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The Big Ten had a very good regular season, but struggled through a bowl season that saw most its teams lose to out of conference competition. That being said, the conference will almost assuredly have some of the top squads in the nation in 2011, and here is an early look at who is most likely to win this year’s national championship.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without their top quarterback, running back and wide receiver for the first five games of the season, but that doesn’t stop them from having a 2012 BCS National Championships line of +2,000. Only one of those games should even be close without their starters, based on their perennially dominant defense.

The 2010-2011 college football bowl season was one to remember. Many games were decided in the closing minutes, with some phenomenal upsets and individual performances along the way. While there isn’t enough time to recount all of the best moments, here are three that stick out:

Rose Bowl: The TCU Horned Frogs have been fighting for respect all year, going a perfect 12-0 in the regular season. They finally got the big game they were looking for, against the 11-1 Wisconsin Badgers. After a back and forth game, Wisconsin scored a touchdown with 2 minutes remaining. However, TCU stopped the 2 point conversion to win 21-19.

The third ranked TCU Horned Frogs are one win away from completing a perfect season. Unfortunately for them, that game is not the national championship. The Frogs were left on the outside looking in after a second consecutive perfect regular season. Their consolation prize is a date with the 5th ranked Wisconsin Badgers (11-1). TCU is a three point favorite in the college football odds.

Both of these offenses finished in the top 20 in rushing yards, total yards and scoring. The Wisconsin Badgers have three tremendous running backs: James White, John Clay and Montee Ball. The three combined for almost 2,900 yards and 44 touchdowns this season. They run behind one of the best offensive lines in the country.

The 15th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes host the 13th ranked Wisconsin Badgers in a game with major implications in the Big Ten conference. Wisconsin most recently defeated then top ranked Ohio State, 31-18. The Hawkeyes beat the Michigan Wolverines 38-28 on the road. Both of these teams have only one loss and are trying to keep conference title hopes alive. Wisconsin is a six point underdog in the college football lines.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the new number 1 team in nation, and they will have a tough test immediately to prove they belong there. They travel to meet the 18th ranked Wisconsin Badgers in a game that should be very exciting. Ohio State hasn’t played many tough teams this year (none currently in the top 25), so this game will be a good measuring stick to determine if they belong in that top spot. The Badgers are a 4 point underdog in the NCAA football odds.

2009 Total Offense Rank (yards per game): 30
2009 Total Defense Rank (yards per game): 17

Fans of the Wisconsin Badgers are geared up for 2010 after the team recorded 10 wins last season, including a Champs Sports Bowl win over Miami. Head coach Bret Bielema returns along with 16 of his starters. The Badgers are looking to build on last year’s success and contend for a Big Ten title.