MSU Is Still B1G Favorite

Now that all but two teams have played at least 3 conference games, Contenders, Pretenders, and the No-Shots emerge. Often there is one clear favorite and this case is no different. Flat out, Michigan State should win this conference. They've been the most consistent team week in and week out. Though they are the favorite, the Spartans must compete with a few contenders in the East looking to book a trip to Indianapolis. The West offers a couple as well looking to capture a spot in Lucas Oil Stadium and upset the Spartans.

Contender #1: Ohio State
Perhaps the best offense outside of Michigan State, the Buckeyes have been improving ever since a startling home loss to mediocre Virginia Tech. JT Barrett has provided the spark and left Buckeye fans wondering if Braxton Miller ever played football in Columbus at all. The only down grade to OSU not being the favorite along with MSU? The Buckeye's haven't played anyone good enough. Not much can be garnered from a 56-17 drubbing of Rutgers at home. Rutgers barely beat Michigan and Michigan barely beat Penn State who beat Rutgers. OSU's offense has been doing as it should against weaker competition so not much can be said about this team. The Buckeye's rank 24th in the country in points against. Again, they haven't played anyone capable of scoring. While as impressive as the Buckeye's have been on paper, we won't know much about this team till after their showdown with MSU on November 8th under the lights at Spartan Stadium.

Contender #2: Nebraska

Their only conference loss should come at the hands of MSU. The only two remaining tough games are road trips to Wisconsin and Iowa. Nebraska's offense should be able to run on both teams and their defense is strong enough to contain either the Badgers's or Hawkeyes's attacks. If they can contain opposing offenses and avoid slow starts the Cornhuskers are looking at a rematch with MSU in Indy. A neutral site may benefit Nebraska where they can upset MSU. It's hard to beat a team two times in a row and that plays to Nebraska.

Contender #3: Maryland
With a key victory over Iowa and an impressive showing againts upstart West Virginia (they lost 40-37) the Terrapins have emerged in their inaugural season in the Big Ten as a team to be recokoned with. Only problem? Shaky defensive play and a blowout loss at home to the big boys in Ohio State. While Maryland may be able to beat the top second tier teams of the Big Ten they've proven they can't run with the big dogs. Maryland has the offense to over power the Iowas and Northwesterns but won't be able to hang with MSU or Nebraska. They struggled against OSU and the Buckeye D isn't what it use to be. Unless Maryland can find a defensive game and pray OSU loses again, they'll finish 3rd in the east.

Contender #4: Minnesota
Minnesota is in the drivers seat in the West. If it avoids a loss to Nebraska, Minnesota will ply for the B1G title. Minnesota has the QB leadership to do so and the resiliency to prolong games and their season. A trip to Nebraska will determine their fate. The Gophers also play the Buckeyes but they get the Barrett Machine at home. If Minnesota arrives at Nebraska with one loss in conference it must dispatch the Cornhuskers, Minnesota faces a tough slate to get to Indy that;s why they're the #4 contender. If Goldy can hold on they can arrive at Indy with no conferences losses. Avergaing 222 yards on the ground bodes well for the Golden Gophers. If they can ride the rush late in games they can hold off Nebraska, Iowa, and possibly Ohio State.

The road to Indy in the East goes through East Lansing, The road in the West meets at the crossroads between Minneapolis and Lincoln. When the 'Huskers meet the Golden Gophers in Lincoln it could be potentially for the West championship and a trip to play MSU in Indianapolis. Weeks 9-14 will be one wild ride for the Big Ten. Enjoy the show.