The Wisconsin Badgers have won back-to-back Big Ten titles, and while they were expected to contend this year, the NCAA made it a whole lot easier for them in 2012.
Big Ten Football Betting Preview: Wisconsin Best Odds to Win Conference
Two of their main rivals for the conference crown, Ohio State and Penn State, got thrown on the "ineligible" list thanks to some serious off-field situations.
So Wisconsin will shoot for a third-straight Rose Bowl appearance this season, but they'll have to fend off the likes of a rejuvenated Michigan program, Michigan State and Nebraska.
Here's a quick look at the contenders in the Big Ten conference championship betting odds courtesy of TopBet.
Wisconsin is an even-money favorite to win the Big Ten championship again this season. The Badgers only return 10 starters from last year's conference championship team, and they have to replace QB Russell Wilson and three along the O line.
But they do get back 1,900-yard rusher Montee Ball and six on defense. Also, while they have to play at Nebraska, they get Michigan State and Ohio State at home and miss Michigan.
Those Wolverines are the second choice at TopBet to win the Big Ten this season at +175. Big Blue surprised many last year by going 6-2 in conference in its first season under Coach Hoke, and now look to take the next step.
But while QB Denard Robinson is back for his senior season, only 10 other starters return with him. Also, while Michigan doesn't have to play Wisconsin and gets rival Michigan State at the Big House, they have to play at Nebraska and at Ohio State.
The Spartans, last year's conference runner-ups, are the third pick to win the Big Ten this year at +275. MSU gets 13 starters back after going 7-3 in conference play last year, including four along the O line and seven on defense.
But they'll have to replace QB Kirk Cousins and most of the receiving corps. Also, while Sparty gets Ohio State and Nebraska at home, they have to play at Michigan and at Wisconsin back-to-back in late October.
And the Cornhuskers follow on that TopBet Big Ten championship board at +400. Big Red returns 15 starters from a team that went 5-3 in conference last year, led by QB Taylor Martinez, 1,300-yard rusher Rex Burkhead and seven on defense. And they get Wisconsin and Michigan both in Lincoln.
Elsewhere around the Big Ten Iowa, coming off two straight 4-4 conference seasons, is getting +1,500 to win the conference title this season.
Illinois, with seven starters back on both sides of the ball for its first season under new head coach Beckman, is getting +2200.
Purdue, with 15 returning starters, is listed at +3000.
Northwestern is getting +3,500.
Indiana is lined at +6000.
Minnesota would pay off at a price of +7500 were the Gophers to win the Big Ten championship this season.
