The B1G is arguably the deepest conference in the nation, with the Big Ten West going 5-6 deep for a shot at the division title. The West squeezed 5 teams into my top 40, while the East has 3, with Michigan St just outside. Here is a look at the schedule and who will win the B1G.
B1G East
Favorite: Ohio State (+125)
Dark horse: Penn State (+600)
Toughest Path: Ohio State
Easiest Path: Michigan
My Pick: Ohio State
-Most Important Games-
- Ohio St @ Michigan
- Ohio St @ Nebraska
- Michigan @ Penn St
- Penn St @ Ohio St
- Michigan @ Wisconsin
Michigan and Ohio State are the top 2 in the division, but Penn St and others will have a hand in the shakeout. Ohio St plays on the road vs Michigan, Nebraska and Northwestern. The latter 2 vs the Big Ten West are extra important, since they have been knocked from the playoffs by the same division the last 2 years. Ultimately, Ohio St is the favorite until Michigan can get over the hump. Michigan St and Penn St have their own problems, but don’t count out the Nittany Lions.
B1G West
Favorite: Nebraska (+300)
Dark horse: Northwestern (+600)
Toughest Path: Iowa
Easiest Path: Nebraska
My Pick: Iowa
-Most Important Games-
- Iowa @ Wisconsin
- Iowa @ Nebraska
- Wisconsin @ Minnesota
- Minnesota @ Iowa
- Nebraska @ Minnesota
- Northwestern @ Wisconsin
The Big Ten West is going to be a crazy race and every team will play a roll in who wins the division. Iowa must face Wisconsin, Nebraska and Northwestern on the road, which is tough, but they have arguably the most complete team in the West. Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota and Northwestern all can win the division, making every game extremely important. Purdue has a chance to pull some upsets and even Illinois will be improved and can pull off an upset.
B1G Title Game
Ohio State will knock off Iowa in the conference title, but I would not be surprised if it was Wisconsin or Minnesota or Northwestern and maybe even Nebraska that faces Ohio State. It is going to be quite the race in the West.
