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