2009-10 BCS Championship Odds

The Florida Gators (+180) are the odds on favorite to win the title again. Loaded on defense, the Gators could win a third title in four years. Let's don't leave out USC (+550) as they are stacked once again, but they will have questions at quarterback after the early departure of Mark Sanchez. Will Mitch Mustain, Aaron Corp or Matt Barkley be ready to take his place?

Still feeling a bit slighted by the Big 12 tiebreaker rules last year, the Longhorns (+725) should once again be poised for another 2010 title run, but they will need to get by the Sooners (+550) who produced a dominating offense, but fell short against the Gators in the title game last season. The return of QB Sam Bradford and TE Jermaine Gresham will be a good start but will it be enough to get the Sooners a championship title?

Tough games against USC and at Penn State may stand in their way, but the Ohio State Buckeyes are in the mix at (+1000). Terrelle Pryor enters his sophomore season at quarterback, leading Ohio State to an 8-1 record as a starter in his freshman year. His only loss was against Penn State.

Over in the ACC the Virginia Tech Hokies (+1650) are coming off another ACC title, but has Tyrod Taylor matured enough to win a BCS title? The season opener against Alabama will tell the tale as (+2000) Alabama is still in need of a solid starter at quarterback. Losses to Florida and Utah to end the 2008-09 season will still be fresh. The defense will have to shoulder most of the load, and Julio Jones will need to prove he is the best sophomore receiver in the nation.

With a blowout win over Georgia Tech in last seasons Chik-fil-A Bowl, the (+1800) Tigers of LSU are coming off an 8-5 season. Not their best season by far. Their defense will need to rebound after a tough year if they hope to gain momentum to make a bid for the title in the upcoming season.

So what about the rest of what the great state of Florida has to offer? Well the Florida State Seminoles (+2200) will look to get their program back to national prominence despite a tough

off-season for Bobby Bowden, which included the NCAA threatening to take away wins. Then there are the UM Canes (+2600). With a squad knee deep in freshmen making up majority of the field in 2008-09, including quarterback Jacory Harris, this year will be much of the same. Can Randy Shannon's recruiting classes come shining through to grab another ACC title?

To my surprise, rounding out the top 10 is the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame (+2200). The Irish have a favorable schedule, but until QB Jimmy Clausen steps it up, a championship is a long ways away from heading back to South Bend.

Butch Davis has the (+3300) Tar Heels on the rise, and the future is bright in Chapel Hill, while the Ducks of Oregon (+3300) should be a very good team with the return of quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and running back Legarrette Blount.

With a solid defense and a favorable schedule, the (+5000) Huskers should improve on their 9-4 record from last year.

Others worth mentioning are Penn State (+4000), West Virginia (+6000), Ole Miss (+3000), Georgia (+5000), and Georgia Tech (+5000).

Mat Martz is a freelance writer located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed