Big Ten Football: 3 teams with best shot at conference title in 2021

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Running back Jalen Berger #8 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with teammate quarterback Graham Mertz #5 following a touchdown carry during the second half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

3. Wisconsin Badgers

Let’s say Plan A fails and Ohio State demolishes the entire Big Ten East. Wisconsin is what we in the biz call a fallback. They didn’t have the prettiest 2020 season, but they’ve got the pieces in place to compete.

They’re the only team outside of Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State who have won a Big Ten title in the past 15 years, and they’ll be returning some promising young talent. Graham Mertz will have arguably is best two receivers back after starting his first year without them. This should be enough to give him a push to the next level.

The main concern with this team is the reshuffling of an offensive line. Those taking over new positions have shown promise, but if the stars don’t align, this could be another rough go at it for the Badgers.

To be honest, the Big Ten West has four teams that could compete for their division title. The only reason that I’ve listed Wisconsin is because they’re the only team that has proven that they have a high enough ceiling to actually beat a top Big Ten East team.

Next. Way-too-early preseason Top 25 projections for 2021. dark

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