The men's swimming and diving Big Ten Championships begin this afternoon in Minneapolis, Minn. and run until the final lap Saturday night. But there's no reason to wait for the results, because Kirk Skoglund already knows who the winner will be.

Skoglund and the majority of the Big Ten's swimmers and divers have their money wagered on Michigan. Certainly this is not a risky bet, as the Wolverines have won the last eight conference crowns. But Skoglund has ulterior motives.

"It's pretty easy when you know who's going to win because then you can compete for the other places," the tri-captain said. "I just look at each race separately and do my best and move on to the next one."

Skoglund and his teammates won't have an easy time focusing on their races in the presence of such outstanding programs as Minnesota, Ohio State and Iowa. And don't forget the undeniable Michigan team.

Michigan won 15 of 21 events at last year's Big Tens, thanks to freestyler Gustavo Borges, who captured three individual events and four relays.

"I don't think anyone can match up to him," Penn State Swimming Coach Peter Brown said. "When you're that big of a champion, no one can compete with him."

The Golden Gophers will return to Big Tens with their top breaststrokers, Matt Brown and Paul Domer. Minnesota Swimming Coach Dennis Dale is confident these two swimmers will dominate their events. Dale also has an extra advantage. The action takes place at his home facility, the University Acquatics Center.

Completed in 1990, Minnesota's pool is the newest in the Big Ten and the pride of Dale. It must be a great place to be since it's the second time Big Tens has been held there.

"Minnesota is awesome for championship meets," Skoglund said. "They have stands on both sides of the pool and the stands are full. It adds a bit more to the excitement."

Counting on this excitement is Penn State diver Chris Devine. After missing last year's showdown because of torn cartilage in his left knee, he is ready to redeem himself. Making that difficult will be Michigan's Eric Lesser, Minnesota's P.J. Bogart and the 1993 Big Ten Champ -- Ohio State's Yoshi Sakata.

"I'm afraid to make any predictions, but we should be pretty competitve," Penn State Diving Coach Craig Brown said. "I'm just happy to bring all three divers so that they can share every bit of the experience."