Despite incredible hopes for the Buckeyes, there are still several doubts about their offensive line, as they lack the squad depth to face off with other teams. This may well account for their slightly lower odds than Michigan. Ohio State brought on Jim Knowles to take over as defensive coordinator last season, pushing up the quality of that line.
However, as reflected in The Game against Michigan, the defensive line failed to connect with the offensive players, leading to several chances being wasted. There’s a good chance that Michigan’s The Game 45-23 win against the Buckeyes may repeat itself this season. Even better, the Wolverines will be home at Ann Arbor when the game takes place.
Elsewhere in the Big Ten Conference, Nebraska, Illinois and Minnesota have been selected by Caesars Sportsbook MI as dark horses. Penn State also has been a far cry from what would have been expected. The team will be fielding one of the youngest squads in the conference, but they are no doubt a talented bunch. Ahead of the new season, there is a good chance Penn State will drop off to a ranking in the top 6-8 teams in the NFL.
Maryland is favorites of the long odds and Michigan State is faulted with a very weak roster. Similarly, Rutgers, Northwestern and Indiana are placed bottom of the conference on the basis of roster and previous performances. On the flip side, teams like Iowa and Wisconsin are tipped to secure early wins in the Big Ten Conference. Much is credited to Luke Fickell, Wisconsin’s new head coach who is said to bring new vigor to the team.
