UncleRico

If you bet college football online, you’ve probably seen how important defense has been in the last few years, and you know the old saying, “defense wins championships”. Here’s a look at who we think will be the top five defenses this year, and you can expect to see one of these teams, if not two, in the BCS title game.

TCU

Last year’s defense finished first in the country, and that was the fourth time in nine seasons under Gary Patterson that the Horned Frogs have finished with the best defense in the land. Even though they lost end Jerry Hughes to the draft, the Horned Frogs have seven starters back, and linebacker Tank Carder could make a name for himself this season.

North Carolina

NFL betting players have to keep their eye on the Tar Heels, who have a lot of possible NFL players in their system. End Robert Quinn may be the best defensive lineman in the country, and linebacker Quan Sturdivant is a beast in the middle of the unit. Quinn and Studivant are two of nine starters back for a group that is as nasty as any in the country.

Ohio State

The Buckeyes are always solid defensively, and six starters are back to help them go for another Big Ten title. Linebacker Ross Homan stepped into the spot left vacant by James Laurintits and the Buckeyes never missed a beat, and he’ll be counted on to do the same in 2010. End Cameron Heyward will finally get a chance to shine after being lost in the shuffle up front, where the depth was the strength of the team.

Boise State

The Broncos return 10 starters back from a unit that was 14th in the country last year, and it starts up front with tackle Billy Wynn, who constantly draws double teams, and those who bet on NFL lines know how important that is. The Broncos’ main worry is to replace cornerback Kyle Wilson, who is now in the NFL, but given their team style, that shouldn’t be a big problem.

Texas

The Longhorns welcome back six starters to Austin, and even after losing safety Earl Thomas to the NFL, the secondary still may be the strength of the team, led by cornerback Aaron Williams. End Sam Acho is also being counted on for a big year in the absence of Sergio Randle, who again, is in the NFL. Calling the shots is coordinator Will Muschamp, one of the best defensive minds in the game, and his aggressive style of play always puts the opposition on their heels, and that’s great for the Longhorns’ online betting odds.