Illinois +600 to win the Big Ten

[goblue12]

Anyone else think they can win the conference?

On paper, they look as strong as Ohio State and Penn State, and they drop two big threats in Iowa and Wisconsin this time around in the schedule rotation.

I'm not betting this because future bets and me just don't sit well (hate the idea of tying my $$$ up into something for 4 months that's not a "lock") but for those of you who are looking for some very early action, this seems like a long shot that has a few legs.

I know that everyone is picking OSU and PSU to duke it out and rightfully so, but the last 2 years the team that has finished 2nd in yardage differential among Big Ten teams has won the conference the following year. This year, that team is Illinois.

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Your question will be answered by 10/3. That is when Illinois completes games at Ohio State and against Penn State back to back. I think that +600 is not nearly high enough to take this wager, when you have two prohibitive favorites in Ohio State and Penn State. Illinois has some major problems on defense, and a coach who can recruit, but is very questionable when it comes to X's and O's.

 

[kaplan]

I agree with HQ. Not a good bet(is there a future bet that is?). No way to lay money on Juice Williams.

 

[russ1945]

Anyone else think they can win the conference?

On paper, they look as strong as Ohio State and Penn State, and they drop two big threats in Iowa and Wisconsin this time around in the schedule rotation.

I'm not betting this because future bets and me just don't sit well (hate the idea of tying my $$$ up into something for 4 months that's not a "lock") but for those of you who are looking for some very early action, this seems like a long shot that has a few legs.

I know that everyone is picking OSU and PSU to duke it out and rightfully so, but the last 2 years the team that has finished 2nd in yardage differential among Big Ten teams has won the conference the following year. This year, that team is Illinois.

I do not tie up my bankroll with futures either, but why start now, and why Illinois. I am high on Illinois also but I am not even sure how they will do ATS in all of their games at this point. I do think Illinois is going to try to become more run oriented and rely on the pass less and setting up situations for a pair of really good WR's. BUT, that defense is not the kind I would go long term with. Admittedly those are good odds, but the linesmakers don't just give it away. I think the Big 10 will be very competitive this year. I saw a computer rating that had Michigan St going
undefeated in the regular season. Out of curiosity, what are the odds on them?

 

[BigdaddyQH]

Michigan State and Iowa are both +500. Illinois at +600. Wisky at +800. Those are the Big 10 teams that follow Ohio State +150 and Penn State +250.

 

[russ1945]

Michigan State and Iowa are both +500. Illinois at +600. Wisky at +800. Those are the Big 10 teams that follow Ohio State +150 and Penn State +250.

Thanks BQH. If I played futures the only one I would play would be Penn St but not at those odds. Right now I am trying to clear my mind of anything except matchups and ATS edges. I don't care who wins any conferences although I do want to see Oklahoma win the BCSNC I am not going to bet on it. Everytime I hit a 5 teamer I get 20-1 paid immediately.
And yes I hit 5 teamers very often. I will post one on here as soon as reliable odds come out. $50.00 at 20-1 is my kind of action.

 

[letsgohoosiers]

Penn State is +250 while Ohio State is +150? Makes no sense.

 

[bigtendominator]

Thanks BQH. If I played futures the only one I would play would be Penn St but not at those odds. Right now I am trying to clear my mind of anything except matchups and ATS edges. I don't care who wins any conferences although I do want to see Oklahoma win the BCSNC I am not going to bet on it. Everytime I hit a 5 teamer I get 20-1 paid immediately.
And yes I hit 5 teamers very often. I will post one on here as soon as reliable odds come out. $50.00 at 20-1 is my kind of action.

Wow, you really sit there a play 5 teamers!

Futures bets are some of the best wagers out there. For the 3rd time in 4 years, I playing OSU win total over 9.5 this year.

As for the conference. I really like OSU/PSU to win it. They both don't have any true challengers and the scheudle lines up nicely for both teams.

Smart move is take PSU to win at +250 and then take OSU moneyline at PSU. Both teams will come into that game at most with 1 loss combined. The only potential hiccup is the USC game for OSU. Otherwise it is practice for 9 weeks for both teams.

For the Original Poster. No Illinois won't win the conference title. They have to travel to OSU and unless the fix is in like in 2007, don't expect an other road win for them.

 

[bigtendominator]

Penn State is +250 while Ohio State is +150? Makes no sense.

Why doesn't it make sense?

 

[BigdaddyQH]

"Fix" is the Crying Rants of Losers

Wow, you really sit there a play 5 teamers!

Futures bets are some of the best wagers out there. For the 3rd time in 4 years, I playing OSU win total over 9.5 this year.

As for the conference. I really like OSU/PSU to win it. They both don't have any true challengers and the scheudle lines up nicely for both teams.

Smart move is take PSU to win at +250 and then take OSU moneyline at PSU. Both teams will come into that game at most with 1 loss combined. The only potential hiccup is the USC game for OSU. Otherwise it is practice for 9 weeks for both teams.

For the Original Poster. No Illinois won't win the conference title. They have to travel to OSU and unless the fix is in like in 2007, don't expect an other road win for them.

"Unless the fix is in"? That is such an amaturish statement that it and you should be tossed out of here. Firs if all, do you have any idea of what it would take to fix a game like that? Any idea at all? I sincerely doubt it, having read some of your posts. Nest let's see your proof. I man right now. People get their tails kicked for a lot less. Now either show us some proof or go away. Who was responsible for the fix. Was it a shave, or a dive? Who told you about the fix? Wo do you know that would have that indormation? Have you ever been to Vegas? I will call you out on this because I hae the ability to prove or disporve anything and everything you say about fixes.

You are obioiusly a poor loser. I have seen thousand of losers like yourself. Every time you lose, which is often, you cry fix. I am sure you lost your tail in that 07 game,and have no one to blame but yourself,so you dream up this "fix" that allegedly occurred. Well I am going to keep on your tail about this until you either admit you have no evidence of a fix,or you get the hell out of here, loser.

 

[FairWarning]

Michigan State and Iowa are both +500. Illinois at +600. Wisky at +800. Those are the Big 10 teams that follow Ohio State +150 and Penn State +250.

I would take Illinois over MSU. Not a bad bet.

 

[bigtendominator]

"Unless the fix is in"? That is such an amaturish statement that it and you should be tossed out of here. Firs if all, do you have any idea of what it would take to fix a game like that? Any idea at all? I sincerely doubt it, having read some of your posts. Nest let's see your proof. I man right now. People get their tails kicked for a lot less. Now either show us some proof or go away. Who was responsible for the fix. Was it a shave, or a dive? Who told you about the fix? Wo do you know that would have that indormation? Have you ever been to Vegas? I will call you out on this because I hae the ability to prove or disporve anything and everything you say about fixes.

You are obioiusly a poor loser. I have seen thousand of losers like yourself. Every time you lose, which is often, you cry fix. I am sure you lost your tail in that 07 game,and have no one to blame but yourself,so you dream up this "fix" that allegedly occurred. Well I am going to keep on your tail about this until you either admit you have no evidence of a fix,or you get the hell out of here, loser.

I had Illinois + points douche bag. I guess you were not familiar with the head refree and the unusual line movement and heavy money that came on the game at the least minute. The ref owed money and who was averaging 11 penalties a game was called for 3 penalities in the game and there an was an early fumble in which it was obvious it was fumble and the ref claimed he did not get buzzed by replay.

Yahoo ran an article the week following the game. I why do you think referee was not retained by the Big 10 the following season?

Have I ever been to Vegas. I am at the LV Hilton every weekend. If you want go ask Jay Kornegay.

 

[TOOTIGHT]

I think Boeckman had more to do with OSU loosing that game than the ref did. That missed call was def. a fumble but when you figure that the line was 21 points and Illinois won strait up means the game could have been fixed for OSU and Illinois still covers. Unless the late money came in on the money line that is.

For some reason Illinois always plays OSU tougher when the game is at the Shoe. I think their last two wins against OSU was at OSU.

 

[bigtendominator]

I think Boeckman had more to do with OSU loosing that game than the ref did. That missed call was def. a fumble but when you figure that the line was 21 points and Illinois won strait up means the game could have been fixed for OSU and Illinois still covers. Unless the late money came in on the money line that is.

For some reason Illinois always plays OSU tougher when the game is at the Shoe. I think their last two wins against OSU was at OSU.

They always play OSU tough. Don't forget the pick play for the TD by the Illini.

There were a lot of rumors after the game that the ref owed around $50K in gambling debts and that was the reason for the fix. Didn't impact OSU covering, but did impact the actual game result.

 

[trentmoney]

"Unless the fix is in"? That is such an amaturish statement that it and you should be tossed out of here. Firs if all, do you have any idea of what it would take to fix a game like that? Any idea at all? I sincerely doubt it, having read some of your posts. Nest let's see your proof. I man right now. People get their tails kicked for a lot less. Now either show us some proof or go away. Who was responsible for the fix. Was it a shave, or a dive? Who told you about the fix? Wo do you know that would have that indormation? Have you ever been to Vegas? I will call you out on this because I hae the ability to prove or disporve anything and everything you say about fixes.

You are obioiusly a poor loser. I have seen thousand of losers like yourself. Every time you lose, which is often, you cry fix. I am sure you lost your tail in that 07 game,and have no one to blame but yourself,so you dream up this "fix" that allegedly occurred. Well I am going to keep on your tail about this until you either admit you have no evidence of a fix,or you get the hell out of here, loser.

Friendo-

you talk tough...
why?

this forum is about sharing info and posting plays to document and track your record
you got worthwhile info then i'm interested
you don't like someone's opinion then don't read it
there are plenty of opinions here i think are crap...i let them pass.
if someone posts incorrect info then i'll correct them
otherwise it's just passing time
no need to make demands, accusations, and/or threats...

i looked into this thread and woofy's thread to see what thoughts were being discussed pertaining to futures plays and to see if something in my own analysis had been over-looked
what i got instead was a pissing contest and "see the future" absolutism ("...NO WAY THIS TEAM BEATS THAT TEAM!!")

i used to post a lot more here but threads like this one and what has happened to dawoofdaddy's future's thread is why i don't anymore

i know it's a LONG summer but you've got to cool it a bit...

 

[russ1945]

Wow, you really sit there a play 5 teamers!

Futures bets are some of the best wagers out there. For the 3rd time in 4 years, I playing OSU win total over 9.5 this year.

As for the conference. I really like OSU/PSU to win it. They both don't have any true challengers and the scheudle lines up nicely for both teams.

Smart move is take PSU to win at +250 and then take OSU moneyline at PSU. Both teams will come into that game at most with 1 loss combined. The only potential hiccup is the USC game for OSU. Otherwise it is practice for 9 weeks for both teams.

For the Original Poster. No Illinois won't win the conference title. They have to travel to OSU and unless the fix is in like in 2007, don't expect an other road win for them.

I am not saying that they aren't good bets. I am saying I don't like tying up my money for four months. I would bet Penn St over OSU simply because I think they will win the Big 10, if I was going to bet. As for OSU, I am assuming you are talking about TOSU I see TOSU losing to USC and Penn St that means they have to sweep the rest. Normally I would agree, but this year TOSU plays Illinois, Iowa, and by the end of the season Michigan none of whom are going to roll over and play dead. If TOSU beats USC or Penn St you are looking good. As far as Illinois goes they get Ohio St on the road, then back to back Penn St and Mich St at home. The rest are manageable. Illinois does not have the kind of defense that TOSU and Penn St have and even an 8-4 season and a bowl will keep Zook's job.
I am not down playing futures betting. I am saying that based on those kinds of odds I would rather play a few parlays from week to week.

 

[bigtendominator]

I am not saying that they aren't good bets. I am saying I don't like tying up my money for four months. I would bet Penn St over OSU simply because I think they will win the Big 10, if I was going to bet. As for OSU, I am assuming you are talking about TOSU I see TOSU losing to USC and Penn St that means they have to sweep the rest. Normally I would agree, but this year TOSU plays Illinois, Iowa, and by the end of the season Michigan none of whom are going to roll over and play dead. If TOSU beats USC or Penn St you are looking good. As far as Illinois goes they get Ohio St on the road, then back to back Penn St and Mich St at home. The rest are manageable. Illinois does not have the kind of defense that TOSU and Penn St have and even an 8-4 season and a bowl will keep Zook's job.
I am not down playing futures betting. I am saying that based on those kinds of odds I would rather play a few parlays from week to week.

I understand where you are coming from and can appreciate your position. However, I view it as an investment like a stock or anything else. The reason I like OSU to go over 9.5 is because since 2002, Tressel's 2nd season, OSU has lost 3 or more regular season games only once.

Tressel does a good job beating teams he should beat.

 

[russ1945]

I understand where you are coming from and can appreciate your position. However, I view it as an investment like a stock or anything else. The reason I like OSU to go over 9.5 is because since 2002, Tressel's 2nd season, OSU has lost 3 or more regular season games only once.

Tressel does a good job beating teams he should beat.

I can respect that. I have a friend that goes to vegas every year just to bet futures. He has been doing it for years and does pretty good. He used to play a lot of stocks and like you sees it as a quicker return than some of his other investments. I only gamble with what I call "funny money", money I can afford to lose, and that limits me in that regard. That may have just become part of my discipline as much as anything else. As far as Tressel goes, he is a good horse to ride I agree. I would feel much more comfortable at over 9 though and I am sure you would to.

 

[Dawoofdaddy]

As for the conference. I really like OSU/PSU to win it. They both don't have any true challengers and the scheudle lines up nicely for both teams.

Smart move is take PSU to win at +250 and then take OSU moneyline at PSU. Both teams will come into that game at most with 1 loss combined. The only potential hiccup is the USC game for OSU. Otherwise it is practice for 9 weeks for both teams.

For the Original Poster. No Illinois won't win the conference title. They have to travel to OSU and unless the fix is in like in 2007, don't expect an other road win for them.

All this OSU talk goes out the window if they are again embarrassed by USC, this time at home. Even if OSU beats USC, Illinois has a bye week to prepare for OSU and I really like their chances of beating OSU.

If PSU was playing @ Ill later in season instead of week after OSU game, I would be all over Ill to win b10. As it stands, if odds remain decent, Ill probably bet it prior to Sept.

Grading overall talent, neither OSU or PSU are anything close to Florida. Thus, I think it's unwise to assume OSU/PSU are going to walk through the b10 schedule. If OSU/PSU were in sec or b12 this year, they would be at best 3rd place teams.

OSU still has to prove they can beat an elite team and PSU has 4 joke non-conference games. I'll also add, IF OSU is embarrassed at home vs. USC, I think the team, fans, and boosters will lose confidence in Tressel.

06 buried by Florida as a td favorite.

07 LSU convincingly beat them.

08 USC completely destroyed them.

08 bowl they were close to beating Texas, but fact is they lost yet another big game vs. a power bcs conference team.

I like PSU to win the b10 this year, but with decent odds, I think Illinois is the best value.

 

[russ1945]

Check this out

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=720 border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD vAlign=center align=right width=580 itxtvisited="1"><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=540 border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR bgColor=#990000 itxtvisited="1"><TD bgColor=#ae2103 colSpan=7 itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Big Ten[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR vAlign=bottom bgColor=#999999 itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1][/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Team[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Over-All
W-L[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Conf.
W-L[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Nat'l
Rank[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Power
Rating[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Sched.
Rank[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]1.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]*-Michigan State[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]12-0[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]8-0[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]7[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]77.11[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]44[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dedede itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]2.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Ohio State[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]11-1[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]8-0[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]9[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]82.37[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]46[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]3.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Penn State[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]10-2[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]6-2[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]15[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]77.92[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]67[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dedede itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]4.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Iowa[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]9-3[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]5-3[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]26[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]77.12[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]52[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]5.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Minnesota[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]7-5[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]4-4[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]52[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]72.07[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]25[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dedede itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]6.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Illinois[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]6-6[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]4-4[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]62[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]68.25[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]27[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]7.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Northwestern[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]7-5[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]3-5[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]56[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]68.60[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]89[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dedede itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]8.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Wisconsin[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]6-6[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]3-5[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]64[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]67.41[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]61[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]9.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Michigan[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]5-7[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]2-6[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]77[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]61.53[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]45[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#dedede itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]10.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Indiana[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]2-10[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]1-7[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]100[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]59.02[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]76[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD width="6%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]11.[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="30%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]Purdue[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]2-10[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="14%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]0-8[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]104[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]61.03[/SIZE]​

</TD><TD width="12%" itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]21[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD colSpan=7 itxtvisited="1">

[SIZE=-1]*-Tie-breaker:[/SIZE][SIZE=-1] best overall record[/SIZE]​

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width=720 border=0 itxtvisited="1"><TBODY itxtvisited="1"><TR bgColor=#353535 itxtvisited="1"><TD width="100%" itxtvisited="1">

2009 Conference Preview​

</TD></TR><TR itxtvisited="1"><TD id=IntelliTXT vAlign=top width="100%" itxtvisited="1">
[SIZE=-1]Also See:
Big Ten Preseason Media Poll, Player Honors (Still to come)[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Over the last four seasons, Ohio State has won two outright Big Ten titles and shared two others with Penn State. Once again, those two teams will compete for the top spot but Iowa and Michigan State are also in the mix. Surprisingly, the computer gives the nod to Michigan State.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]No doubt, if you look at power ratings alone, Ohio State has the strongest team in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will begin the year more than 4 power points ahead of Iowa, Penn State and Michigan State. Of that group, the Spartans are the only team that doesn't have to face Ohio State, and they get Iowa and Penn State at home.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions have to take on the Buckeyes in back-to-back November games. Penn State is a 1.45-point home underdog to Ohio State on November 4, and Iowa is an 8.26-point road dog a week later. Iowa also has the misfortune of facing the other three top contenders on the road.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]A conference championship would be huge in East Lansing as the Spartans haven't had any part of a Big Ten title in football since 1990. Last year, the title slipped from their grasp when they were crushed 49-18 at Penn State in the final regular season game.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The only blemish on Ohio State's preseason forecast is a narrow 5.68-point defeat at home to USC in a rare night game in Columbus. The Buckeyes lost 35-3 to the Trojans in Los Angeles last year.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Penn State's only projected losses are the slim home defeat to Ohio State and a narrow 2.19-point setback at Michigan State.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The computer (about the computer) puts Minnesota in 5th, trailing the top four picks by just over 5 power points. In Tim Brewster's second season as head coach, the Golden Gophers improved from 1-11 in 2007 to 7-6 last year. The bad news is that the season was typical of the Glen Mason days when his squads would alternate four or five straight wins with a slew of losses and rarely beat the league's top teams. Once a dominant force in the Big Ten, Minnesota hasn't even won a share of a conference title since 1967, and has won just 3 of its last 51 games against the trio of Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Minnesota will unveil its new on-campus 50,000-seat TCF Bank Stadium when it hosts Air Force on Saturday, September 12 at 7 ET.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Illinois, Northwestern and Wisconsin are within 1.19 power points of each other, and trail Minnesota by no more than 4.66 points. Drop back another 6 points and you'll find Michigan, Indiana and Purdue.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The forecast for the Boilermakers is particularly bleak. Danny Hope takes over for Joe Tiller who retired with an 87-62 record in 12 seasons in West Lafayette. Purdue was just 4-8 (2-6, Big Ten) last year for its worst finish since a 3-8 campaign in 1996. It was his second losing season ever at the school.[/SIZE]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]A projected 5-7 season for Michigan is an overall improvement from last year's 3-9 finish in Rich Rodriguez' first season at the helm, but last year was one of the worst seasons in the 129-year history of the program. It was the Wolverine's first losing campaign since 1967, and the first year they ever lost more than 7 games in a single season. Perhaps worst of all, Michigan lost to Ohio State for a record 5th straight time.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]The computer sees Rodriguez equaling last season's 2-6 conference mark, but the first four games are at home. Michigan is favored by a mere 0.41 points in the opener against Western Michigan, and is only a 5.98-point underdog to Notre Dame the following week. If the Wolverines clobber the Broncos and upset the Irish, they could easily start 4-0 and gain the momentum they will need to navigate the middle part of the schedule that includes road trips to Iowa and Michigan State, and a home date with Penn State.[/SIZE][/FONT]

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