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BIG 10's | ||
Finish | Name | University |
1 | Morgan McDonald | Wisconsin |
2 | Aaron Baumgarten | Michigan |
3 | Malachy Schrobilgen | Wisconsin |
4 | Connor Mora | Michigan |
5 | Ryan Robinson | Michigan State |
6 | Jason Crist | Indiana |
7 | Matthew Schwartzer | Indiana |
8 | Evan Stifel | Ohio State |
9 | Sherod Hardt | Michigan State |
10 | Dylan Lafond | Illinois |
11 | Matt Welch | Minnesota |
12 | Connor Herr | Michigan |
13 | Joe Hardy | Wisconsin |
14 | Ben Veatch | Indiana |
15 | Jesse Reiser | Illinois |
16 | Timothy McGowan | Penn State |
17 | Obsa Ali | Minnesota |
18 | Colin Abert | Penn State |
19 | Jaret Carpenter | Purdue |
20 | Olin Hacker | Wisconsin |
Team Scores | ||
Projected Finish | Team | Projected Score |
1 | Michigan | 71 |
2 | Wisconsin | 78 |
3 | Indiana | 87 |
4 | Michigan State | 105 |
5 | Minnesota | 147 |
6 | Illinois | 158 |
Individual
Although Wisconsin has had it's troubles as a team, one thing that will never change is their ability to produce some of the best individuals in the nation. Morgan McDonald is certainly one of them after his 3rd place finish at the Wisconsin Invite. He was dominant on the track this past spring and it looks like that fitness has transferred over to cross country. He will definitely be the favorite to win the individual title, but not without guys right on his heels.
Aaron Baumgarten is coming off of an excellent race of his own. He finished 8th at Pre-Nats which complimented his 3rd place finish at Roy Griak very nicely. Baumgarten is a grinder and is willing to make the pace hard. That racing style may be enough to shake McDonald's kick.
Malachy Schrobilgen should also be in consideration for the title, but I have my concerns. I expected Schrobilgen to be around the top-10 at the Wisconsin Invite, but he pulled out due to dehydration. Considering his issues last year, this isn't a great sign. I still think he's one of the top runners in the nation, but he needs to actually cross the line with a decent result.
Team
It may be a new year, but it's still another battle between Michigan and Wisconsin for the title. The title could really go either way, but I'm giving it to Big Blue. Both squads have awesome low-sticks that will keep them competitive and separate them from other teams in the field. Their depth, on the other hand, is a little questionable.
Michigan is currently relying on a few guys that are new to the conference and new to the varsity scene. Meanwhile, Wisconsin didn't see thrilling performances from Olin Hacker or Zack Snider at the Wisconsin Invite. Their youth at a conference championship could leave Wisconsin vulnerable and I don't know if the Badgers have enough backup if one of those two were to have a bad day.
But at the end of the day, the biggest factor separating Michigan from Wisconsin is Ben Flanagan. The Canadian senior has yet to run this season and was expected to the top guys for the Wolverines the year. If Coach Sullivan decides to unleash Flanagan at BIG 10's, then I can't see how Wisconsin will win.
Michigan is currently relying on a few guys that are new to the conference and new to the varsity scene. Meanwhile, Wisconsin didn't see thrilling performances from Olin Hacker or Zack Snider at the Wisconsin Invite. Their youth at a conference championship could leave Wisconsin vulnerable and I don't know if the Badgers have enough backup if one of those two were to have a bad day.
But at the end of the day, the biggest factor separating Michigan from Wisconsin is Ben Flanagan. The Canadian senior has yet to run this season and was expected to the top guys for the Wolverines the year. If Coach Sullivan decides to unleash Flanagan at BIG 10's, then I can't see how Wisconsin will win.
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