ESPN lists 3 B1G teams as playoff 'contenders'

ESPN.com compiled a list of the 16 teams that have what it takes to make the inaugural College Football Playoff — and win it. Three of the teams reside in the Big Ten: Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin. No real surprises there, unless maybe you're an Iowa or Nebraska fan.

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The Big Ten team with the best shot at making the playoff? That's to be determined, as ESPN.com listed the teams in alphabetical order and will whittle them down throughout the week.

It'll probably be between Michigan State and Ohio State, last year's Big Ten title game participants. Both teams return plenty of talent, boast top-of-the-line coaching staffs and figure to pace the Big Ten in the preseason polls.

Then again, Wisconsin plays in the Big Ten West, which experts view as the weaker division in 2014, and boasts one of the conference's more favorable schedules.

For what it's worth, CBSSports.com and BTN contributor Jerry Palm recently pegged Ohio State for the inaugural playoff.