Last year at this time Wisconsin was the sensation of the nation. Coming off a 13-1 season they were tagged as the next great thing. Bucky Badger proved to not be ready for prime time. An 8-5 season revealed an overrated and distracted the team. But that letdown season also revealed a truth about the Badgers. UW is at their best when their not a college football betting game favorite. By contrast, Nebraska is a traditional power two decades out from the mountaintop. The Big Red is this year’s version of Wisconsin. Nebraska is getting all the love from the media and gamblers.
2019 Big Ten West Top Contenders
Big Ten West College Football Betting Games Odds at SBG:
| Teams | Odds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | +1100 | ||
| Nebraska | +1800 | ||
| Iowa | +2300 | ||
| Northwestern | +3900 | ||
| Purdue | +3900 | ||
 | |||
Nebraska Cornhuskers
At the onset of this season is a national mania over a Nebraska team that went 4-8 in 2018. The reason for these college football betting game expectations was a strong finish. Following a 0-6 start, Nebraska finished 4-2 in the second half. Most believe they should have won a 36-31 loss at Big Ten champ Ohio State. QB Adrian Martinez (2617 YP, 17 TD, 8 INT, 139.5 RTG, 65% COMP, 629 YRSH, 8 TD) is a top tier Heisman Trophy candidate. Most important of all head coach Scott Frost has upgraded recruiting and changed the culture.
Wisconsin Badgers
Speaking of Heisman Trophy candidates Wisconsin has one of their own with Jonathan Taylor (2194 YDS, 7.1 AVG, 16 TD). Taylor is the key online wagering asset for the Badgers. Of major concern is who will take over from departed Alex Hornibrook at QB. Sophomore Jack Coan (515 YDS, 5 TD, 3 INT, 118 RTG) will try and fend off 5-star freshman sensation Graham Mertz.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Overall, there are few programs more “meat and potatoes” than Iowa. Head coach Kirk Ferentz has been at the helm since 1999. While fans complain about boring play and lack of titles Iowa remains consistent. Ferentz has produced 37 college football betting games wins in the last four years. QB Nate Stanley (2852 YDS, 26 TD, 10 INT, 135.6 RTG) returns for his third year as the starter. Additionally, the lineup is filled with quality returning starters.
Purdue Boilermakers
Head coach Jeff Brohm has a 13-13 record in two years at Purdue. However, perception is a reality and two bowl games with an upset wipe-out of Ohio State earned him a big extension. Concurrently Brohm is recruiting at a level not seen at Purdue, perhaps ever.
Northwestern Wildcats
Cause by head coach Pat Fitzgerald has the Wildcats become a consistent bowl team. Northwestern won their first-ever Big Ten West title last year. Due to their lack of explosive offense NU was exposed in the Big Ten title game to champion Ohio State. An offense ranked 108th in the nation simply must improve to complement a solid defense.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Balanced against the rest of the West is a Minnesota team responding to third-year head coach PJ Fleck. “Row the Boat” and other once derided slogans are now considered gospel. Fashion a devastating 37-15 win at Wisconsin as the ultimate coming-out party for Fleck’s program. Minnesota finished 7-6 with one of the youngest rosters in the league.
College Football Betting Games Pick: Wisconsin Badgers to win the West Division
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