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Predicting the success of high school football players at the next level is far from being an exact science, but it is fun. Now that National Signing Day has come and gone, let’s take a look at who came out on top.

Depending on where you look, the rankings of success will be different. No one can argue the SEC looks to be the big winner though, with four schools having their class ranked among the top ten. The Alabama Crimson Tide had a great class, grabbing 15 four or five star recruits according to ESPN. The defending champion Auburn Tigers looked to restock well, with 16 highly touted recruits.

The SEC has dominated the college football landscape in recent memory, winning the last five national championships in a row. The early college football odds for the 2011 title feature several teams from the conference with a good chance to win it all.

The most likely team to win the championship from the SEC, and second most likely in the nation, is the Alabama Crimson Tide at +750. Even though they lost their top quarterback, wide receiver and running back, there is still a lot of talent on the squad. 22 of their players this year were first time starters, and four of their offensive linemen will be returning along with sensational tailback Trent Richardson.

Two of college football’s best teams not in a BCS bowl will square off in the Capital One Bowl as the 9th ranked Michigan State Spartans take on the 16th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in Orlando. The Spartans finished 11-1 with a share of the Big Ten title. Alabama (9-3) couldn’t repeat as national champions, but still had a strong year. The Spartans are a 10 point underdog in the college bowl odds.

Michigan State Spartans quarterback Kirk Cousins had a solid season, throwing for 2,705 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He will be without top pass catcher B.J. Cunningham who broke his foot in practice, but he will still have receiving yards leader (761) Mark Dell.

The 19th ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs are one of the most surprising teams in the country. Always an underdog in their powerful conference, the team has won six in a row after losing to top five teams LSU and Auburn. They have a chance to prove they are a true contender against the 12th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide (also 7-2) lost to LSU last week, and are fighting to win their third straight SEC West division. The Tide are a 13 point favorite in the NCAA football odds.

The nation’s top team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, continue their quest for back to back National Championships this weekend as they travel to meet the 19th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks (3-1). The Tide is coming off of a dominant victory over then 7th ranked Florida, 31-6. The Gamecocks had a bye last weekend, but lost their last contest to then 17th ranked Auburn, 35-27. The college football odds have the Gamecocks as a 6.5 point underdog.

Two of the best teams in the country square off this week as the 7th ranked Florida Gators travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the top ranked and defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Both teams are a perfect 4-0 this year, and coming off victories of previously unbeaten teams. Florida had their best offensive day this season in beating Kentucky, 48-14. The Tide came out on top in a hard fought game against previous Arkansas, 24-20. The college football odds have Alabama as a 9.5 point favorite.

The SEC is known as the best conference in college football. Two of its best teams collide this weekend as the 10th ranked Arkansas Razorbacks host the #1 team in the nation, Alabama Crimson Tide. Both of these teams have been perfect so far. Arkansas’ signature win came last week on a last minute touchdown to beat Georgia. Alabama’s best performance came in demolishing Penn State 24-3. The Tide are a 7.5 point favorite in the NCAA football odds.

After easy opening matchups, the Penn State Nittany Lions and Alabama Crimson Tide will clash in week two in a key top 25 battle. Alabama was firing on all cylinders against San Jose State, even without Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, and rolled 48-3.

The Nittany Lions also won easily in their first game, but showed they have some definite room for improvement. Alabama is a 12-point NCAA football odds favorite in this game.

2009 Total Offense Rank (yards per game): 42
2009 Total Defense Rank (yards per game): 2

The Alabama Crimson Tide experienced a tidal wave of success in 2009. Alabama, led by head coach Nick Saban, had a perfect 14-0 season and won the BCS National Championship. The question for 2010-2011 is, can they do it again?

The Tide’s offense returns almost everyone from last season. Efficient and reliable senior quarterback Greg McElroy, who threw only four interceptions all of last season, will be back to run the offense.