2012 Big Ten Football Championship Odds and Predictions – Favorites and Sleepers

2012 Big Ten Football Championship Odds and Predictions: Favorites and Sleepers – While no conference can claim to be on par with the SEC, the Big Ten might just be the second best in college football. Last year, the conference had three teams win 11 games, and 10 teams in the Big Ten made a bowl game. The resurgence of Michigan, the addition of Nebraska, and Ohio State’s hiring of Urban Meyer should only the strength of the conference going further. Whether or not the Big Ten is ready to step up and end the SEC’s title reign remains to be seen, but here is a look at how the top teams in the conference stack up for the upcoming college football season.

The Favorites – 2012 Big 10 Football Championship Odds and Predictions

Brady Hoke became an instant coaching legend for the Michigan Wolverines, taking the proud program back to a BCS bowl and capping the year with a Sugar Bowl win. With Heisman candidate Denard Robinson back under center, a repeat performance can’t be ruled out. Robinson is the most dynamic playmaker in college football, and he can put six points on the board with his arm or his legs on any given snap. A suspect defense with a rebuilt front line could cause issues in the season opener against Alabama, but Robinson and the high-powered offense should have no trouble winning the Legends Division.

Perhaps the most-underrated powerhouse program in college football, the Wisconsin Badgers have averaged 10 wins a year for the last six seasons. Losing quarterback Russell Wilson isn’t ideal, but transfer Danny O’Brien gives the Badgers an experienced, capable passer. Plus, the strength of Wisconsin’s high-powered offense is its power running game, and Heisman finalist Montee Ball is back at running back. Ball led the country in rushing yards and touchdowns last season, and he should continue to run over opponents behind one of the biggest and strongest offensive lines around. The Badgers are once again the team to beat in the Leaders Division.

The Dark Horses – 2012 Big 10 Football Championship Odds and Predictions

After back-to-back 11-win seasons, the Michigan State Spartans are on the verge of becoming a powerhouse in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, this year’s team will have to replace the leadership of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and its top receiver in B.J. Cunningham. On the plus side, the Spartans’ defensive unit is the best in the conference. Defensive end William Gholston and linebacker Denicos Allen are rush the passer as well as anyone in the conference, and there are plenty of other starters back, as well. There are also four starters back on the offensive line, and Michigan State’s two-headed monster at running back will wear down opponents. Michigan State’s defense and running game give the Spartans a fighting chance, and if new QB Andrew Maxwell adjusts quickly, a conference title is a real possibility.

A postseason ban prevents the Ohio State Buckeyes from playing in a bowl game or even the Big Ten title game, but Urban Meyer’s bunch can still wreck the dreams of every other team in the conference. Last year, a talented defense wore down thanks to a horribly inefficient offense that couldn’t put points on the board or stay on the field. Meyer’s offense should change that immediately, and sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller is the perfect dual-threat player to run Meyer’s system. With a revamped offense, a 10-win season isn’t out of the question. On a side note, the season finale in Columbus against Michigan is essentially the Buckeyes bowl game. If the Wolverines happen to have a shot at playing for the national title entering that game, the Horseshoe is going to be rocking.

The Sleeper – 2012 Big 10 Football Championship Odds and Predictions

Although they didn’t make quite the splash many predicted, the Nebraksa Cornhuskers did win nine games in their inaugural Big Ten season. Plenty of starters are back for this year’s team, including workhorse running back Rex Burkhead and playmaking quarterback Taylor Martinez. The defense did lose linebacker Lavonte David and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard to the NFL, but as a whole, the Blackshirts should be better with having experienced the style of play in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers will have to find a way to play better on the road this season if they want to crash the party, but if Martinez can stay healthy, it is possible.

Odds to win the Big Ten Conference
7550 Illinois +2000
7551 Indiana +6000
7552 Iowa +1600
7553 Michigan +200
7554 Michigan State +800
7555 Minnesota +8800
7556 Nebraska +385
7557 Northwestern +3500
7559 Penn State +1500
7560 Purdue +5000
7561 Wisconsin +250

Odds to win Leaders Division
7581 Illinois +800
7582 Indiana +1200
7584 Penn State +175
7585 Purdue +800
7586 Wisconsin -140

Odds to win Legends Division
7571 Iowa +800
7572 Michigan +125
7573 Michigan State +490
7574 Minnesota +5000
7575 Nebraska +175
7576 Northwestern +1500

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