2011 College Football: 10 Teams That Have The Best Shot at Winning The BCS

Even though the 2010 season just concluded, the hype about this fall 2011 has already begun.  Expectations and high standards have already been raised.  There are some surprise teams that have already thrown their name into the mix as being elite enough to reach a BCS bowl.

But who will finish on top?  Controversies, coaching moves, and high profile commitments highlight much of the upcoming season.  Although there is a current lull in college football, fans and enthusiasts alike refuse to it stop them.

Let's take a look at the 10 teams who have the best chance at winning the big game.

10: Oklahoma State

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STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 05: Wide receiver Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys warms up before the college football game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 5, 2009 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defe

The Cowboys are on here for the simple fact that quarterback Brandon Weeden, and wide receiver Justin Blackmon return as the nation’s reigning passing champions. 

Although the defense is shaky at times, they have great coaches, and the entire Big 12 will be uncertain. This team will undoubtedly contend.

9: Notre Dame

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 20: Michael Floyd #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rushes against the Army Black Knights at Yankee Stadium on November 20, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

This is my surprise pick. Fact of the matter is: The team that everyone loves to hate on is returning 10 starters on offense and 9 on defense... Including soon to be preseason All-American's Manti Te’o and Michael Floyd, a recruiting class ranked in #10 by ESPN.  Brian Kelly's second year at the helm will prove to be one to look forward to. 

8: LSU

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Members of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrate after defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 41-24 during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Image

Once again, playing in the SEC is never easy... your road is that much harder. They have a tough schedule including Oregon in Dallas and at Alabama. But their coaching, strong defense, and ESPN #8 ranked recruiting class keep this team a contender at all times.

7: Florida State

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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 31: Head coach JimboFisher of the Florida State Seminoles is doused with water in the final seconds of their 26-17 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks during the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl at Georgia Dome on December 31, 2010 in Atlan

ESPN ranks the Seminoles 2011 recruiting class at the #1 in the country.  They will join up and coming coach Jimbo Fischer, who takes over a team fresh off a Gator Bowl upset against a West Virginia team.  In addition to their talented offense, their studs on defense make them the ACC's best.  All of their ACC road games are against the bottom feeders of the conference. 

6: Texas A&M

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ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws against the LSU Tigers during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Aggies are the Cotton Bowl runner-ups, returning 18 starters from last year’s team, including seniors at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. This team can play exceptionally well and will contend with Oklahoma for the Big 12 Title.

5: Oregon

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: LaMichael James #21 and Darron Thomas #1 of the Oregon Ducks react to the Auburn Tigers during the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jona

Ducks star quarterback Darron Thomas and Heisman favorite LaMichael James headline 9 returning starters from the nation's number one offense from last year.  AP Coach of the Year Chip Kelly already has the experience of the BCS bowl on his resume, which will allow him to guide his team in a way different from last year.  If they get past LSU in week one, this team will be dangerous.

4: Alabama

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ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Michael Williams #89 of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks onto the field after a timeout during the Capitol One Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by M

The Crimson Tide may be losing running back and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, quarterback Greg McElroy, and wide receiver Julio Jones, but they will have very talented replacements: ESPN and Rivals.com ranked their recruiting class as the #2 in the country.  The only thing holding them back is the same thing as every year: playing in the SEC. 

3: Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 25: Head Coach Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes directs his team during a game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Ohio Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 73-20. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty

The suspensions to quarterback Terrelle Pryor, running back Daniel Herron, and wide receiver DeVier Posey won't have the negative impact people think because they will be 5-0 when they return. They have too much talent on both sides of the ball, and the Big 10 is fairly weak.  Jim Tressel is too much of a powerful coach to let these suspensions hamper the possibilities of this team.

2: Stanford

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MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Stanford Cardinal rolls out of the pocket against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Phot

Two Words: Andrew Luck.  In addition, their former offensive coordinator, who was just promoted to coach after Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL, has already won the hearts and minds of his fellow Cardinals with experience.  He was recently quoted as saying, “Two years of good football is not enough,” which is a good sign for this football program.  Despite having home games against teams such as Oregon and Notre Dame, they do have a deep offensive and defensive units which will help carry them.

1: Oklahoma Sooners

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: Ryan Broyles #85 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs after a catch against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Pet

The Sooners have the talent to win, returning 17 starters from last season.  Linebacker Travis Lewis and wide receiver Ryan Broyles both are staying for their senior season, helping to show their strong defensive and offensive lines.  In addition, redshirt sophomore running back Jonathan Miller and junior quarterback Landry Jones both highlight a very strong offensive unit.  Although they will face challenges with Florida State, Texas A&M, and Missouri, look Bob Stoops to lead his time and return them to the top.  They undoubtedly have the best shot at going all the way.