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3 Big Ten Teams That Can Make the College Football Playoff

By Donnavan Smoot

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws in front of quarterbacks Kyle McCord (6) and
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws in front of quarterbacks Kyle McCord (6) and / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA
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With the way the College Football Playoff is currently constructed, winning your Power 5 conference is the best way to have a chance at making the playoff. The only exception we’ve seen is Cincinnati last season and whichever SEC team comes in second. 

This year, it looks like Alabama and Georgia will likely take up two of the four spots. That means that for conferences like the ACC, Big 12, Pac 12 and Big Ten, winning the conference is mandatory. 

The Big Ten had two teams in the top six last year and will have a few teams that can potentially make it to the CFP semis. These are the three teams that have the best chance to make the Playoff.

Ohio State (+325 to win National Championship)

Obviously, OSU is the No.1 team in the conference that can make the Playoff. The Buckeyes are currently +325 to win the National Championship, putting them second behind Alabama. With C.J. Stroud at quarterback and Jaxon Smith-Njigba at wide receiver, this offense is slated to be one of the most potent in the country. The Buckeyes has several tough matchups this season, but they get to play Notre Dame, Michigan and Wisconsin at home. 

If they can hold serve there, a Playoff berth should be in the cards for them. 

Michigan (+6000 to win National Championship)

The Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh finally broke through last season, knocked off Ohio State and made the College Football Playoff. While they’ll have to replace Aidan Hutchinson – who is now a Detroit Lion – the Wolverines still have a great foundation and a powerful offense to carry them through the Big 10 schedule. 

Wisconsin (+7500 to win National Championship)

Wisconsin is the last team on this list, but they have a chance to win the Big Ten simply because the Badgers are in the weaker division. The Badgers will have to play Ohio State early in the season, but that gives them enough time to bounce back and build a solid case for the committee. If Wisconsin loses to OSU early, but gets revenge in the Big 10 title game, they’ll have an argument to be in the top 4. 

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