South Carolina Gamecocks and 4 Dark Horse Teams Ready to Win It All

It seems like every college football season there's always a team that emerges from the outer abyss to rise as superior.

For example, last year's national champion—the Auburn Tigers—were nominated No. 22 in the AP Top 25's preseason poll.

We can sit here and discuss the many reasons why either Oklahoma or Alabama will come out on top in 2011, because it's easy to do and most expect it.

However, we mustn't forget about those with the ability to sneak up on us, as Auburn did in 2010. Let's take a look at a few squads that could be this year's sleeper to win the BCS National Championship.

5. West Virginia Mountaineers

First off, let's assume that the dark horse title contender must complete an undefeated regular season. Five of the last nine champions had to accomplish this vigorous feat before reaching the big game, and it will be imperative for these underrated schools to do so.

With that being said, the West Virginia Mountaineers should be considered to compete.

Dana Holgerson is beginning his first year as WVU's head coach and has been provided with a rather favorable schedule.

The Mountaineers take on the No. 4 Louisiana State Tigers on September 24, which could ultimately decide the fate of their season. If Holgerson's new offensive scheme and Geno Smith's brilliant playmaking abilities work to their finest when LSU comes to town, you can count on West Virginia being right in the thick of things.

Besides, it's in the Big East. Not to downplay the conference or anything, but let's face it—it's not the SEC.

Other than LSU, the Mountaineers go on the road to battle Maryland and Cincinnati. If they can get by these three teams, an undefeated regular season would be very attainable, putting WVU in the title race.

4. Boise State Broncos

They have been one of the most consistent teams for several years in a row now, winning 48 games since 2007.

And the Broncos are back for more.

Boise State returns the nation's best quarterback when it comes to efficiency (182.6 passer rating) in Kellen Moore. The former Heisman finalist owns a breathtaking record of 37 wins to just two losses while playing for the Boise State Broncos. His two defeats are a 17-16 setback to TCU in 2008 and a 34-31 overtime thriller versus Nevada last season.

The former WAC powerhouse—now a member of the Mountain West—ranked sixth in the NCAA when it came to passing yards (321.1 yards per game), 21st in rushing (200.2) and second in points scored (45.1). It also had the second-best defense, allowing just 12.8 points per contest.

Now that the Broncos have switched conferences, they will play better competition. This could play in favor of Boise State, as an undefeated season with victories over Fresno State, TCU and San Diego State would look a lot more appeasing than against Idaho, Hawaii and Utah State.

It also has a Week 1 matchup versus SEC foe Georgia. A win here could set the tone for the entire season.

They may have lost a lot of firepower in wide receivers Austin Pettis and Titus Young, but it's not enough to keep the Broncos from being in this year's title contention.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State has a great opportunity here.

Heisman candidates Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon return to lead last year's second-best passing offense. This QB/WR duo is arguably the best in all of college football.

However, it will have to go through great heights to accomplish an undefeated record.

The Cowboys have tough home games against Arizona, Kansas State and Oklahoma, and difficult road tests versus Tulsa, Texas A&M, Texas, Missouri and Texas Tech.

Even though this seems like an impossible task (and it may be), if Oklahoma State can pull it off, a trip to the BCS National Championship is inevitable.

The offense will be there, as the Cowboys return 10 starters to a squad that scored 44.2 points per game in 2011. The question will be the defense—it allowed 26.4 points per contest and 35-plus four times.

Either way, it's an assignment they can't refuse.

2. Wisconsin Badgers

Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson announced in late June that he was to transfer to Wisconsin, ultimately making the Badgers the favorite to win the Big Ten's Leaders division.

Offensive linemen John Moffitt and Gabe Carimi were lost to the NFL draft, but it seems as if Wisconsin is never scarce in this area. 

James White and Montee Ball, who combined for 2,048 yards and 32 touchdowns last year, could end up being the nation's best two-headed monster at the running game.

The Badgers have a favorable eight-game home schedule in 2011, including six in a row to start the season. This consists of matchups against Oregon State, Northern Illinois and Nebraska. They then go on the road to play the likes of Michigan State, Ohio State and Illinois.

Wisconsin will be feared among the entire Big Ten (B1G) and could easily remain undefeated throughout 2011's regular season.

1. South Carolina Gamecocks

"All I can say is that I'm going to try to coach the way I've coached in the past. And if it ends up not being good enough, then so be it."  — Steve Spurrier, South Carolina head football coach.

The ol' ball coach may be headed back to his old days of winning football games here in 2011.

Quarterback Stephen Garcia was recently reinstated, putting together the last puzzle piece in what should be an outstanding offensive unit this year. With Heisman candidate Marcus Lattimore at running back, Garcia under center, two returning starting receivers and a solid offensive line, look for the Gamecocks to put a lot of points on the board.

An SEC school has won the national championship five years in a row. If South Carolina can get past teams such as Georgia, Mississippi State, Arkansas and Florida, they'll have an incredible chance to make an appearance in the title game.

And with Alabama not on the schedule, this may be the best opportunity they'll have to do it for a long time.