The Big Ten

Are the Ohio State Buckeyes a shoe-in to win the Big Ten Championship?

Alright, so the NCAA football rankings are out now, and the Big Ten has four teams in the top 25 (not including Nebraska, who will join the Big Ten next July, and is ranked #9). Ohio State is ranked 2, Iowa is 10, Wisconsin is 12, and Penn State is 14.

The favorite to win the Big Ten this year, has to be the Ohio State Buckeyes, who are also in the running to go to the National Championship game. As long as they can get by the Miami Hurricanes in week 2, and of course other Big Ten matchups like their away games against Wisconsin and Iowa, and of course their home game closing out the season, against Michigan, a National Championship is definitely a possibility.

Many feel that the Buckeyes are a shoe-in to win the Big Ten, and although I'm a huge Michigan Wolverines fan, I have to pretty much agree. Coach Jim Tressel always seems to impress (except in bowl games, especially against SEC teams), and Terrelle Pryor is ready to take the NCAA by storm, and possibly win the Heisman Trophy this year. However, I also feel that if Wisconsin, or Iowa can have a strong season, they can indeed take the Big Ten Title, but most likely, they'd have to pull the upset against Ohio State, which Purdue proved last year, is possible.

Wisconsin seems to have somewhat of an easy schedule, notable games including a home game against Ohio State, away game the following week against Iowa, and an away game against Michigan. If Wisconsin can fair well in these games, and obviously win the rest of their Big Ten games (which could bring trouble, because you never know what can happen each and every Saturday), they could definitely win the Big Ten Title.

Iowa has about as many key matchups this season, with an away game against Michigan, and home games against Wisconsin, Penn State, and Ohio State. Just like I said about Wisconsin, if Iowa can beat Ohio State this year, and do well with the rest of their schedule, they can end up with the Big Ten Title.

The more I type, the more I want to talk myself into the thought that the Big Ten Title is pretty much up in the air. Especially since the season hasn't even started, and every team currently has a record of 0-0, but I still have to say that if I had to predict the winner of the Big Ten Championship this year, it would be the Ohio State Buckeyes.

But like I expressed in this blog, there are many honorable mentions. The Wisconsin Badgers, Iowa Hawkeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Michigan State Spartans, and dare I say, the Michigan Wolverines could all surprise the nation, and the conference, and with an impressive season, could steal the limelight from the Buckeyes, and take the title.

Either way, it looks to be an interesting year this year. With everyday that passes, the excitement grows. College football will be here soon!