The Big Ten welcomes the addition of Nebraska and a two-division format for 2011. Each team will play eight conference games; five against their division and three against the opposing division.
Nebraska is a -250 favorite to win the Legends Division and +150 to take the Big Ten crown. The Cornhuskers drew a fairly difficult schedule by playing Leaders Division contenders Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State. Iowa (+300) and Michigan State (+350) are also expected to be in the mix. The Spartans have arguably the most difficult schedule in the Big Ten with road trips to Ohio State, Nebraska and Iowa as well as a home tilt against Wisconsin.
In the Leaders Division, Ohio State's stock plummeted following head coach Jim Tressel's resignation. Tack on the uncertainly of player eligibility and it is easy to see why oddsmakers list the Buckeyes as the third betting favorite in the division. Penn State now becomes the de facto favorite at +150 followed by Wisconsin at +175. The Badgers return only 10 starters from last year's team and were dealt a tough midseason stretch with four league road games in five weeks. Illinois could be worth a look as a +800 underdog. The Illini return a modest 12 starters and have arguably the easiest set of road games in the league (Indiana, Purdue, Penn State and Minnesota).
Odds courtesy of The Greek.
| Odds to Win Big Ten Championship |
Leaders | Odds | Illinois | +800 | Indiana | +1800 | Ohio State | +250 | Penn State | +150 | Purdue | +1800 | Wisconsin | +175 | Legends | Odds | Iowa | +300 | Michigan | +500 | Michigan State | +350 | Minnesota | +4000 | Nebraska | -250 | Northwestern | +650 | Big Ten | Odds | Illinois | +2000 | Indiana | +8000 | Iowa | +800 | Michigan | +1500 | Michigan State | +800 | Minnesota | +10000 | Nebraska | +150 | Northwestern | +1500 | Ohio State | +500 | Penn State | +250 | Purdue | +6000 | Wisconsin | +650 |
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