2021 Big Ten Football Odds Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes have dominated the Big Ten for the last four years and according to the oddsmakers, that should continue in 2021.
In the latest Big Ten championship futures odds at Bovada Sportsbook, the Buckeyes are -225 favorites. They capped off their fourth straight Big Ten title last season and they’ve won 21 straight games against conference opponents.
Ohio State favored to rule Big Ten again in 2021
Of course, they do have big shoes to fill in departed quarterback Justin Fields. Who will take his place behind center isn’t even determined yet with C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller and Quinn Ewers all reportedly in the running. Whoever does earn the starting QB spot will have senior wide receiver Chris Olave to rely on for another season at least.
Following the Buckeyes on the Big Ten futures board are the Wisconsin Badgers at +600 and the Iowa Hawkeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions, both at +900.
Mertz’s maturation key to Badgers’ prospects
Last season was a major disappointment for the Badgers after they went 3-3 in the conference and 4-3 overall. A big problem was a mediocre offense that ranked 12th in the conference. The Badgers have to hope another year of seasoning will lead to better things from QB Graham Mertz. Look for the Wisconsin defense to at least hold its own after a solid 2020.
Iowa came up just short in the Big Ten West Division last year behind the Northwestern Wildcats. Hawkeyes QB Spencer Petras will need to find new targets after losing his top two receivers from last season. Another big campaign from running back Tyler Goodson would help smooth out the transition for Petras.
Penn State started 0-5 in disappointing 2020
2020 was also a big disappointment for Penn State, which stumbled to 4-5 in the conference, which included a 0-5 start to the season. Starting QB Sean Clifford will need to build on the four-game winning streak the Nittany Lions closed the season with and forget about the dreadful start. The Lions begin the season with a big test right away on the road against Wisconsin. That game and their October 30 matchup at Ohio State will likely decide if they have a shot at a Big Ten title this season.
If you’re wondering what the odds are on a few other notable Big Ten teams, the Indiana Hoosiers come in at +2000, the Michigan Wolverines come in at +2500 and the reigning Big Ten West champion Northwestern Wildcats are listed at +5000.