Ohio State has appeared in the last two BCS National Championship games and has some of the best talent in the nation. It’s no wonder why oddsmakers from online sports book bodog has made the Buckeyes a 2/5 favorite to win the Big Ten Conference in 2008.
The Favorite: Ohio State
The Buckeyes are a massive 2/5 favorite to win the Big Ten Conference in 2008, mainly because they have the best overall talent in the conference. Chris “Beanie” Wells is a Heisman Trophy candidate and Jim Tressel has one of the best offensive minds in the nation. The defense also returns two studs in linebacker James Laurinaitis and corner Malcolm Jenkins.
The Value: Wisconsin
At 7/2 odds, the Badgers aren’t an incredible value, but considering Ohio State is such a big favorite, Wisconsin is an intriguing bet. PJ Hill is the second best back in the conference behind OSU’s Beanie Wells, and the Badger offense is pretty solid on the whole. If they can upset the Buckeyes, Wisconsin then becomes the favorite to win the conference.
The Long Shot Sleeper: Iowa
Jump on the 10/1 odds. The Hawkeyes have the most favorable schedule in the Big Ten, with home games against Wisconsin and Penn State, and no games schedule against Michigan or Ohio State. The defensive line is also one of the best in the conference and as long as they get solid production out of its backfield, Iowa could sneak past OSU if the Buckeyes stumble with a tougher schedule.
2008 Odds to Win the Big Ten Conference
Illinois 4/1
Indiana 30/1
Iowa 10/1
Michigan 13/2
Michigan State 11/1
Minnesota 55/1
Northwestern 20/1
Ohio State 2/5
Penn State 11/2
Purdue 12/1
Wisconsin 7/2