There are very clearly two favorites in the Big 10 this year, and we wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up playing each other in the first conference title game. The nearly odds on favorites are the new kids on the block, the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Current Big 10 Odds: 1.90 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Big Red is making its debut in its new home, which might make it a little difficult facing a slew of new opponents that it hasn’t seen before. Still, with an amazing defense and a young quarterback with a ton of upside in QB Taylor Martinez, hopes are high. The schedule is rough with roadies at Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan, which could make life difficult, but we aren’t so sure that there are any other real contenders in the Legends Division.

The other team to watch out for is the Wisconsin Badgers (2011 Big 10 Lines: 3.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). The Badgers would have been amazing this season without picking up QB Russell Wilson, but now that he is playing in Madison, it’s clear that this is a legitimate National Championship contender. Defensively, Head Coach Bret Bielema always comes up with a great squad, and the running game with RB Montee Ball and RB James White will be fantastic. This is a great schedule for the Badgers as well, as they don’t play a game on the road until October 22nd.

With Ohio State dealing with a ton of problems with players suspended and QB Terrelle Pryor leaving the team, we want no part of the Buckeyes. That being said, the only other team that we can really see making a bit of a stink here is the Michigan Wolverines (Current Big 10 Odds: 19 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Big Blue really hasn’t had a great season in quite some time, but the first year of the Brady Hoke era could be something special. QB Denard Robinson is one of the most dynamic players in the entire country, and there isn’t a team that he can’t beat by himself. The problem is a horrendous defense that was absolutely torched a number of times last year. If Hoke gets the job done and improves this unit though, the rest of the conference really needs to look out.

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Nebraska Cornhuskers 1.90 to 1
Wisconsin Badgers 3.50 to 1
Ohio State Buckeyes 5 to 1
Penn State Nittany Lions 5.75 to 1
Michigan State Spartans 12.25 to 1
Michigan Wolverines 19 to 1
Iowa Hawkeyes 20 to 1
Northwestern Wildcats 24 to 1
Illinois Fighting Illini 28 to 1
Purdue Boilermakers 95 to 1
Indiana Hoosiers 135 to 1
Minnesota Golden Gophers 150 to 1

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 Leaders Division @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Wisconsin Badgers 1.50 to 1
Ohio State Buckeyes 2.35 to 1
Penn State Nittany Lions 2.50 to 1
Illinois Fighting Illini 11 to 1
Purdue Boilermakers 34 to 1
Indiana Hoosiers 48 to 1

2011 Odds To Win The Big 10 Legends Division @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Nebraska Cornhuskers 1 to 1.65
Michigan State Spartans 5.50 to 1
Michigan Wolverines 7.75 to 1
Iowa Hawkeyes 8 to 1
Northwestern Wildcats 9.50 to 1
Minnesota Golden Gophers 53 to 1

Even when the Florida State Seminoles and the Miami Hurricanes didn’t share the ACC together, their annual rivalry was always one to be remembered, and it was a game that had a ton of bowl game and National Championship implications. This year could be no exception, as both teams have their sights set on not just bragging rights in the Sunshine State, but in the ACC as well.

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Picks & Info
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Date: Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Location: Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL
Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Spread: Florida State Seminoles -8

The Canes could be in some trouble in this duel if QB Jacory Harris doesn’t play better than he historically has in this series. Yes, he did manage to pull off the upset in Tallahassee two years ago on Labor Day night to kick off the season, but he really needs to get on his high horse this year to make sure that he can pick up the slack for an offense that really is lacking a lot of star power. This is going to be the first taste for Head Coach Al Golden in this series, and he could be in for quite a rude awakening, especially if he defense, which was ranked No. 21 in the country last year, struggles.

Miami Hurricanes vs. Florida State Seminoles Past Games (Since 1995)
2010: Florida State 45 – Miami 17
2009: Miami 38 – Florida State 34
2008: Florida State 41 – Miami 39
2007: Miami 37 – Florida State 29
2006: Florida State 13 – Miami 10
2005: Florida State 10 – Miami 7
2004: Miami 16 – Florida State 10
2004 (Orange Bowl): Miami 16 – Florida State 14
2003: Miami 22 – Florida State 14
2002: Miami 28 – Florida State 27
2001: Miami 49 – Florida State 27
2000: Miami 27 – Florida State 24
1999: Florida State 31 – Miami 21
1998: Florida State 26 – Miami 14
1997: Florida State 47 – Miami 0
1996: Florida State 34 – Miami 16

The Noles have had to suffer a ton of catastrophic losses at the hands of the Hurricanes. Kickers have had nightmares about last second field goals in Tallahassee for well over a decade, and only recently, has Florida State really gotten its footing back in this series. Of course, there is only one win against the Canes at the Doak since 1999, and that was on Labor day 2005 in an ugly 10-7 win. Of course, Head Coach Jimbo Fisher made a great impression last year on this series, winning 45-17 down in South Beach. This one is a heck of a lot later in the season than it normally is, making the stakes even higher. However, this should be an advantage to FSU, knowing that QB EJ Manuel, assuming that he stays healthy, will have a ton of games under his belt and should be accustomed to being the man of the hour for the garnet and gold.

Miami Hurricanes @ Florida State Seminoles Game Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/20/11):
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Miami Hurricanes (+8) @ Florida State Seminoles