2010 College Football Predictions: 10 Darkhorses That Could Be Conference Champs
When most of us look at preseason poll rankings and predict who the contenders will be, it's often the same teams that get tossed into the rink and plenty of other schools with a lot of talent are left standing on the curb.
Well the same is the case with the betting odds in Las Vegas, for the most part at least.
So who's out there that people aren't talking about? Which darkhorses are going to turn the betting lines upside-down?
Most people like Florida and Alabama out of the SEC, Texas and Oklahoma of the Big 12, Ohio State to run the tables in the Big Ten, USC and Oregon out on the West Coast, Pitt and Cincinnati in the Big East, Virginia Tech, Miami or Georgia Tech for the ACC.
That may very well be exactly how it all plays out in 2010, but it's time to step back from the obvious and give some other teams a chance to shine.
Here are ten teams not favored to win their conference that you should place your bets on this fall.
Nebraska
1 of 10
2009 Record: 10-4
2009 Big 12 Standing: first, North (6-4)
Nebraska is a team to keep your eye on in 2010 and even though the Vegas odds are very favorable, they still aren't getting enough credit from the press.
If the Cornhuskers end up winning the Big 12 over Texas and Oklahoma, you shouldn't be surprised. This team has really developed over the last couple seasons and fell a point short of beating Texas for the Big 12 Championship.
It dominated Arizona 33-0 in the Holiday Bowl and returns all but one starter on offense in 2010.
Some would say the loss of NT Ndamukong Suh will be a huge blow, but Jared Crick has the chance to emerge as one of the top defenders in the country now that he's the man.
Vegas Odds: 2/1
Oregon State
2 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 Pac-10 Standing: third (6-3)
The Pac-10 is one of the most interesting conferences to watch next season because there really isn't a definable "lock" to win it all. Most experts will go with Oregon or think USC will rebound, but both of those programs have big question marks to address.
Oregon State is a team that not too many people are looking at, but they have the offensive firepower to do some serious damage in 2010.
The Rodgers brothers, Jacquizz and James are one of the best one-two punches in the country at tailback and receiver.
Other than that, they head to the field loaded with a lot of quality talent on both sides of the ball.
Vegas Odds: 3/1
Connecticut
3 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 Big East Standing: fifth (3-4)
UConn has a lot to be excited about in 2010. They return most of their main contributors, the core players are young and full of potential, the offensive line looks strong as does the running game, and the passing attack finally appears to be catching up as well.
They've appeared on some preseason top 25 lists after an 8-5 season last year. That's because it lost five games a year ago by a combined 15 points and finished the season with four straight wins.
The Huskies have got young and talented players who've been waiting for their chance to shine for years.
Expect them to build off their momentum and win more games in 2010, especially with a favorable schedule throughout most of the year.
Vegas Odds: 3/1
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Wisconsin
4 of 10
2009 Record: 10-3
2009 Big Ten Standing: fourth (5-3)
The Badgers wrapped up the 2009 season with a solid upset victory over Miami in the Citrus Bowl and are definitely one of the teams to beat in the Big Ten
It returns all its key pieces on offense and should be very strong on that side of the ball in 2010.
With Penn State fading and question marks surrounding Iowa and Ohio State, it wouldn't be shocking if the Badgers emerged from the heap as the unexpected champions of the Big Ten.
If they can fill in the gaps on the defensive side of the ball, it'll be a year of smooth sailing for Wisconsin.
Vegas Odds: 4/1
North Carolina
5 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 ACC Standing: fourth, Coastal (4-4)
North Carolina has one of the top defenses in the nation and one of the best defensive lines you'll ever come across.That's if Marvin Austin, its stud defensive tackle isn't suspended for his senior year
Butch Davis's crew is simply stacked on the defensive side of the ball regardless though, and based on the way they won games last year, look for their defense to step up and be the decider in an even bigger way in 2010.
The Tar Heels need to figure out exactly what they have in T.J. Yates, and there are holes to address in the receiving game, but if they can figure it out they have as good a chance as anyone to take the ACC.
Of all the major conferences, the ACC is wide open like no others. It's anyone's game, but it will be a lot harder for North Carolina without Austin than with him.
Vegas Odds: 5/1
Arkansas
6 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 SEC Standing: fourth, West (3-5)
A lot of Razorback fans have high expectations for the 2010 season and the main reason why is quarterback Ryan Mallet. Mallet might just be the single-greatest college football player next year and has a good chance of being the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.
He'll have his hands full, however, if he doesn't want to disappoint the Arkansas faithful.
Arkansas finished 8-5 last season, but this could be its year to make a push toward the top of the standings in the SEC.
With Mallet leading the offense it will be very difficult for anyone to stop the Razorbacks when they're rolling on all cylinders.
Vegas Odds: 13/2
Stanford
7 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 Pac-10 Standing: fourth (6-3)
The Cardinal had one of the more surprising seasons in college football last year, winning consecutive games against Oregon and USC on route to an 8-5 season and fourth place finish in the Pac-10.
They lose tailback Toby Gerhart, which is a tough blow for any school, but Andrew Luck is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country and should be in line for a very strong campaign leading the Cardinal.
The feeling here is this team shouldn't be ignored, but it'll take a lot for them to overcome their schedule and win the Pac-10. Stanford plays Oregon, Washington, UCLA, Cal, and Arizona State on the road.
That's a tough ticket for any team, but the Pac-10 isn't as strong as it looks on paper.
Vegas Odds: 7/1
Auburn
8 of 10
2009 Record: 8-5
2009 SEC Standing: fifth, West (3-5)
2009 was a building year for Auburn and a great turnaround after a 5-7 finish to the 2008 season. This could be the year it gets back into the competition with the elite of the SEC.
It may have lost Ben Tate at running back, but Cam Newton should do wonders as the expected starer at QB.
Don't underestimate the effect the former Florida Gator can have on this program. He's a dangerous weapon for bot the passing game and running game and should really open up the offense.
Add in a top-notch 2010 recruiting class headlined by running back Michael Dyer and the Tigers look very strong.
Vegas Odds: 8/1
LSU
9 of 10
2009 Record: 9-3
2009 SEC Standing: second, West (5-3)
The Tigers have to find replacements at receiver after losing Brandon LaFell, but expect Rueben Randle to emerge as possibly an even better option.
Jordan Jefferson didn't really seem all that comfortable for long stretches of the season, but a year under his belt should make a difference for LSU's quarterback.
Expect Les Miles to get Russell Shepard more involved in the offense, and don't worry about that defense much at all—it's stacked.
It wouldn't be surprising at all to see them win their conference while everyone is focused on Alabama and Florida.
Vegas Odds: 10/1
Texas Tech
10 of 10
2009 Record: 9-4
2009 Big 12 Standing: third, South (5-3
Texas Texas might be one of the most underrated teams in the country, and if it wasn't for the expected level of competition in the Big 12, you'd hear a lot more about them.
Tommy Tuberville's takeover of the Red Raiders should be one of the more interesting storylines to follow this season. He'll be changing up the spread offense a bit and putting his own touch on the running game and, believe it or not, speeding up the passing game.
That same type of switch will take place on defense, where it'll be running a hybrid 3-4/4-3.
It hasn't lost many starters, but if there's an X-Factor, it's the offensive line. This team can't succeed unless the unit pulls its own.
Vegas Odds: 18-1
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
