College football season is just around the corner and, if you are anything like me, that thought probably makes you giddy. Over the next few weeks you are going to see all sorts of 2006 College Football Predictions, and most of them are going to point at the same teams - Ohio State, Notre Dame, Texas, USC, West Virginia and the other favorites. This season, however, is more wide open than any in recent memory and there are at least 20 teams that you can make a legitimate case for as National Champions if everything were to fall exactly into place. With that in mind, here is a look at six lovable longshots - teams that definitely aren't the sexy preseason picks, but could really be a surprise this year:

FREE $100 Basketball Bet
at BetUS Sportsbook
(Offer good for new customers only)
Click Here

Clemson (50/1) - The Tigers were the kings of heartbreaking games last year. They had four losses, but they were by a combined 14 points. A few good breaks and their record could have been a whole lot better. They have 15 returning starters, including stud sophomore running back James Davis. A lot will ride on the ability of new QB Will Proctor to quickly pick up the playbook. Additionally, the unknown faces in the secondary must be able to stop receivers. We'll know how it looks early because they go to Florida State in September, but this team could be one to watch. Tommy Bowden has the pedigree to win, and this could be the year he pulls it all together.

Georgia (45/1) - This price is a bit of a bargain for this team that has dominated for so long. That's because they don't have a QB to rely on. Freshman Matthew Stafford had a great spring and has the potential to be a stud. His transition, assuming he earns the starting job, will be aided by Mohamed Massaquoi, the sophomore receiver who is already one of the most dependable and consistent in the SEC. Coach Mark Richt is as good as they get, and sooner or later he is going to close the deal. This isn't the best team he has had, but the Bulldogs could still be dangerous.

Georgia Tech (150/1) - This is a risky choice - they open the season against Notre Dame. An upset there could really make things interesting. They have a solid senior QB in Reggie Ball, All-American wide receiver in Calvin Johnson and good lines on both sides of the ball. Chan Gailey hasn't started well in his first four years, but he's better than that and should prove it eventually. It's definitely a longshot, but the price may be right.

Pittsburgh (250/1) - Here's a real longshot for you. The Panthers were 5-6 in their first year under coach Dave Wannstedt, but they are poised to be much better this year. Wannstedt had to adjust to the college game, and he has made real changes to his program in response to the problems he had. QB Tyler Panko had a bad year last year, but he was very good in 2004, and he should rebound and be very good again. He has a line of mostly returning players, and he is joined by Top 100 freshman receiver Dorin Dickerson and tailback Kevin Collier who will help a dismal running game. The schedule is reasonably soft until they finish with Louisville, so this could be a team to surprise.

South Carolina (150/1) - I can't stand Steve Spurrier, but I certainly can't argue with his college ability. Florida won the SEC in Spurrier's second season, and he has had the chance to make his mark with this team in year two. They return a QB in Blake Mitchell that Spurrier likes, and two solid wideouts. There are admittedly a lot of holes on both sides of the ball, but there are also a lot of soft spots in the schedule (back-to-back games against Wofford and Florida Atlantic, for example). This is probably a year or two sooner than we should really be looking at this team, but I am nervous about discounting the Ol' Ball Coach.

TCU (200/1) - Sooner or later a mid-major is going to pull off the biggest of upsets. The best choice in my eyes this year is TCU. The Horned Frogs have been very solid for several years, and they may be even better this year. The team has incredible depth in the defense, and six returning starters will make sure that visiting QBs get lots of attention. Senior QB Jeff Ballard only has eight starts under his belt, but he has never lost any of them, and he has the skills and the tools around him to breakout and become one of the big QB stars in the country. Other than a game against Utah the schedule is as good as it could be, with 11 very winnable games.

After reading this college football piece head over to our NCAA football weekly schedules page. When it comes to betting college football our college football gambling odds feature is a must for any NCAA fan. Doc's Sports NCAA bowl game lines page is and excellent college football resource as well. Each of the handicappers listed under "the Advisory board" on the left navagation bar posts free college football picks on their individual pages.