Big Ten Championship Odds 2020: Huskers Longshots, Buckeyes Favored Ahead of Opening Game
In just a few weeks, the Big Ten Conference will officially kick off their season, after it initially appeared the season might not start until 2021. However, the Big Ten schedule begins in Week 8, with seven games on the slate. That will include an intriguing first matchup between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Ohio State Buckeyes, a team amongst potential National Championship contenders.
Early Big Ten Championship odds favor Buckeyes, Nittany Lions
OSU features a talented QB and winning tradition that gives them a serious edge when it comes to the Big Ten Championship. To say that history is on the side of the Ohio State Buckeyes is an understatement. The team has won four Big Ten Conference Championship games dating back to 2011. They’ve appeared in five of them, so it’s understandable why they lead all teams in the latest future odds.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers appeared just once, back in the 2021 game, but fell to the Wisconsin Badgers in an embracing 70-31 blowout. With the way 2020 has been going and games being played with fewer fans and different safety precautions, it’s always possible a team like the Huskers could surprise this season.
However, as shown below they have some serious longshot odds at +6500 to win it all, with Ohio State and Penn State amongst top contenders to win the championship. Wisconsin is next-closest on the future odds, at +600, followed by the Michigan Wolverines at +2000.
Latest Big Ten future odds via Vegas Insider.
Big Ten Conference opening games include Huskers vs. Buckeyes
What about the upcoming schedule? Well, Nebraska Cornhuskers fans have a challenging start to this season with the No. 6-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes their first opponents on the slate. The game is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 24, with the time TBD. FOX will officially televise the opening weekend matchup on national television.
We’ve yet to see an opening line or spread for Nebraska vs. Ohio State, but are expecting the ranked Buckeyes to be a relatively heavy favorite to start their season.
Big Ten Conference opening schedule (Oct. 24 games):
- Nebraska vs. 6 Ohio State (FOX, TBD)
- 9 Penn State vs. Indiana
- Illinois vs. 16 Wisconsin
- 20 Michigan vs. 25 Minnesota
- Iowa vs. Purdue
- Maryland vs. Northwestern
- Rutgers vs. Michigan State
The Huskers follow up that first game by hosting current No. 16-ranked Wisconsin on October 31. If this Nebraska team is one to watch out for, they’ll show signs of it in these first two tests. Meanwhile, OSU gets a huge second matchup as they take on No. 9 Penn State. So either the Buckeyes or Nittany Lions will be able to show early on which of them is the stronger contender.
Even though their season has yet to begin, Ohio State also remains amongst National Championship contenders. Sports Betting Dime has them listed on future odds at +293 overall, trailing only Alabama (+283) and Clemson (+230) as favorites to win the CFP. In addition, Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields (+367) trails only Trevor Lawrence of Clemson (+300) on the latest Heisman Trophy odds.
For more updates about teams and odds by visiting our NCAA football page.
