Ala Hann Sport picks

With August fastly approaching, that means we are entering the most popular time of the season for everybody to make their picks, and back their favorites, football season. While NFL betting may rule the roost, and be the most popular sport in the world to wager on, it’s counterpart in the college game is also chalk full of money making opportunities sure to keep you on the edge of your seat for the season to come. The Big Ten is one of the power BCS conferences. A conference loaded with such big names may be tough to sort through, so that’s why I am going to do it for you.

Ohio State is the class of the league, coming off of their win in the Rose Bowl last season. When you are placing your sports bet online, I would take a long hard look into Ohio State as the winner of this conference. Terrelle Pryor is the best player in the nation, and I expect him to lead the Buckeyes to an undefeated season, and a national championship game berth. Pryor was always a threat on the ground, but his throwing ability will open up things even more for the running game. They also return many starters, and bring in impact players, all around the defense. They are the class of the league.

Michigan State and Iowa are fighting for the second best in the league. Iowa was a breakout team last season, returning 6 starters on an offense that was 10^th in the nation. The defense is what anchors the team, led by Adrian Clayborn who returned for his senior season. I expect Michigan State to be the breakout team. They finished 6-7 last season, but lost four of those games by 5 points or less. I expect them, with the strength of QB Kirk Cousins, to close out those close games this time around. The defense looks improved as well.

Purdue is another team that is a surprise candidate. Their schedule is easy, and neq QB Robert Marve, a transfer from Miami, is an ever dangerous dual threat, with the ability to score running or throwing. One thing that may slow them down is a secondary that may struggle a bit at first. Penn State may take a step back, but Joe Paterno, as always will have the team ready to compete. Kevin Newsome needs to step in and take over for incumbent QB Daryll Clark. This is the big key to their story for the year. The linebacking corps will be strong as usual.

Wisconsin has a dynamic offense but appears to fall short defensively. They return 10 out of 11 starters from an offense that put up  31.8 points per game last season. With more time to gel, that number will only get bigger. The question is if they can keep anyone out of the end zone. The defensive line is undersized, linebackers have been injury prone, and secondary seems week. If you are betting Wisconsin games, take the over, that’s for sure.

Michigan, I feel is one year away from really being back near the top. Rich Rodriguez has built an elite running back corps, but the offensive line may not be strong enough to block as effectively as needed. The switch to a 3-3-5 defense, and another new quarterback, may be too much for Big Blue to overcome this season.

Indiana, Northwestern, Illinois and Minnesota round out the bottom of the pack in the Big 10. Perhaps Indiana is the only one with the goods to maybe finish .500 on the season, thanks to a weak schedule. There is nothing to write home about any of these teams, the clear bottom feeders of the Big 10.

College Football Betting Favorite: Ohio State

Possible Value Pick: Purdue