BuckBojangles
Jooooooonyer
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Poster's note: That top 25 has me confused, but here's the article.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Features/BCS_Odds.htm[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]The initial odds to wn the 2007 BCS championship game were released by Oasis. Below are the early lines on who the favorites are and the realistic chances for each team and the real chances for each team to at least play for the big prize. You have to be in it to win it.[/SIZE][/FONT]
<TABLE id=table2 cellSpacing=7 cellPadding=5 width=250 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffcc>CFN's top 25 teams based on their chances of getting to the BCS national title game
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Talent and returning players have a lot to do with it, but it's mostly about the schedules, the road trips, the timing of the big games, and how much a team might have to climb in the rankings. This isn't a ranking of the best teams going into the year, it's a ranking of who has the best shot to play for the title.
1. USC
2. Texas
3. Louisville
4. Auburn
5. Notre Dame
6. Ohio State
7. Miami
8. Oklahoma
9. Virginia Tech
10. Florida State
11. West Virginia
12. Florida
13. Georgia
14. Nebraska
15. Tennessee
16. Iowa
17. California
18. Wisconsin
19. Michigan
20. Penn State
21. Oregon
22. Arizona State
23. Alabama
24. Texas Tech
25. Clemson [/SIZE][/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]South Carolina Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. The Gamecocks are going to be better in the second year under Steve Spurrier, but there are still too many missing pieces to the puzzle, like the secondary, to get through the SEC unscathed. However, the schedule is favorable with the road games at Mississippi State, Kentucky and Vanderbilt until the late season showdowns at Florida and Clemson.
Arizona Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Please. It's asking a lot for a team to go from 3-8 to watching the national title, much less playing in it.
Texas A&M Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This isn't as insane as you might think. Fine, it's not going to happen, but the defense can't be any worse against the pass and the ground game will be awesome. The schedule guarantees a 4-0 start, and the road games are a relative joke (Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor) before closing out at Texas. 9-0 is very possible before home games against Oklahoma and Nebraska.
TCU Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none only because a 12-0 team still might not get a whiff of the national title game. The only non-conference game of note is against Texas Tech, and that's not enough. If Utah couldn't get close to the championship in 2004, than neither can TCU this year.
NC State Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Zero. There's no chance a team with this many holes on defense and so many limitations on offense is in the hunt past the first month.
Colorado Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Don't fall asleep on the Buffs. Everyone remembers the team that fell on its bells to close out the season, but Dan Hawkins inherits the defending Big 12 North Champion and it'll have its chances to make some noise. If Colorado can beat Arizona State and win at Georgia, look for a top five ranking before the end of September. However, road trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska will end any title hopes.
Texas Tech Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim, but this will be an interesting team to watch all season long. The slate is tougher than it looks with road trips at UTEP, TCU, Texas A&M, Colorado and Iowa State before the late-season showdown at Oklahoma, but the defense should be solid and the offense should be its normal, explosive self.
Virginia Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]Slim to none, but a big start wouldn't be a shock. There's not a sure-thing loss on the schedule until November, and then the Cavs have to pay the piper playing at Florida State, Miami, and at Virginia Tech.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Minnesota Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. Road trips to Cal, Wisconsin and Ohio State along with home games against Michigan, Penn State and Iowa will prevent any dreams of an unbeaten season.
Michigan State Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]About the same odds of taking George Mason to beat Michigan State in basketball. Oh, wait. About the same odds of the Spartans not melting down at least once this year. Actually, if the Spartans get their stuff together, there's a funky chance for a big year, but not a national title one.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Utah Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. The splashiest game of national consequence is at UCLA in the opener.
Boston College Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as far fetched as you might think. The Eagles will be rock solid once again, and could be in the hunt if they can hold serve at home. However, it's asking way too much to beat both Florida State and Miami on the road.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Alabama Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. The Tide won't win at Florida, at Tennessee and at LSU. However, there are enough cream-puffs to fatten up on to expect a gaudy record.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Clemson Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It'll be over before everyone gets a chance to settle in. Clemson will be good, but it has to play at Boston College and at Florida State by mid-September and has to go to Virginia Tech in late October. However, those are the only three truly dangerous games before the South Carolina battle to finish up the regular season.
Georgia Tech Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. Beating Notre Dame in the opener would put the Yellow Jackets on the map, but it's asking too much to go unscathed with road games at Virginia Tech, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina and Georgia to go along with home games against Maryland, Virginia and Miami.
Arizona State Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This would be the national title sleeper team if it wasn't for the schedule. It'll be a shock if the offense doesn't finish among the top ten in the country, and the defense can't be too much worse. However, the schedule will be way too much to overcome with road games at Colorado, California, USC and Oregon State to deal with.
Wisconsin Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as bad as you might think. This won't be one of the ten best teams in America, but if Bret Bielema's boys can get by the Big Ten opener at Michigan then things get wide open with no Ohio State on the schedule and the three remaining road games at Indiana, Purdue and Iowa.
Virginia Tech Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Decent. Oh sure, a new quarterback needs to be found and there's the inevitable Hokie brain cramp game, but there are only four road games playing at North Carolina, Boston College and Wake Forest to go along with the showdown at Miami. The road team has had the best of that series. It'll be a shock of the Hokies don't go unbeaten at home.
Tennessee Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It's possible if the Vols get every break in the book. The defense won't be the killer it was last year, but the offense won't be nearly as bad. The tough road games are at Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas, but they have to face California, Florida and LSU at home.
http://www.oasis-poker.net/default.aspx?wm=37357Nebraska Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It comes down to one big, early game: at USC. A win over the Trojans and all of a sudden the Huskers will be in the driver's seat. If they're good enough to be the Trojans in L.A., then they're good enough to beat everyone else on the schedule with the possible exception of Texas, and that's a home game.
Georgia Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Keep your eye on the Dawgs. Never count out a Mark Richt coached team from winning the SEC title, but there are far too many holes to fill to win the whole ball of wax. However, if the quarterback situation is steady from the beginning and the defense can patch things up in the front seven, this could be a sleeper team with the only tough road games at South Carolina and Auburn to go along with the Cocktail Party against Florida and the home date with Tennessee. In other words, it might be a four-game season, not counting the SEC title game.
Oregon Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not good. An early win over Oklahoma would certainly generate a buzz, but the Ducks won't win on the road at Arizona State, Cal, Washington State, USC and Oregon State.
Iowa Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This might be a sleeper even with all the replacements needed at linebacker, offensive line and receiver, but the schedule isn't horrible with the one nasty road date at Michigan. If the Hawkeyes can beat Ohio State in late September, then watch out. There's no Penn State on the schedule.
Louisville Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Solid. The Cardinals are loaded on offense again and shouldn't be too bad on D, but what really helps is the schedule. A win over Miami would give them national title credibility, and a win at Kansas State the following week would solidify the respect. The West Virginia game is at home.
California Money line to win the national title: +2300
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Possible if there aren't any home slip ups. This might be one of the ten best teams in the nation, but it could be all over after opening day at Tennessee. However, the only other nasty road date, unless you believe in Washington State this year, is at USC. In other words, a win in Knoxville might set the wheels in motion for a huge year with big-time buildup before the late November game with the Trojans.
Penn State Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim. If it didn't happen last year with that defense and a huge year from Michael Robinson, it's not going to happen this year with road trips to Notre Dame, Ohio State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin.
West Virginia Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It depends. If there are several unbeaten teams, West Virginia might be the odd team out because of the schedule with Maryland the best non-conference foe. 12-0 is possible, but the road trip to Louisville could provide a knockout punch to the Arizona dreams.
Auburn Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Strong. The Tigers get LSU, Florida and Georgia at home, while the toughest road game is at South Carolina before the season finale at Alabama. The combination of Kenny Irons and the running game, the defense, and the fantastic special teams will keep Auburn in the hunt.
Miami Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Decent, but not fantastic. Can the team go from getting obliterated by LSU to being a national champion? A win against Florida State to start the season would set the tone, but a victory at Louisville would open the door with the toughest remaining road game at Georgia Tech. Getting by Virginia Tech at home would also be a key, but the schedule isn't all that bad.
Michigan Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. Michigan will be good like always, but it's not going to win all the road games at Notre Dame, Penn State, Minnesota and Ohio State. Wisconsin and Iowa will take their cuts at the Big House.
UCLA Money line to win the national title: +1400
What are the real chances to play for the national title? In football? None. The defense has to be night-and-day better and the main players in the backfield have to be replaced. If that wasn't enough, the Bruins have to go on the road to face Oregon, Notre Dame, Cal and Arizona State to go along with the "home" date against USC.
Florida Money line to win the national title: +1400
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This will be the intriguing pick by some, but it's going to be a rough road. The team will be more explosive, but the offensive line needs to find several replacements and the road schedule is tough playing at Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State to go along with the Georgia game. If that wasn't enough, Alabama, LSU and South Carolina come to The Swamp. However, if the Gators go 12-1 winning the SEC title, it'll get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the one-loss teams.
Florida State Money line to win the national title: +1100
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It depends on the opener. If the Noles win at Miami on the opening Monday night, it's there for the taming with the remaining road games at NC State, Duke and Maryland. Of course, there's the battle with Florida to close things out along with the Bowden Bowl against Clemson, but those are in Tallahassee.
LSU Money line to win the national title: +1100
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Lousy. The team might be one of the three most talented in America, but it's not going unscathed with road trips to Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas. However, the only tough home game is against Alabama, so if the Tigers can somehow go 12-1 and win the SEC title, it could be 2003 all over again.
Texas Money line to win the national title: +900
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Fantastic. Vince Young might be gone, but the quarterback situation will be just fine with Colt McCoy and Jevan Sneed working with all the talent from last year's national champion. This is the nation's best returning team and it should play like it again. A win over Ohio State early would either solidify a number one spot or put the Horns there, while a win over Oklahoma would mean a spot is there in the national title game by winning out. However, it's not a walk in the park over the second half of the season with three road trips in four weeks playing at Nebraska, Texas Tech and Kansas State wrapped around the Oklahoma State game.
USC Money line to win the national title: +900
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]Excellent, but can the Trojans get every close win for a third straight regular season? The linebackers and receivers are the best in the nation, and the holes on both sides of the ball are being filled with NFL prospects. The road schedule is a relative breeze facing only one bowl team from last year, UCLA, while Nebraska, Arizona State, Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame all have to come to Los Angeles. [FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]
Oklahoma Money line to win the national title: +700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not bad. Getting out of Autzen Stadium alive would be a good start with Oregon looking for revenge for the Holiday Bowl loss, but after that things aren't so horrible. Wins over Oregon and Texas would likely mean the Sooners would be no lower than second in the rankings by early October, but they have to play four road games in the final five weeks with sneaky-tough games at Missouri and Texas A&M.
Notre Dame Money line to win the national title: +650
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as good as you might think. The defense didn't all of a sudden get a lot faster this off-season, but the offense should be unstoppable and the attitude is certainly there under Charlie Weis that anything less than a national title isn't good enough. Don't just assume the Irish will blow through home games against Penn State, Michigan, Purdue and UCLA, while the road trips to Georgia Tech and Michigan State will be far tougher than many believe. Of course, the overall talent is there to make 11-0 a possibility with that big, bad, date with USC to close things out.
Ohio State Money line to win the national title: +650
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Fantastic if the Buckeyes get by Texas. The road trips to Iowa and Michigan State will both be tough, but Penn State, Minnesota and Michigan have to come to Columbus. The linebacking corps will be more than fine even though all the stars are off to the NFL, while Troy Smith has the potential to be this year's Vince Young.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]http://www.collegefootballnews.com/2006/Features/BCS_Odds.htm[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]The initial odds to wn the 2007 BCS championship game were released by Oasis. Below are the early lines on who the favorites are and the realistic chances for each team and the real chances for each team to at least play for the big prize. You have to be in it to win it.[/SIZE][/FONT]
<TABLE id=table2 cellSpacing=7 cellPadding=5 width=250 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD bgColor=#ffffcc>CFN's top 25 teams based on their chances of getting to the BCS national title game
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Talent and returning players have a lot to do with it, but it's mostly about the schedules, the road trips, the timing of the big games, and how much a team might have to climb in the rankings. This isn't a ranking of the best teams going into the year, it's a ranking of who has the best shot to play for the title.
1. USC
2. Texas
3. Louisville
4. Auburn
5. Notre Dame
6. Ohio State
7. Miami
8. Oklahoma
9. Virginia Tech
10. Florida State
11. West Virginia
12. Florida
13. Georgia
14. Nebraska
15. Tennessee
16. Iowa
17. California
18. Wisconsin
19. Michigan
20. Penn State
21. Oregon
22. Arizona State
23. Alabama
24. Texas Tech
25. Clemson [/SIZE][/FONT]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]South Carolina Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. The Gamecocks are going to be better in the second year under Steve Spurrier, but there are still too many missing pieces to the puzzle, like the secondary, to get through the SEC unscathed. However, the schedule is favorable with the road games at Mississippi State, Kentucky and Vanderbilt until the late season showdowns at Florida and Clemson.
Arizona Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Please. It's asking a lot for a team to go from 3-8 to watching the national title, much less playing in it.
Texas A&M Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This isn't as insane as you might think. Fine, it's not going to happen, but the defense can't be any worse against the pass and the ground game will be awesome. The schedule guarantees a 4-0 start, and the road games are a relative joke (Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor) before closing out at Texas. 9-0 is very possible before home games against Oklahoma and Nebraska.
TCU Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none only because a 12-0 team still might not get a whiff of the national title game. The only non-conference game of note is against Texas Tech, and that's not enough. If Utah couldn't get close to the championship in 2004, than neither can TCU this year.
NC State Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Zero. There's no chance a team with this many holes on defense and so many limitations on offense is in the hunt past the first month.
Colorado Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Don't fall asleep on the Buffs. Everyone remembers the team that fell on its bells to close out the season, but Dan Hawkins inherits the defending Big 12 North Champion and it'll have its chances to make some noise. If Colorado can beat Arizona State and win at Georgia, look for a top five ranking before the end of September. However, road trips to Oklahoma and Nebraska will end any title hopes.
Texas Tech Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim, but this will be an interesting team to watch all season long. The slate is tougher than it looks with road trips at UTEP, TCU, Texas A&M, Colorado and Iowa State before the late-season showdown at Oklahoma, but the defense should be solid and the offense should be its normal, explosive self.
Virginia Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]Slim to none, but a big start wouldn't be a shock. There's not a sure-thing loss on the schedule until November, and then the Cavs have to pay the piper playing at Florida State, Miami, and at Virginia Tech.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Minnesota Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. Road trips to Cal, Wisconsin and Ohio State along with home games against Michigan, Penn State and Iowa will prevent any dreams of an unbeaten season.
Michigan State Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]About the same odds of taking George Mason to beat Michigan State in basketball. Oh, wait. About the same odds of the Spartans not melting down at least once this year. Actually, if the Spartans get their stuff together, there's a funky chance for a big year, but not a national title one.
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Utah Money line to win the national title: +9000
What are the real chances to play for the national title? None. The splashiest game of national consequence is at UCLA in the opener.
Boston College Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as far fetched as you might think. The Eagles will be rock solid once again, and could be in the hunt if they can hold serve at home. However, it's asking way too much to beat both Florida State and Miami on the road.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Alabama Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. The Tide won't win at Florida, at Tennessee and at LSU. However, there are enough cream-puffs to fatten up on to expect a gaudy record.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]Clemson Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It'll be over before everyone gets a chance to settle in. Clemson will be good, but it has to play at Boston College and at Florida State by mid-September and has to go to Virginia Tech in late October. However, those are the only three truly dangerous games before the South Carolina battle to finish up the regular season.
Georgia Tech Money line to win the national title: +5500
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. Beating Notre Dame in the opener would put the Yellow Jackets on the map, but it's asking too much to go unscathed with road games at Virginia Tech, Clemson, NC State, North Carolina and Georgia to go along with home games against Maryland, Virginia and Miami.
Arizona State Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This would be the national title sleeper team if it wasn't for the schedule. It'll be a shock if the offense doesn't finish among the top ten in the country, and the defense can't be too much worse. However, the schedule will be way too much to overcome with road games at Colorado, California, USC and Oregon State to deal with.
Wisconsin Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as bad as you might think. This won't be one of the ten best teams in America, but if Bret Bielema's boys can get by the Big Ten opener at Michigan then things get wide open with no Ohio State on the schedule and the three remaining road games at Indiana, Purdue and Iowa.
Virginia Tech Money line to win the national title: +4700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Decent. Oh sure, a new quarterback needs to be found and there's the inevitable Hokie brain cramp game, but there are only four road games playing at North Carolina, Boston College and Wake Forest to go along with the showdown at Miami. The road team has had the best of that series. It'll be a shock of the Hokies don't go unbeaten at home.
Tennessee Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It's possible if the Vols get every break in the book. The defense won't be the killer it was last year, but the offense won't be nearly as bad. The tough road games are at Georgia, South Carolina and Arkansas, but they have to face California, Florida and LSU at home.
http://www.oasis-poker.net/default.aspx?wm=37357Nebraska Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It comes down to one big, early game: at USC. A win over the Trojans and all of a sudden the Huskers will be in the driver's seat. If they're good enough to be the Trojans in L.A., then they're good enough to beat everyone else on the schedule with the possible exception of Texas, and that's a home game.
Georgia Money line to win the national title: +3700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Keep your eye on the Dawgs. Never count out a Mark Richt coached team from winning the SEC title, but there are far too many holes to fill to win the whole ball of wax. However, if the quarterback situation is steady from the beginning and the defense can patch things up in the front seven, this could be a sleeper team with the only tough road games at South Carolina and Auburn to go along with the Cocktail Party against Florida and the home date with Tennessee. In other words, it might be a four-game season, not counting the SEC title game.
Oregon Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not good. An early win over Oklahoma would certainly generate a buzz, but the Ducks won't win on the road at Arizona State, Cal, Washington State, USC and Oregon State.
Iowa Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This might be a sleeper even with all the replacements needed at linebacker, offensive line and receiver, but the schedule isn't horrible with the one nasty road date at Michigan. If the Hawkeyes can beat Ohio State in late September, then watch out. There's no Penn State on the schedule.
Louisville Money line to win the national title: +2700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Solid. The Cardinals are loaded on offense again and shouldn't be too bad on D, but what really helps is the schedule. A win over Miami would give them national title credibility, and a win at Kansas State the following week would solidify the respect. The West Virginia game is at home.
California Money line to win the national title: +2300
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Possible if there aren't any home slip ups. This might be one of the ten best teams in the nation, but it could be all over after opening day at Tennessee. However, the only other nasty road date, unless you believe in Washington State this year, is at USC. In other words, a win in Knoxville might set the wheels in motion for a huge year with big-time buildup before the late November game with the Trojans.
Penn State Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim. If it didn't happen last year with that defense and a huge year from Michael Robinson, it's not going to happen this year with road trips to Notre Dame, Ohio State, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin.
West Virginia Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It depends. If there are several unbeaten teams, West Virginia might be the odd team out because of the schedule with Maryland the best non-conference foe. 12-0 is possible, but the road trip to Louisville could provide a knockout punch to the Arizona dreams.
Auburn Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Strong. The Tigers get LSU, Florida and Georgia at home, while the toughest road game is at South Carolina before the season finale at Alabama. The combination of Kenny Irons and the running game, the defense, and the fantastic special teams will keep Auburn in the hunt.
Miami Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Decent, but not fantastic. Can the team go from getting obliterated by LSU to being a national champion? A win against Florida State to start the season would set the tone, but a victory at Louisville would open the door with the toughest remaining road game at Georgia Tech. Getting by Virginia Tech at home would also be a key, but the schedule isn't all that bad.
Michigan Money line to win the national title: +1800
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Slim to none. Michigan will be good like always, but it's not going to win all the road games at Notre Dame, Penn State, Minnesota and Ohio State. Wisconsin and Iowa will take their cuts at the Big House.
UCLA Money line to win the national title: +1400
What are the real chances to play for the national title? In football? None. The defense has to be night-and-day better and the main players in the backfield have to be replaced. If that wasn't enough, the Bruins have to go on the road to face Oregon, Notre Dame, Cal and Arizona State to go along with the "home" date against USC.
Florida Money line to win the national title: +1400
What are the real chances to play for the national title? This will be the intriguing pick by some, but it's going to be a rough road. The team will be more explosive, but the offensive line needs to find several replacements and the road schedule is tough playing at Tennessee, Auburn and Florida State to go along with the Georgia game. If that wasn't enough, Alabama, LSU and South Carolina come to The Swamp. However, if the Gators go 12-1 winning the SEC title, it'll get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the one-loss teams.
Florida State Money line to win the national title: +1100
What are the real chances to play for the national title? It depends on the opener. If the Noles win at Miami on the opening Monday night, it's there for the taming with the remaining road games at NC State, Duke and Maryland. Of course, there's the battle with Florida to close things out along with the Bowden Bowl against Clemson, but those are in Tallahassee.
LSU Money line to win the national title: +1100
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Lousy. The team might be one of the three most talented in America, but it's not going unscathed with road trips to Auburn, Florida, Tennessee and Arkansas. However, the only tough home game is against Alabama, so if the Tigers can somehow go 12-1 and win the SEC title, it could be 2003 all over again.
Texas Money line to win the national title: +900
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Fantastic. Vince Young might be gone, but the quarterback situation will be just fine with Colt McCoy and Jevan Sneed working with all the talent from last year's national champion. This is the nation's best returning team and it should play like it again. A win over Ohio State early would either solidify a number one spot or put the Horns there, while a win over Oklahoma would mean a spot is there in the national title game by winning out. However, it's not a walk in the park over the second half of the season with three road trips in four weeks playing at Nebraska, Texas Tech and Kansas State wrapped around the Oklahoma State game.
USC Money line to win the national title: +900
What are the real chances to play for the national title? [/SIZE][/FONT]Excellent, but can the Trojans get every close win for a third straight regular season? The linebackers and receivers are the best in the nation, and the holes on both sides of the ball are being filled with NFL prospects. The road schedule is a relative breeze facing only one bowl team from last year, UCLA, while Nebraska, Arizona State, Oregon, Cal and Notre Dame all have to come to Los Angeles. [FONT=verdana, arial, sans serif][SIZE=-2]
Oklahoma Money line to win the national title: +700
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not bad. Getting out of Autzen Stadium alive would be a good start with Oregon looking for revenge for the Holiday Bowl loss, but after that things aren't so horrible. Wins over Oregon and Texas would likely mean the Sooners would be no lower than second in the rankings by early October, but they have to play four road games in the final five weeks with sneaky-tough games at Missouri and Texas A&M.
Notre Dame Money line to win the national title: +650
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Not as good as you might think. The defense didn't all of a sudden get a lot faster this off-season, but the offense should be unstoppable and the attitude is certainly there under Charlie Weis that anything less than a national title isn't good enough. Don't just assume the Irish will blow through home games against Penn State, Michigan, Purdue and UCLA, while the road trips to Georgia Tech and Michigan State will be far tougher than many believe. Of course, the overall talent is there to make 11-0 a possibility with that big, bad, date with USC to close things out.
Ohio State Money line to win the national title: +650
What are the real chances to play for the national title? Fantastic if the Buckeyes get by Texas. The road trips to Iowa and Michigan State will both be tough, but Penn State, Minnesota and Michigan have to come to Columbus. The linebacking corps will be more than fine even though all the stars are off to the NFL, while Troy Smith has the potential to be this year's Vince Young.[/SIZE][/FONT]
