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Wisconsin had odds of near even to win the Big 10 Division in 2011 while both Ohio State and Penn State followed closely, each with 2/1 odds at BetOnline.com.
Where Wisconsin is concerned, Blake Frazier of BetOnline.com notes:
Six starters return from last season’s excellent defense, but the players lost were particularly productive players that won’t easily be replaced. J.J. Watt was one of America’s best defensive ends in 2010, and his departure will be hard to deal with because he was an emotional leader in the locker room and on the practice field. Still, the remainder of the defensive line is intact, powered by senior tackle Patrick Butrym and end Louis Nzegwu. Coach Bret Bielema will count on Nzegwu to become the pass rusher that Watt was last season. If he is able to come even close, the defensive line should be particularly solid.
With regard to Ohio State, Frazier reflects on their upcoming schedule:
In sum, the challenges before OSU are plentiful, and that’s before any further action by the NCAA comes against the program. For the rest of the team, game days will provide a necessary escape, and the squad is talented enough to compete with the conference’s best. Despite facing the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a dangerous Illinois Fighting Illini squad on the road, the Buckeyes have a favorable slate. Wisconsin, MSU and Penn State all come to the Horseshoe. Ultimately the tumult will be too much for OSU to make another BCS bowl run. The Buckeyes face a 10-2 ceiling. Hello, Capital One Bowl.
The win the Big 10 Division 2011
Illinois +1000
Indiana +3500
Ohio State +220
Penn State +200
Purdue +3000
Wisconsin +130
- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com
