Big Ten Long Shots: Can Washington Defy Betting Odds in Debut Season?

With last year’s national runner-up Washington joining Oregon, Southern California and UCLA as teams jumping from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, it might be even harder to crack the top group in 2024.

When looking at the college football futures odds, Ohio State (+400) has the shortest odds of winning the national title among Big Ten teams and is followed by Oregon (+800), Michigan (+2500), and Penn State (+2600). Those four teams are well ahead of the field in the Big Ten championship odds as well.

Let’s take a look at three teams that could exceed expectations in 2024 even though it might not be enough to jump into the top four.

Here’s some information to consider when making college football predictions in the Big Ten.

Washington Ready to Defy Odds in Big Ten

Washington saw head coach Kalen DeBoer take the job at Alabama following the retirement of Nick Saban. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., leading rusher Dillon Johnson and top pass catchers Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, Jalen McMillan and Jack Westover have moved onto the NFL, as have the top two tacklers. Still, the Huskies seem to be undervalued at +5000 to win the Big Ten title.

Only Indiana was more active in the transfer portal among Big Ten teams than Washington.

Quarterback Will Rogers comes in from Mississippi State while San Diego State offensive lineman Drew Azzopardi, Miami edge rusher Jayden Wayne, Arizona quarterback Demond Williams, running back Jordan Washington and cornerback Ephesian Prysock. and Montana State defensive lineman Sebastian Valdez are among the transfers who could make an immediate impact.

October begins with back-to-back games against Michigan and Iowa and that could determine the trajectory of the Washington season.

Washington was 3-1 against the spread as underdogs in 2023. The Huskies could have more practice as an underdog this time around after a surprising run to the College Football Playoff championship game.

Rutgers to Send Thank-You Cards to Big Ten Schedule Makers

Rutgers must have some friends in the Big Ten office. Somehow the Scarlet Knights do not play Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan or Penn State, who happen to be the four teams with the best Big Ten and national championship odds.

There are nine teams with shorter odds than Rutgers of winning the Big Ten title. We aren’t calling for Rutgers to contend for the conference title but with Christmas coming early for the Scarlet Knights, perhaps they might finish a spot or two higher than projected this season.

When Greg Schiano enjoyed success during his first stint at Rutgers, it didn’t hurt to have the offense built around future NFL running back Ray Rice. Kyle Monangai is already drawing attention from the pro scouts after rushing for 1,262 yards as a sophomore.

Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is one of my favorite prospects for 2025. Unreal vision, great patience, and can easily slip would-be tacklers pic.twitter.com/sMBounjgVI

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) July 1, 2024

Rutgers was a solid 7-5-1 against the college football betting lines a season ago. Will it be more of the same during the 2024 season?

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Mr. Smith Comes to Michigan St. With Work to Do

Michigan State is just two years removed from a 11-win season. A pair of frustrating seasons might have led to the end of Mel Tucker’s tenure at Michigan State. Instead, allegations of sexual harassment resulted in Michigan State firing Tucker.

With the implosion of the Pac-12, Jonathan Smith left Oregon State after leading the Beavers to a record of 18-7 over the last two seasons. He did not come to East Lansing alone.

The Spartans’ class of incoming transfers was ranked fourth among Big Ten teams. Quarterback Aidan Chiles and tight end Jack Velling followed Smith from Oregon State to Michigan State. Illinois offensive lineman Andrew Dennis is another incoming transfer to keep an eye on.

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