NFL betting enthusiasts looking for something gridiron based to wager on this year should look no further than the Big 10 conference of NCAA football. The 2011 – 12 seasons mark the first year after realignment, in which Nebraska has jumped ship from the Big 12, to help form an unofficial Big 12 in the Big 10 conference. With the recent OSU scandal devastating the Buckeyes program, and a renewed optimism in Ann Arbor, Big 10 sports betting handicappers have much to look forward to this year. Here is a preview of the upcoming season.

With Terrell Pryor and Jim Tressel leaving Ohio State due to a scandal involving money and tattoos, most experts handicapping the Big 10 feel this could be the year from hell for the new Buckeyes regime. What’s more, with the Big 10 being broken down into two separate divisions, the new look Buckeyes will be hard pressed to finish higher than third overall.

Since Nebraska moved to the Big 10, the Big 10 governors decided to create two formal divisions, with the winners of each division battling for the conference title. The Leaders division, houses Wisconsin, Penn State, Ohio State, Illinois, Purdue, and Indiana. Meanwhile, the Legends division will be home to Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa, Northwestern, and Minnesota. In theory, with the removal of Pryor and Tressel at OSU, fans should expect Nebraska to take on Wisconsin in the conference championship game.

This year’s dark horse team is the Michigan Wolverines, as they have brought in an entirely new coaching staff. The Wolverines are now being coached by former San Diego State Aztec boss Brady Hoke. Hoke an alumni of Michigan, has shown in the past that all he needs is a year and a half, before he turns a team around. However, entering this season, Hoke already sees a ton of players with potential to turn the boat around even quicker.