Longhorns vs. Crimson Tide - BCS Championship Odds and Predictions

The BCS Championship on ABC television matches up the two best teams in college football as the #1 Alabama Crimson Tide plays the #2 Texas Longhorns on Thursday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Alabama is a 4-point favorite in BCS Championship odds and the total on the game is 46 at online sportsbooks. The Crimson Tide are favored in BCS Championship predictions but Texas is no stranger to the big stage having won on this same field in 2005 as they upset USC.

"Our guys understand we're up against a great opponent on Thursday night, but we also understand it's for the National Championship, and what a window of opportunity for most teams. You know, it's too hard to get here not to enjoy it, so we're going to enjoy the week, enjoy being here and try to play our best game. We still haven't played our best game yet." Texas head coach Mack Brown said. Texas ranked third in the country in scoring at 40.7 points per game but they are facing an Alabama defense in the 2010 BCS Championship that was first in the nation, allowing just 11 points per game.

The Texas offense is led by Colt McCoy who threw for almost 280 yards per game. The Longhorns also rushed for over 152 yards per game. Much of the defensive spotlight in BCS Championship odds goes to Alabama but Texas was very good as well. They were first in rush defense (62.2 ypg), third in total defense (251.1 ypg) and eighth in scoring defense. "I think Texas has a very good defense, period. They've got a very good secondary. They've got good people up front. They've got very good pass rushers. I think all those things contribute to the turnovers.” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said.

Alabama comes into BCS Championship odds led by Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram who had 1,542 yards and 15 TDs. Quarterback Greg McElroy threw for 2,450 yards and 17 TDs. The Texas defense is led by super linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle Terrence Cody. Texas has been a solid underdog versus the college football odds. Heading into BCS Championship predictions, the Longhorns are 20-8-1 ATS in their last 29 games as an underdog. It should be noted though that they are very rarely underdogs. In fact, they were favored in every game this season. They have struggled out of conference though, going 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. Alabama has done well in college football betting against the Big 12, going 5-1 vs. the college football odds.

Fernandez's BCS Championship Predictions: Two undefeated teams with not so hot betting trends take the field tonight both in hopes of lifting the crystal ball. Texas went 5-7-1 as a favorite against the spread this season while Alabama was slightly better going 8-5. Texas has more experience playing in January and they do have Colt McCoy. As long as they can shut down Mark Ingram, then the Longhorns should finish the season with the trophy. My prediction in 2010 BCS Championship odds will be to take Texas plus the points to the OVER in a close call parlay. Vegas odds at the Hilton sportsbook have the Alabama Crimson Tide -4 favorites against the Texas Longhorns with a total of 46.