half as good as we think it will be.

Odds: 3/1

Indiana

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 9

The Hoosiers and Kevin Wilson are searching for answers and it cannot get any worse than last season, right?

The hope is that Indiana football is on the rise, but anything more than a few wins still might be a reach. Indiana’s chances of winning the Big Ten title are slim to none, but anything is possible I suppose.

Odds: 100/1

Minnesota

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 5

The Golden Gophers have been struggling for years and Jerry Kill has not had a great start thus far. While there will be improvement, Minnesota will be among the basement dwellers.

Odds: 90/1

Michigan

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 7

Denard Robinson is back for his senior season and Brady Hoke will do whatever it takes to get back to the BCS. So much success was achieved one season ago, but the odds may be stacked against the maize and blue.

The schedule is a tough one, but they have the right pieces to avoid an early loss or two. As long as the injury bug does not hit them against Alabama or Notre Dame, they have as good of a shot to win the Big Ten as anybody.

Odds: 7/1

Purdue

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 7

The Boilermakers are a constant around the middle of the Big Ten standings, but they are attempting to do much better in 2012.

Danny Hope looks as if he is prepared to improve and reach a New Year’s Day Bowl, but the schedule does not have any easy layups.

The trip to South Bend is huge since Purdue has to host Michigan and Wisconsin after they should take of Marshall and Eastern Michigan. Any hiccups against those three ranked teams will probably knock them out of the Big Ten title race, but those should be entertaining games nonetheless.

Odds: 50/1           

Ohio State

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 9

Despite not being eligible or allowed to compete for a Big Ten title, the Buckeyes are excited with the Urban Meyer era beginning.

Still, the defense should be among the best in the conference and the offense will certainly improve upon their 107th ranking (318 YPG).

A nine-win season are the expectations and with eight home games there is a great chance of achieving such.

Odds: N/A (10/1 if they were allowed)

Illinois

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 7

The era of Tim Beckham starts against Western Michigan, but the slate picks up steam when Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State await the Illini.

That isn’t the schedule you would want to contend for a conference title, but they should return to the postseason.

Odds: 60/1

Michigan State

Returning Starters: Offense 4/Defense 8

The Spartans underrated defense will likely rank among the best in the conference, but Andrew Maxwell’s development at quarterback will be the difference of playing in Pasadena as opposed to Florida.

Mark Dantonio has proven he can do it all, and it might just be time to reach the BCS for his Spartans.

Odds: 8/1

Iowa

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 5

The Hawkeyes may be without their starting running back Jordan Canzeri (torn ACL) for the majority of the season. James Vandenberg must be able to perform like the best signal-caller in the Big Ten in order for his Hawkeyes to play like the best.

An improved defense is likely, but the schedule does not lighten up a bit down the stretch (at Michigan, home vs. Nebraska).

Odds: 35/1 

Northwestern

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 5

The Cats have a vital season coming up if you are from Big Ten country. They are attempting to end their abysmal streak of losing a bowl game.

Maybe your parents or grandparents were around the last time Northwestern won a bowl game because the year was 1949!

Odds: 50/1

Penn State

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 5

The Nittany Lions would love to come out on fire and they have a solid chance. Being favored in perhaps their first six games will help, but they will likely be underdogs in five of their final six games.

A new coaching staff and a fairly young team will need to mature by November or else the Badgers and Cornhuskers will kick them out of a division title and New Year’s Day bowl.

Odds: 30/1

Wisconsin

Returning Starters: Offense 4/Defense 6

The Badgers are the heavy favorite to reach the Big Ten title and if you were to ask yourself who has the best chance of appearing in next season’s Big Ten Championship, Wisconsin is the easy answer.

However, once they do appear in that game it will not be easy with Michigan, Michigan State or Nebraska waiting for the two-time defending champions.

Odds: 12/1

Nebraska

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 7

This should be your dark horse to win the Big Ten because their quarterback is the ultimate wild card. Taylor Martinez can look so amazing (see Kansas State 2010) and yet he will often look inconsistent (Wisconsin 2011).

If he can develop any sort of a consistent throwing motion and or some consistency from his receivers, this offense has the making of becoming the best in the Big Ten (that sounds odd but it is truthful).

Odds: 12/1

Texas Tech

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 7

The offense will be much more explosive with Seth Doege back at quarterback, but how much can the defense improve?

They have always had their issues and the Big 12 is loaded once again with quarterbacks that can dissect your defense. That is not great news for a defense that ranked 114th in the nation per yards allowed (485).

Odds: 40/1

Kansas State

Returning Starters: Offense 9/Defense 7

Colin Klein (yes with two L’s) is the one that had to carry the offense last season and it was remarkable to witness.

Klein was 47th in total offensive yards per game at 235 and his Wildcats needed every yard possible.

They were among the worst passing offenses out there (108th), averaging 151 yards per game. Some teams can average that in a half so besides the defense clamping down, there must be playmakers developing in order to seriously challenge for the Big 12.

Odds: 25/1

Oklahoma

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 7

The Boomer Sooners offense was like night and day with Ryan Broyles out of the lineup. Now the legend is gone and Landry Jones must be able to spread the wealth among a talent group of receivers.

That should not be tough on account the defense was poor at key points of the season with busted coverage in the secondary. That simply should not happen again with Bob Stoops and newly-hired defensive coordinator Mike Stoops.

Odds: 8/1

Texas

Returning Starters: Offense 10/Defense 7

The burnt orange seem poised to make another deep run at the Big 12 on top of a BCS berth. The offense has a ton of talent in the backfield, but the passing game needs to stretch the field like it did against Cal in the Holiday Bowl.

If David Ash is the guy that can turn the corner sooner than later (includes defeating OU and or WV/TCU), Mack Brown will have nothing better to do than smile.

Odds: 10/1

Baylor

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 8

How much will the Bears miss RGIII?

The offense will not be nearly as explosive, but the number should not dip a whole lot. The points may not come in bunches and that has to be expected.

Still, the defense did not give us a good showing in the Alamo Bowl and the additions of TCU and West Virginia will likely put the Bears back into the four or five-plus loss range.

Odds: 50/1

Oklahoma State

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 8

Mike Gundy is arguably the best offensive mind in the game and he will need a few guys to step up for the loss of Justin Blackmon. Brandon Weeden will be replaced by Clint Chelf, but thank goodness for a back like Joseph Randle.

Their Big 12 chances come down to the most underrated stat from their 2011 season: turnovers!

The Cowboys led the nation as they gained 44 turnovers and they will once again have to rank among the best in the country (at least Big 12) if they expect anywhere near the same results.

Odds: 25/1

Kansas

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 6

Charlie Weis will need his former Golden Domer Dayne Crist to perform like an All-Big 12 caliber quarterback if they expect to go bowling let alone contend for the Big 12 crown.

There is no sense of talking about a defense that ranked dead last in America because they know they will have to outscore the opposition to win some games.

Odds: 100/1

Iowa State

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 5

The skill position players are improving on offense, but the explosiveness is still far from ranking among the best in the Big 12.

Can they grind out a few tough games on the road? All contenders do (Cyclones went 2-5 in non-home games) and that is a question they must answer next season if they expect to win more than six or seven games.

Odds: 60/1

TCU

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 7

The Frogs have a ton of key players back on offense, but the offensive line will need to quickly adapt to the speed of the Big 12, especially off the edges.

Josh Boyce will get his along with several receivers that are capable of stretching the field for gunslinger Casey Pachall.

Now, if Gary Patterson’s defense can find ways to get the job done against stellar offenses (OU, WV) then they may have a chance to win it in their final two games (at TX, OU).

Odds: 20/1

West Virginia

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 6

TCU is your dark horse for the Big 12, but give me the Mountaineers unstoppable offense.

Geno Smith really improved as the season wore on and the weapons are all ready to burst onto the national scene. The Big 12 may not know what hit them when they attempt to hang with Tavon Austin, Ivan McCartney and Stedman Bailey but don’t expect a complete cake walk.

Odds: 10/1

South Florida

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 8

With Florida State and Miami as the main non-conference games, USF will have their work cut out for them.

B.J. Daniels will attempt to fool the nation one more time as it seems every season somebody (often majority) is taking USF to represent the Big East in the BCS. The Bulls have solid talent, but they can never put it all together.

So, are there any takers for this season?

Odds: 25/1

Connecticut

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 9

The Huskies did not many expectations last season coming off a BCS appearance, but it is never easy after losing your head coach.

Connecticut must be able to bounce back and get into the postseason, but their weapons are still lacking and it showed with their road woes (1-4, lone win was vs. Buffalo).

Odds: 50/1

Temple

Returning Starters: Offense 2/Defense 5

Steve Addazio was due for a MAC title if the program would have stayed in the MAC, but they make some sort of sense for us with their move to the Big East.

Geographically speaking it makes sense, but we will see how far the Owls program has come. The competition is a bit tougher as opposed to the MAC and they will need to develop a few more solid linemen on both sides of the ball.

Odds: 25/1

Pittsburgh

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 5

The Panthers have lost another coach in Todd Graham, but Paul Chryst is expected to stay for a nice, enjoyable tenure.

This conference really is for the taking, although another brand new staff does not usually pay off immediately.

Odds: 45/1

Rutgers

Returning Starters: Offense 6/ Defense 8

So many Pac-12 teams have new coaches and the Big East would be up there if the conference was a tad bigger.

The recruits came flying in and the results should start to pay off. Building championship-caliber teams only occurs if you can build from the inside-out.

Even if many of the current players will be future stars instead of immediate ones, Rutgers has the talent to compete with anybody in 2012 under Kyle Flood.

Odds: 20/1

Louisville

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 7

Charlie Strong and Teddy Bridgewater have to walk away with the Big East crown next season, they have too much talent and determination to not.

A double-digit season is on the horizon if they can gain some confidence against Kentucky and North Carolina in Sept.

Odds: 10/2

Syracuse

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 6

The Orange were not very entertaining to watch one season ago, but that does not mean the 2012 season will be thrown out the door.

Returning quarterback Ryan Nassib certainly helps and I would suspect them to be right there hovering around the .500 benchmark.

Odds: 75/1

Cincinnati

Returning Starters: Offense 4/Defense 6

Maybe it was just me, but I have never seen hype or respect for a team that has gone on to win 10 games from a BCS conference.

It just goes to show the lack of respect the majority of the media have for the Big East, but the Bearcats have a ton of depth and talent. They will be in the thick of the Big East race as their game at Papa John’s Stadium may decide who ends up in the BCS.

Odds: 15/1 

LSU

Returning Starters: Offense 7/ Defense 5

The Bayou Bengals are the defending SEC champions and they would love nothing more than to be able to win it two seasons in a row. Winning the SEC guarantees you a spot in the BCS title and their defense and special teams alone will keep them in the hunt.

Although I am may be foolish for perhaps not picking them, they are the obvious favorites in my book. Their front four gives the opposition nightmares and their secondary should still be able to cover with the best of them.

The slate is once again tough and all of their tough games will be must-see (UW, at Auburn, at UF, SC, at A&M, Bama, at Arkansas).

Odds: 11/2

Tennessee

Returning Starters: Offense 10/Defense 8

Tyler Bray and a high-octane offense will keep them in many SEC ballgames, but this team is still some time away from challenging for a SEC East title.

The schedule sets them up nicely for a seven- or eight-win season, but it would be a bit of a shock if they were to win anything more.

Odds: 35/1

Auburn

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 9

Gene Chizik accomplished so much last season with a brutal schedule and they should provide us with one hell of a ride.

The expectations are still fairly high so an upset over either Alabama, LSU or Arkansas needs to occur if they want to have an nine-plus win year or what they may just call a decent year.

Odds: 30/1

Florida

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 10

The Gators youth is finally developing and those hot shot recruits need to rise up to the occasion. Georgia and South Carolina will be legit and Missouri is not going to be fun to face off against.

Jeff Driskel should be the breakthrough guy but Jacoby Brissett will likely get some snaps along the way. Brent Pease should really help the offense out, and they will need all the points they can get if they expect to become the team to shock the SEC.

Odds: 25/1

Vanderbilt

Returning Starters: Offense 9/Defense 7

Zac Stacy and Jordan Matthews bring in a ton of excitement and enough offensive firepower to knock off a few opponents.

Can Jordan Rodgers avoid the inconsistent play that plagued him down the stretch?

That is the different at the moment of a five, six or perhaps seven squad.

Odds: 60/1

Ole Miss

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 7

The Rebels fired Houston Nutt and the squad will be fighting for a few SEC wins in 2012. Forget about challenging for the SEC West, will they win a game in the entire SEC?

I would like to think they can win at least one, but anything more would be considered dreaming.

Odds: 75/1

Texas A&M

Returning Starters: Offense 9/Defense 6

The Aggies have one of the toughest slates in America next season and they will be lucky to be playing in a bowl game.

Ryan Swope is a stud receiver and I love everything about his game, but I wish I could say the same about a few more Aggies.

They will hang in many SEC games, but it will be intriguing to see how much the defense can improve.

Odds: 50/1

Arkansas

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 6

These odds could change depending on the status of Bobby Petrino. Still, Tyler Wilson and Knile Davis remain as arguably the best QB-RB duo in the country and an improving defense makes them serious contenders.

The SEC West had three prime-time contenders one season ago and nothing should change for this year. However, the Razorbacks were chopped up by Alabama and LSU by a combined score of 79-31. If Arkansas cannot do it this season, they may never get over the hump.

Odds: 12/1 (Updates Odds: 20/1)

Note: With Petrino firing, this changes a lot including the odds. Still, they have eight home games and depending on what decision they make can still challenge for an SEC crown.

Georgia

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 9

Georgia has some hype heading into the 2012 season and it really comes down to their players staying on the field. Whether it is suspensions or injuries, UGA has the talent and depth to beat everybody on their schedule.

Aaron Murray is primed for the spotlight and most forget he had little help in the running game one season ago (49th, 164 YPG).

Odds: 10/1

South Carolina

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 5

The Gamecocks will feature one of the more explosive defensive lines in the nation and the hope is that Marcus Lattimore will return at 100 percent.

Connor Shaw was impressive when he replaced Stephen Garcia and now we will see just how special he is without his stud in Alshon Jeffery.

Also, if they do knock off Georgia again will they have enough ammo to survive the likes of LSU, Arkansas and Florida?

Odds: 20/1

Alabama

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 4

The defending BCS champions will end up losing a few first-round draft picks, but the Crimson Tide can reload with the best of them.

In fact, they are still going to be ranked in the top five of the preseason (likely third), and their offensive line should rank among the elite in the game with Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones returning for his senior season.

If they can knock off Michigan in the opener and avoid a road loss to Arkansas, another BCS title push is likely to occur.

Odds: 7/1

Kentucky

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 6

I do not want to know how bad the streets of Lexington would look if they ever won an SEC and/or BCS title down the road.

It is fortunate that the Wildcats are coming off a title in college basketball or else the fans would be a bit relentless. Getting to a bowl game at the moment is tough although that is what Joker Phillips is going to need to likely keep his job.

Odds: 100/1

Missouri

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 6

Missou is hoping for the best in their first season and they have the pieces to make a run in the SEC East. It is imperative they knock off Georgia.

James Franklin and Henry Josey are two guys that have the talent to give the Dawgs all they can handle, but the defense needs rise their game up.

Winning the battle in the trenches right out of the gates should allow the nation to know whether or not the Tigers have what it takes in the SEC. It will be a fun ride, especially since Alabama comes home as well.

Odds: 40/1

Mississippi State

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 7

Dan Mullen had a bit of a disappointing season on account he won 10 games in 2010.

Those tough losses to Auburn and even at home to LSU were vital to their momentum, and it will not get any easier in 2012 with Alabama, LSU and Arkansas remaining as contenders.

Odds: 75/1

Southern California

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 7

The Trojans are the big favorites to not only represent the Pac-12 in the BCS, but many have labeled them as the next team to finally dethrone the SEC.

They have the NFL offense performers and an underrated back seven defense is arguably as good as any team on the planet.

USC does lose a few pieces on both lines of scrimmage, but no team has as much ammo as they do.

Facing the Ducks twice (more than likely) will be entertaining to watch, but many really want to see what they can do against a dominant SEC to finally settle what we never saw back in 2004.

Odds: 5/2

Oregon

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 6

The odds are great for the Ducks to at least play in the Pac-12 title although Stanford and Washington will be tough.

De’Anthony Thomas will be electrifying every single time he touches the ball and Kenjon Barner will not be too shabby either. If Bryan Bennett can avoid the mistakes, they actually have a legit chance of upsetting the Trojans pursuit of a possible Rose Bowl or BCS title berth.

Odds: 8/1

Stanford

Stanford Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 7

The Cardinal would be arguably the favorites to win the Pac-12 and perhaps a BCS title if Andrew Luck would have returned, but Luck is gone and that was certainly expected.

If Luck had an improved Ty Montgomery and a healthy group of receivers including tight end Zach Ertz, they would be unstoppable.

Look for more running once again behind a young and talented offensive line, but the defense will still be the backbone of the squad.

Odds: 25/1

Utah

Returning Starters: Offense 9/Defense 7

I like the Utes chances of finish second in the South, but that does not do much at the end of the day.

Still, Kyle Whittingham has a horse (or should I say a wolf) in the backfield (John White IV) and they are capable of winning nine games if they can pull off another bowl victory.

Odds: 40/1

Washington

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 7

College football must be aware that Keith Price will be throwing the most gifted tight end in Austin Seferian-Jenkins.

If only the defense was just as good as the offense, then, my friends, we would be looking at a complete top 10 squad.

Odds: 30/1

UCLA

Returning Starters: Offense 7/Defense 7

Jim Mora Jr does not have ridiculous expectations that Rick Neuheisel put on himself, but this is still UCLA we are talking about.

The Bruins have the makings of becoming a bowl team again, but expecting anything much more would not be safe.

Odds: 75/1

Washington State

Returning Starters: Offense 5/Defense 9

This Cougars squad really should challenge for a bowl game in the first season under Mike Leach and some of that is based off their talent whereas a bit is placed on his potential of making this offense legit.

All-American caliber wide receiver Marquess Wilson should stretch the field with ease and open up plenty of opportunities for others.

Lastly, is it a good thing that nine starters are back on defense since they did allow an abysmal 409 yards per game. 

Odds: 80/1

Colorado

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 6

Ralphie and the Buffs had the toughest schedule in America one season ago and they managed three wins despite the beatings they took.

A year older, they will battle for a bowl bid albeit it will be tough with their final six games against (USC, Oregon, Stanford, AZ, UW, Utah).

Odds: 75/1

Arizona

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 5

Give Richy Rod some time before you expect them to contend for a Pac-12 title. They have a decent chance of playing in a bowl game in 2012 although it really depends on fast the offense picks up the remaining pieces.

Nick Foles is gone and a ton of receivers are as well, but eight home games surely helps. Having only four true road games is a blessing in disguise for any squad.

Odds: 75/1

California

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 5

Jeff Tedford had a chance for some of his haters to eat crow when they took on Texas in last season’s Holiday Bowl, but the offense went into reverse in the fourth quarter and the defense could not bail them out.

Some key pieces are gone, but a few return with Zach Maynard and his half-brother Keenan Allen.

Allen is one of the premier wideouts in the Pac-12, but he cannot single handily carry this team to upset bids over USC, Stanford, Utah, Washington and Oregon.

Odds: 55/1

Arizona State

Returning Starters: Offense 4/Defense 4

Todd Graham is the new one in charge and he is losing a boatload of former stars on both sides of the ball. Can ASU still become relevant in the Pac-12?

They have a decent chance of competing for a bowl bid, but the losses are far too much to expect any sort of a dream season (more than seven wins).

Odds: 75/1

Oregon State

Returning Starters: Offense 6/Defense 7  

Mike Riley will never be fired according to Oregon State nation, but they cannot have three or eventually perhaps four seasons without a bowl trip.

The program was once way too consistent and respected to fall off the map. However, they have done exactly that in the past few years. The lack of playmakers has been apparent, but quarterback play and the defensive studs have evaporated.

Odds: 90/1

Notre Dame

Returning Starters: Offense 8/Defense 6

Wait, the Irish do not belong to a conference, right?

Yes, you would be correct but I am breaking down their odds to reach that beloved BCS berth in January.

The Irish appeared in consecutive BCS bowls back in 2004-2005, but the struggles have continued ever since.

The quarterback inconsistency and defense has plagued them, but last season it was the awful red-zone woes and the failure to make the home run hit for six points.

Michael Floyd is gone, but Tyler Eiffert is an All-American tight end and Cierre Wood has some bounce to his step at running back.

Whoever wins the battle or gets the majority of the snaps under center must be efficient. The schedule is among the toughest in the country due to facing three of the most talented quarterbacks in the nation (Barkley, Jones, Robinson).

The Trojans and Sooners could be death traps and a home tilt against Michigan will not be easy either. Outside of the trip to East Lansing, the rest of the schedule opens up a bit. If they can win at least one of those four above listed, they would have a decent shot.

Odds: 25/1 (To reach any BCS bowl)

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