Every conference has its top dogs.

In the SEC, look no further than Alabama. The Crimson Tide are always a juggernaut. But then there are usual contenders as well, such as Georgia and LSU. In the Big Ten, it’s no different.

Ohio State has somewhat been in a class of its own the last few years, but teams like Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin are consistently near the top (we haven’t forgotten about you, Michigan State). But, what about some of the under-the-radar teams?

Can any of those teams even make the CFB Playoff?

Earlier this week, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg ran through some of the under-the-radar teams across Power 5 conferences that have a chance at making it to the playoff.

In the Big Ten, Rittenberg went with the Iowa Hawkeyes:

“The Hawkeyes’ inclusion comes with two disclaimers,” Rittenberg wrote. “Wisconsin’s sizzling start makes the Badgers an equally formidable threat in the Big Ten. Also, Iowa can play cleaner than it did Saturday.

“Even at less than their best, the Hawkeyes showed flashes of why they should contend in the Big Ten West. Behind senior quarterback Nate Stanley, Iowa converted 10 of 19 third-down opportunities against a talented ISU defense using a unique scheme.”

Rittenberg wrote more about Stanley and what typically makes the Hawkeyes a dangerous team:

“Stanley looks like a 29-game starter, completing 63.4% of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions. As a Big Ten coach told me before the season, ‘Iowa’s going to go as their quarterback goes.’ So far, the results are promising.

“Ferentz’s best Iowa teams are strong up front, and the 2019 version meets the criteria. The Hawkeyes are banged up in the secondary and missing standout offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (knee). An open week comes at a good time.”

The entire article from Rittenberg can be read here (Subscription).