Urban Meyer has retired, but Ohio State remains a close to even money favorite to win the Big Ten Championship. Second choice are the Buckeyes’ top rival, the Michigan Wolverines. Does Ohio State have the upper hand over Michigan? Or, will Jim Harbaugh finally lead the Wolverines to a victory over the Buckeyes? Is there a dark horse that can take the Big Ten Championship? Check out the 2019 Big Ten Championship odds and analysis!
2019 Big Ten Championship Odds, Predictions & Picks
- Ohio State +110
- Michigan +250
- Penn State +700
- Michigan State +1000
- Nebraska +1300
- Wisconsin +1600
- Northwestern +2000
- Iowa +2200
- Purdue +2500
- Maryland +3300
- Minnesota +6600
- Indiana +8000
- Illinois +10000
- Rutgers +10000
Does Ohio State or Michigan have the best shot of winning the 2019 Big Ten Championship?
The Buckeyes are favored to win the Big Ten because it feels like Ohio State wins the Big Ten every season. However, there are huge questions surrounding Ohio State. Ryan Day must not only prove that he’s the overall leader Meyer was, but Ohio State must replace record-setting quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Justin Fields, a former starter at Georgia, is supposed to do that. Unfortunately, Fields will play behind a rebuilt offensive line. That means even if the defense steps it up, a big question mark, the offense could struggle.
Michigan not only offers better odds, but the Wolverines are in a better position than the Buckeyes heading into the season. New offensive coordinator Josh Gattis has installed a spread offense. That will benefit quarterback Shea Patterson, who played in a similar offense at Ole Miss.
4 players return along Michigan’s offense line. The Wolverines should score points at will. Michigan’s defense must replace star players Rashan Gary and linebacker Devin Bush, but by no means is it going through a rebuild. Not only that, but Harbaugh is a master defensive strategist.
Of the two favorites, the Wolverines are the better choice to lift the Big Ten trophy.
Which +700 to +2500 team has the best chance of winning the 2019 Big Ten Championship?
Questions surround Michigan State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. Wisconsin must rebuild their offensive line. Since the team has relied on their rushing attack for the past decade, the Badgers are in danger of not winning the Big Ten West. Michigan State and Penn State must beat both Ohio State and Michigan to even make it to the Big Ten Championship.
The team with the real shot at Big Ten glory this season outside of Michigan and Ohio State is Nebraska. The Cornhuskers have experience along the offensive and defensive lines. Not only that, but this will be Scott Frost’s second season as head coach. Finally, the Cornhuskers have a true Heisman Trophy candidate in Adrian Martinez. Nebraska can win the Big Ten West, which means they’ll have a shot at the Big Ten Title.
Do Maryland, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, or Rutgers have any shot of winning the 2019 Big Ten Championship?
Indiana, Illinois, and Rutgers do not. Maryland plays in the deep Big Ten East, which means they don’t have a shot of winning the Big Ten Championship either. That leaves us with Minnesota.
The Golden Gophers return 9 starters on offense, including three starters along the offensive line. The offense should be okay. The real question is in regards to Minnesota’s defense. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi improved the unit after taking over during the season last year. He even helped Minnesota beat the Badgers in Wisconsin for the first time since 1994.
Also, because the Gophers play in the Big Ten West, they’ll have a decent shot to make it to the title game. Minnesota is the best big time longshot to back to win the Big Ten.
