The Big Ten no longer conducts an official football preseason media poll, but Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Champaign News-Gazette’s Bob Asmussen took it upon themselves to coordinate their own poll prior to the 2012 season.
A pool of 24 media members that cover the conference — including the Lansing State Journal’s Joe Rexrode and the Detroit News’ Matt Charboneau, among others — were polled and have chosen Michigan as the favorite to capture the Big Ten crown this fall. Eleven writers had U-M beating Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, while seven had MSU downing the Badgers, the second-most frequent choice. Five chose Wisconsin to beat U-M for the title, and one had the Badgers taking down Nebraska.
Many anticipate U-M to begin the season ranked in the top-10, while MSU is expected to be a few slots lower, but remains in the top-15. The Wolverines received 16 first-place votes to make them the favorite in the Legends division while MSU was pegged with a second-place finish after receiving seven votes.
MSU visits U-M on Oct. 20 and plays Nebraska at home on Nov. 3 — both of which could end up being pivotal games in the Legends division pecking order.
The Badgers are the overwhelming favorite in the Leaders division, earning 19 first-place votes. Only Ohio State received any other votes in that division with five.
Wisconsin running back and 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Montee Ball was chosen as the preseason Offensive MVP with 14 votes. Dynamic U-M quarterback Denard Robinson garnered some attention of his own with nine votes.
The media likes junior defensive end William Gholston as the early favorite to take home Defensive MVP honors this season.
Out of the seven players receiving votes, including junior linebacker Denicos Allen, Gholston’s 11 nods were the most.
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