How Accurate Have Preseason Big Ten Odds Been?

How Accurate Have Preseason Big Ten Odds Been?
Fact Checked by Pat McLoone

After two consecutive embarrassing losses to Michigan, the Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves tied with their hated rival, the Wolverines, as the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten Conference Championship.

The 2023 regular season kicks off in a couple of weeks in this, the first year of legal Ohio sportsbooks.

Being the co-favorite is not necessarily good news for Ohio State.

BetOhio.com – your source for Ohio sportsbook promos – utilized SportsOddsHistory.com to scrutinize the preseason odds for Big Ten Champions dating back to 2008 when data was made available, and who ended up winning the conference.

Big Ten Preseason Odds Since 2008

The trend here is something you would want to keep in mind if you have a BetMGM Ohio promo code or one from the myriad of other sites in the state.

Year Preseason Favorite Odds Winner
2022 Ohio State -225 Michigan (+600)
2021 Ohio State -225 Michigan (+2500)
2020 Ohio State -225 Ohio State
2019 Michigan +160 Ohio State (+220)
2018 Ohio State +120 Ohio State
2017 Ohio State -140 Ohio State
2016 Ohio State +120 Penn State (+6000)
2015 Ohio State -500 Michigan State (+800)
2014 MSU/Wisconsin +240 Ohio State (+300)
2013 Ohio State +100 Michigan State (+700)
2012 Wisconsin +175 Wisconsin
2011 Nebraska +180 Wisconsin (+260)
2010 Ohio State -210 Wisconsin (+500)
2009 Ohio State +160 Ohio State
2008 Ohio State +120 Penn State (+500)

 

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Preseason Odds Haven’t Been Good to Buckeyes

The Buckeyes have been a preseason favorite 11 times since 2008 but have captured the conference title only four of those times (2009, 2017, 2018, 2020). They have won the title twice during that span as an underdog (2014, 2019).

Seven of the times as the favorite the Buckeyes have failed to win the title (2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022). The last two years, the conference title has been determined by the winner of the Ohio State vs. Michigan showdown, the final regular season game for both schools. Might as well bone up on Ohio State vs. Michigan odds as soon as possible.

After winning eight head-to-head matchups in a row, Ohio State was upended by Michigan twice - 42-27 at home in 2021 and 45-23 on the road in 2022.

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

BetMGM Sportsbook Futures

Ohio State opens its 2023 campaign on the road against Indiana on Sept. 2 at 3:30. The team’s conference home opener is against Maryland on Oct. 7.

Here are the latest BetMGM future odds for Ohio State as of Monday afternoon:

  • To win national championship: +700 (third favorite; Michigan +800, fourth favorite)
  • To win Big 10 title: +180 (tied with Michigan as favorite)
  • Over/Under 10.5 regular season wins: Over -110, Under -110

You are sure to see Ohio State on ESPN’s College GameDay this season. After last week’s big news, you might want to check out the ESPN Bet Ohio page.

quote

Author

Lou Monaco
Lou Monaco
Reporter/Journalist

Lou Monaco had been East Coast Scene columnist for Gaming Today in Las Vegas since June 2019, covering the East Coast sportsbook scene with emphasis on NJ and PA. He also currently is a part-time writer for the high school sports department for NJ Advanced Media (NJ.com) in Iselin, NJ. Lou has over 30 years sports experience with previous stints at ESPN SportsTicker, Daily Racing Form and Oddschecker.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: