2021 Big Ten Football Odds, Predictions and Top Storylines

Trots det faktum att SEC försöker sluka upp varje elitprogram inom collegefotboll, har de tio stora lyckats hålla sig i takt. Och med en flerårig titelutmanare i sina led, tillsammans med flera andra respektabla program, lovar de tio stora att leverera intressant fotboll igen 2021. 

I denna titt på 2021 års Big Ten-fotboll bryter vi ner oddsen för att vinna konferensen och tillhandahåller några förutsägelser som kan hjälpa dig med din vadslagning på collegefotboll den här säsongen.

In a development that is anything but surprising to anyone who has watched Big Ten football over the last decade or so, Ohio State is the heavy favorite to win this conference. The Buckeyes are right behind Alabama and Clemson on the list of national championship favorites, and oddsmakers do not see them facing much resistance during the Big Ten season. Here is a look at the complete list of odds to win the Big Ten in 2021.

Outside of just how heavily favored Ohio State is to win the conference, the interesting thing about these odds is how favorable Wisconsin’s path is in the Big Ten this season. Even if they lose to Notre Dame in their non-conference schedule, the Badgers avoid Ohio State and Penn State in the regular season this year. If they can just take care of business against Iowa and the Big Ten’s group of longshots, they have a great chance to win their division and make the Big Ten title game.

Also worth pointing out here is what an afterthought the Michigan football program has become. They enter the season at 25/1 odds to win the Big Ten, a far cry from the expectations they originally had when Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach. If Michigan darts out slow again this year, it could mean the end of the Jim Harbaugh era in Ann Arbor.

While there may not be much drama at the top of the Big Ten, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any intrigue throughout the rest of the league. These storylines in particular are worth keeping an eye on, as the Big Ten should have no shortage of players, teams and coaches to keep a close eye on.

Can Ohio State Be Beaten?

The top storyline in the Big Ten is always whether or not anyone can topple Ohio State. The Buckeyes are a dynasty in this conference, and appear poised to remain that way this season. But with freshman quarterback CJ Stroud having to face Minnesota and Oregon back-to-back in his first two career starts, Ohio State won’t be able to afford any growing pains. The question is whether Stroud and company can hit the ground running.

Does Indiana Have Another Run?

Last season, the Indiana Hoosiers were one of the most interesting teams in college football. Led by Michael Penix, the Hoosiers looked like legitimate contenders to dethrone Ohio State in the Big Ten. They lost to Ohio State by a touchdown, before Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury. But Penix should return this season, and Indiana will hope to be a top-10 team again in 2021.

Are There Any Surprise Teams?

There are only four teams in the Big Ten that come in at odds under 20/1 to win the conference championship. But a surprise team or two could really flip the balance of power on its head for this season. Indiana is certainly a viable candidate, but if a team like Northwestern isn’t forced to move the ball with its passing game often, it could surprise some people as well.

Making predictions on the Big Ten football schedule is a challenge, as there’s one heavy favorite in the league every year. But there are some interesting predictions to be made in the Big Ten nonetheless, from what kind of season Ohio State will have to what kind of year their biggest rivals will enjoy.

Ohio State Will Cruise Again

Ohio State is going to win the Big Ten championship once again, with the price for them to do so being too steep to even bother betting on. Bettors who want to get creative can consider laying the 11 points that Ohio State is favored by against Oregon, as a cover there would almost certainly propel the Buckeyes into the playoff as long as they didn’t trip up against their conference schedule.

At Least One Major Firing Comes

Utöver Ohio State dominans av de tio stora, är det enda andra vi förväntar oss att en tränare för ett stort program släpps efter säsongen. Ännu ett nedslående år från Scott Frost i Nebraska eller från Jim Harbaugh i Michigan borde göra susen, eftersom båda programmen har varit så underväldigande i förhållande till de förväntningar som ställdes på dem när de tog över på dessa skolor. Räkna med att minst en av dem får yxan om de inte har ett stort år.