This year, is the first year of the new Big Ten. Now that the Nebraska Cornhuskers have joined, the Big Ten has 12 members. And now, the conference is split into two divisions. The Legends (Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Northwestern), and The Leaders (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin).
For the past few years, it has seemed like Ohio State has been dominant with winning the Big Ten Championship, until last year when they split it with Wisconsin and Michigan State (although now, OSU has had to completely wipe out their 2010 season, costing them their share of the title).
However, I don't believe the Buckeyes have a shot at the title this season. Although I am a die-hard Michigan Wolverines fan, that is not the reason I count the Bucks out.
Since all the offseason trouble has hit the Bucks, they have lost their all-star head coach, players, and recruits. I call it a downward spiral. But they'll be back.
I figure, at the end of this season, when the Big Ten has it's first Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium, we will see the Wisconsin Badgers face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Winner? Wisconsin.
I have a few dark horse picks as well. If the right teams lose, I think we could end up seeing Michigan State, Northwestern, or dare I say, the Michigan Wolverines in the Championship Game. The only teams I would count out for sure, are Minnesota, Indiana, and Illinois. But never say never! That's why they play the game every Saturday.
The Big Ten is definitely going to be different this season, and every other season from here on out. I think the change is going to be good for the conference. And being able to see a Big Ten Championship Game is going to be awesome.
Come on college football. Come on Big Ten football. I'm ready!
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