2010 College Football Projected Conference Winners

It’s a bit early to declare who are the future winners and BCS reps for the conferences across the country.

You’ll likely find a few regulars on this lists that the consensus would likely agree with. However, there are a few surprises from emerging teams that have a chance to not only win the conference, but have a chance at a BCS title.

ACC: Virginia Tech Hokies
Always a tough challenge to win in the ACC, and with Georgia Tech, Miami, North Carolina, and Clemson in my Top 25, it’s not an easy pick. But they’re loaded and if they beat Boise State first game of the season, they could have a BCS title shot.

Big East: West Virginia Mountaineers
This should be a battle between Cincy and West Virginia most of the season. Pittsburgh and UConn have some talent, but not enough to win the Big East crown. And with WV’s defense and no Brian Kelly, the edge goes to the Mountaineers.

Big Ten: Ohio State Buckeyes

A few teams like Michigan State, Iowa, and Penn State have a shot to dethrone the Buckeyes, but a 3^rd year starter in Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State depth will likely be enough to win the Big Ten outright.

Big 12: Texas Longhorns
With names like Mike Leach, Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Zac Robinson, and Ndamukong Suh out in the Big 12, there could be some surprises. I’ll give the edge to Mack Brown, but Texas A&M could surprise and Missouri won’t be easy to get past from the North.

Pac-10: Washington Huskies

With all the depth at USC, it’s really hard to pick against them. But a new coach, a young quarterback, no real productive stars on offense, I’m not sold. The Washington defense developed nicely around Jake Locker, and most of the starters are back.

SEC: Alabama Crimson Tide
Without their two defensive studs in Rolando McClain and Terrence Cody gone, I doubt we’ll see a 13-0 repeat. However, they’re running game is dominate, their QB never lost a game in his life, and they still have a few All-SEC players. Only Florida, Arkansas, and LSU have a chance to beat them.

WAC: Boise State Broncos

Somewhat of a shoe-in here because of their returning talent (only lost 4 seniors from their whole roster a season ago), the Broncos will have two must-win games this season. One, against Virginia Tech week one, if they hope to be a BCS title contender. The other against Nevada, as that’s the only other 9+ win potential team in the conference.

Mtn. West: TCU Horned Frogs

Last year, BYU and Utah were right there with TCU most of the season. While BYU and Utah should have 8-9 win seasons and give TCU some decent games, TCU is still solid on defense and full of experienced talents on offense.

MAC: Temple Owls
With their quarterback, left tackle, running back, and many of their best defenders returning, they have the most depth and overall talent in the conference. However, they’re not loaded, and the next top contender is Buffalo.

C-USA: Houston Cougars
The C-USA rarely has a runaway winner, but coach Kevin Sumlin has the best team in this conference has seen in some time. Case Keenum looks like a future Kevin Kolb, they have great receivers and running backs, and the rest of the conference isn’t great.

Sun Belt: Troy Trojans
It’s hard to predict the Sun Belt because most teams only have 2-3 really solid starters if you compare them to most other programs in the country. Troy has been winning some southern recruiting battles, and has some skill position talent to win some out of conference games.

BCS Champion: Alabama Crimson Tide

As of now, I can’t see a more dominate offense or defense in the country that can match-up with any team as well as Alabama. Some possible opponents could be a repeat from Texas, my dark-horse Virginia Tech, the first ever non-BCS team in Boise State or TCU, or another Big Ten bust in Ohio State.