2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Big 10 Championship Odds, Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers

2014 College Football Picks and Predictions: Big Ten Championship Odds, Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers: The Big Ten took a lot of heat last year for being one of the weakest conferences in the country, and while Ohio State had a chance to change that perception, a loss to Michigan State in the conference title game dashed the Buckeyes’ BCS title hopes. However, both the Buckeyes and Spartans were selected for BCS bowl games, and the Spartans went on to win the Rose Bowl. This year, the divisions realign, leaving a loaded West Division with traditional powers Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State and a weaker East Division. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top contenders for the Big Ten title for the 2014 college football season.

The Favorites

Although the Ohio State Buckeyes saw a trip to the BCS title game disappear in the final minutes of the conference title game, they remain one of the most talented teams in the country. Quarterback Braxton Miller is a dual-threat weapon and a Heisman frontrunner, and Ezekiel Elliott and Devin Smith are just a couple of the speedy, versatile weapons he will be working with in Urban Meyer’s powerful offense. Granted, the Buckeyes do lose four starters along the offensive line, but on the other side of the ball, Noah Spence leads arguably the best defensive line the country. The Buckeyes are loaded once again.

The defending conference champion Michigan State Spartans will try to repeat in 2014, and with quarterback Connor Cook and running back Jeremy Langford back, this year’s team could be even more balanced than last year’s group. On the flip side, it is hard to see the defense being as stout as last year’s top-five unit with only half the starters back, but the overall talent level remains solid. In the end, the East Division crown and the conference title likely come down to a November 8 showdown with Ohio State that the Spartans will host.

The Contenders

Playing the West Division is a huge plus for the Wisconsin Badgers, and dodging Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State on the schedule is an even bigger plus. Granted, Wisconsin’s passing attack is nothing special and the defense is inexperienced, but with explosive running back Melvin Gordon back to shoulder the load behind an always-massive offensive line, the Badgers will be able to move the ball. Wisconsin has an easy road to the Big Ten title game, and from there, it only takes one good game to give them a conference crown.

Running back Ameer Abdullah will be the focal point of the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ offense, but quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. looked capable when he was forced into action last year, and receiver Kenny Bell is one of the top deep threats in the conference. In addition, the defense welcomes back seven starters, including defense end Randy Gregory. Nebraska also benefits from playing the weaker West Division, but a road trip to Madison to face Wisconsin and a road game against Michigan State makes their road to a title a little tougher the Badger’s path. Still, the Cornhuskers will likely be one win against Wisconsin away from a trip to the conference title game.

The Sleeper

Although they pushed rival Ohio State to the brink, the Michigan Wolverines underachieved in a big way last year, losing six games. On the plus side, seven starters are back on offense and eight are back on defense so this year’s club will have the experience to improve. Quarterback Devin Gardner, running back Derrick Green and receiver Devin Funchess form a solid trio to build around on offense, and the defense is solid up front. Facing Ohio State and Michigan State on the road won’t help the cause, but if the Wolverines’ returning players can manage to come together, a surprise run isn’t out of the question.

Odds To Win The Big 10 Championship
Illinois +10000
Indiana +5000
Iowa +500
Maryland +3500
Michigan +800
Michigan State +250
Minnesota +6500
Nebraska +650
Northwestern +1800
Ohio State +350
Purdue +30000
Rutgers +25000
Wisconsin +250