College Football Power Rankings: Preseason Forecast IV
Today, we look at our 4th round of teams, which are teams that are considered outside contenders by the oddsmakers. They have a chance, albiet a small one, to win the BCS Title next season, but will likely need some help to even get to the game. Here’s a quick recap of how the teams are ranked so far in the first 3 rounds:
1- Alabama, 2- Ohio State, 3- Boise State, 4- Southern California, 5- Florida, 6- Texas, 7- Nebraska, 8- Virginia Tech
Remember that these college football power rankings are not using the Kickoff’s rating system, nor are they even my personal rankings. This particular order is decided purely by the Vegas oddsmakers, and who they consider to be the best bets to win the BCS title next season.
Round 4: The Outsiders
Next up with odds of 16:1 are the Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners had a subpar season last year, but most experts would point out that it was due to the injuries to QB Sam Bradford, who went on to be the #1 pick in the NFL draft. Overall, the Sooners lose 4 players who were taken in the first round, and 7 total players who were selected in the NFL draft. They do return RB DeMarco Murray, and most people expect QB Landry Jones to keep maturing after filling in for the injured Bradford last season. While Oklahoma always reloads, it’s hard to see them winning it all, but with Texas losing star QB Colt McCoy and his top reciever Jordan Shipley, OU could find themselves in the Big 12 driver’s seat.
Following the Sooners with odds of 18:1 are the TCU Horned Frogs. While one could make an argument for Boise State being a top contender, TCU would need a lot of help to even get to the title game. In all likelihood, it won’t happen. However, they are still the most talented team in the Mountain West, and they return the league’s offensive POY in QB Andy Dalton. Defensively, they lose star DE Jerry Hughes, but have more than enough talent to make up for it. They also have a favorable schedule next season, at this point, with their only out of conference games against Oregon State and SMU, both of which are winnable.
That wraps up the Top 10 going into next season, according to the oddsmakers. Next we will look at the teams with a very long shot at playing for the BCS title.