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2009 College Football Odds: The Baylor Bears were quietly one of the most improved teams in the nation a year ago, but nobody noticed as they were mired in a loaded Big 12 South division. Head Coach Art Briles went just 4-8 in his first season in Waco, but his team displayed a tremendous amount of potential in the losing campaign. Despite the flashes of greatness, Sportsbook.com is giving the Bears very little chance to win the conference as they are currently listed at +10000 on the moneyline to take the Big 12 title in the bookmaker's Baylor Bears 2009 College Football Odds.

Most people are probably unaware that one of the best athlete's in the nation is quarterbacking the Baylor offense. Robert Griffin, an All-American with the Baylor track team in 2008, had an unbelievable season under center for the football team. As a true freshman, Griffin threw for 2091 yards and 15 touchdowns (three interceptions) while rushing for 843 (4.9 yards per carry) and seven. He also set a NCAA freshmen record by throwing 209 passes without an interception.

Griffin returns this year along with seven other starters from a unit that averaged 28 points and 376 yards per game. Leading rusher Jay Finley (865 yards, seven touches, 5.8 yards per carry) will be in the backfield again and four of the the top five receivers from 2008 are also back on campus. The offensive line lost tackle Jason Smith (first round draft choice - Rams), but returns the other four starters as well as most of the backups.

This should be an explosive group now that they have had a year plus of working in Briles system. And Griffin is a darkhorse Heisman candidate if the team can improve in the win column.

The Baylor defense was adequate a season ago, but had trouble keeping up with some of the high octane offenses in the Big 12. They allowed 29.3 points per game on the year, but that total rose to 32.1 in conference play. Both numbers should drop this season as eight starters return for defensive coordinator Brian Norwood.

Six of the top seven tacklers are back, which includes first team all Big 12 linebacker Joe Pawelek. Pawlelek had an outstanding junior season in Waco, recording 128 tackles and six interceptions.

The entire linebacking corps is back and three starting defensive linemen will return to the trenches. The secondary has a vast amount of experience revisiting as well, led by free safety Jordan Lake (97 tackles, three interceptions).

Unfortunately for Bears fans, the squad has an absolutely grueling schedule. Baylor faces tough non-conference opponents in Wake Forest and Connecticut and their Big 12 slate includes the likes of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Missouri, Texas, and Texas Tech. 

Sportsbook.com Baylor Bears 2009 College Football Odds - BCS Odds 2010

Baylor Bears Odds to Win the Big 12 Conference Championship:

+10000

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