The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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mentioned Michigan State, though, as a potential stumbling block. "The winner of the Michigan State- Ohio State game will go to the Big Ten title game," Baumgardner predicted. "Ohio State has more talent. Michigan State had a great year last year, but they lost a little bit more than maybe people realize. "I also want to see if their offense can be as explosive as it was last sea- son. I'm not convinced quite yet that they can maintain that for a full sea- son. Maybe that changes, but I just think Ohio State has a little bit more." They also figure Wisconsin will fea- ture more than enough to reach the Big Ten title game. "Their division is so much easier than the East, and Wisconsin doesn't have to play Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State or Ohio State," Baumgardner noted. "They have far and away the easiest league sched- ule. They would have to try, almost, to not win that division. They're the favorite." "I think Wisconsin is the best team in that division," Snyder said. "The Badgers know how to succeed. They've got a good coach, and a good foundation. They've got a good run- ning game, and that's important." Chengelis made it three for three, noting: "Wisconsin has all the ingre- dients. They're going to have a terrific running game. They always have a good offensive line. That will be the key." All three figure the Buckeyes will come out on top in the inaugural East- West Big Ten championship contest. In fact, the trio of veteran writers predicted the win in the conference championship contest will launch the Ohio State into the first-ever college football playoff. "Ohio State wins it," Baumgardner opined. "They've got more talent than anyone, and they're deeper than any- body. They've lost one league game in two years here. Until somebody proves otherwise, they're still the team to beat." WHAT ABOUT THE WOLVERINES? None of the three relegated Michi- gan to the scrap heap in the East Di- vision. They just don't believe the Wolverines will have what it takes to climb to the top yet. Baumgardner sees Michigan going a tough 0-3 in its most difficult road games this season. Then, he noted, the difference between 9-3 and 8-4 centers on not slipping up elsewhere. Snyder pegs Michigan at 9-3 during the regular season. Chengelis put the Wolverines at 10-2, acknowledging that's higher than most are prognos- ticating. "I think they're going to be good," she said. "Take away those three road games, and the schedule sets up re- ally well. Not that it's not a great challenge, but I think they'll handle those games. I think they win one of those road games, and South Bend is a very good place to start for them. They play well there. Brady [Hoke] has made it clear how important win- ning the game is for the series. "I think they'll play well in East Lansing. But right now, I would give Michigan State the edge."