BTN.com staff, August 25, 2014

Kickoff is fast approaching. To help count down the days to Aug. 28, the BTN.com team is discussing one topic every day. Think of it as our countdown to kickoff. Today?s topic: East bowl teams?

See Tom Dienhart, Sean Merriman and Brent Yarina?s picks in this post.

See our other 2014 countdown to kickoff posts:

[display-posts tag="debate-it" posts_per_page="5"]

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Dienhart: 4. My East bowl teams are as follows: Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan and Maryland. Yes, I have the Terps getting at least six wins vs. a grueling schedule in their inaugural Big Ten season. The other three teams are pretty safe picks, especially Michigan State, my preseason East favorite, and Ohio State.

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Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Merriman: 4. Michigan State is a lock. Ohio State is a lock. Michigan is a lock. I think this is the year Indiana makes a bowl game, assuming the Hoosiers go at least 3-1 in non-conference play. Maryland has the talent to make a bowl game, but the schedule is really tough. I think the Terps just miss out, going 5-7 in their first year in the conference. Penn State has the talent, but is ineligible. Rutgers will be on the outside looking in.

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Yarina: 4. Michigan State and Ohio State are as close to a guarantee as there is, Michigan is very likely, and Indiana OR Maryland should reach six wins. I'll go with Indiana as my fourth East team, even though the nonconference schedule isn't exactly user friendly. The Hoosiers have the offense and talent/experience on the offensive line to surprise several teams, especially if the defense can go from pitiful to just below average.